In a third-grade classroom at O'Plaine School in Gurnee District 56, every student's hand was raised to answer a multiplication question in the Internet game "Who Wants to be a Mathionaire," which was projected from a computer onto an interactive whiteboard, the latest technology being used by district teachers.
One by one, students excitedly raced to the large touchscreen to select their answer using a special pen that replaces a computer mouse.
"Attitude-wise, it's made a big difference," said district superintendent John Hutton, who hopes the new equipment will enhance student learning and ultimately, increase test scores.
Recently, 25 third- through fifth-grade classrooms at O'Plaine School were equipped with a PolyVision
eno board, a projector, and a sound field microphone worn by teachers to amplify their voice so every student can hear clearly. Other schools in the district have received similar equipment. The district purchased the devices after receiving $300,000 in federal stimulus funds from the American Recovery Reinvestment Act (ARRA). No tax dollars were spent.
"This is something we've wanted to invest in," said Hutton.
The whiteboards are invaluable, said teachers, because they can project virtually anything from a computer or the Internet onto a large interactive touchscreen that truly engages students.
"These kids are so tech savvy anyhow, this really grabs their attention. It's very hands-on and visual," said third-grade teacher Sharon Rebollar, whose students recently used the whiteboard to answer practice questions in preparation for the annual Illinois State Achievement Test (ISAT).
Fifth-grade teacher Pat Goodwin uses his whiteboard to project daily lessons that the students complete on paper at their desk. He's also able to write, erase and change lesson plans right on the touchscreen.
Teachers say they don't know how they ever worked without it.
"I used an overhead projector everyday," said Goodwin. "The day we go this, I put it away."
Overhead projectors, a classroom standard, don't come close to having the clarity and resolution of a whiteboard, said teachers, and they're not interactive.
Goodwin said whiteboard lessons can even be posted on teachers' Web sites for students to review or access when they are out sick, so they don't fall behind.
Considering she is trying to reach 25 students in her classroom, Rebollar said she especially loves the microphone.
"It's absolutely amazing. I can talk in my regular speaking voice and get the attention of every child in the room. They know the difference when I'm not wearing it."
O'Plaine principal Kevin Simmons said he's seen the students' excitement level increase as a result of the new technology. He noted plans are in the works to use PTO-raised funds to purchase mini-slates for teachers to write on and project to the whiteboards.
Source: pioneerlocal.com