In this week's module, we explored additional ways to design engaging, learner-driven activities for our students. After exploring the SMART Board software, non-linear "slideware" activity ideas, and inquiry-based learning using digital primary sources, I decided to design activities in the SMART Board software. I've always wanted to learn how to use a SMART Board, and after studying the software tools and creating a few of my own activities, I feel confident that I can use it in my future classroom. I love the idea of using a digital calendar during calendar time to eliminate the need for all the little paper squares. I also plan to set up timers on the SMART Board to help with classroom management.
I designed three SMART Board activities for my first-grade unit on influential people in Virginia history. I envision using these activities as a center in which small groups of students would rotate through in order to prepare for the unit assessment. The shade screen activity could also be used as a whole-class activity to review for the assessment. In the first activity, students read a short description of an influential person in Virginia history and try to guess who the person is. They can then drag the box through the magic tube to see if their guess was correct. In the second activity, students complete an interactive timeline of Arthur Ashe's life by dragging pictures to the corresponding clues on the timeline. In the third activity, students pull down the screen shade to read a question and then pull it down a little more to read the answer. I also added audio narration to each question and answer in case students are having trouble reading the sentences.
I really enjoyed exploring the SMART Board software, and I hope that I have this technology in my future classroom!
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