Tehachapi News

From chalkboards to SMARTboards

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With the latest SMARTboard technology now available in 27 classrooms at Cummings Valley School, students are increasingly eager for their chance to solve problems and write out the answers for their entire class to see.

“The students are just on fire to get up there,” said 5th grade teacher Daena Eberle. “Students enjoy being able to go up to the board any chance they get. There is a noticeable increase in the amount of students who want to answer questions.”

A SMARTboard is an electronic touch-controlled, interactive whiteboard. When hooked up to a computer and overhead projector, the whiteboard acts as a giant, interactive monitor. Your finger or a pen is used like a mouse to control computer applications by pointing, clicking and dragging items around the screen.

Eberle was one of 26 Cummings Valley teachers and staff members who attended the school’s presentation to the school board on May 12.

The presentation was given by 3rd grade teacher Emily VanAndel, who began working with her SMARTboard last fall.

“The increase in student participation is incredible. Students that would typically try to avoid participating are eager to contribute to lessons and do work on the SMARTboard,” VanAndel said.

VanAndel said that students are gaining knowledge more easily because the presentation of information has them more engaged.

Today’s generation of students are used to being engaged by big screen TVs, iPods and video games.

Bottom line: The technology makes learning fun.

VanAndel also said the boards are very easy to get used to.

“I was quickly comfortable with it, and have been creating and implementing lessons using the accompanying NoteBook 10 software that is designed to go with the SMARTboards,” she said. “One awesome benefit is that the lessons we create with the software will be saved and used to enhance lessons year after year.”

Principal David Spencer said one of the greatest benefits is the increased collaboration and enthusiasm shared by the staff.

“Even veteran teachers close to retirement are excited about it,” Spencer said, adding that in some cases, students today are more technologically savvy than some adults.

“We are all learning new things from each other,” Eberle said. “When teachers can learn from other teachers, and even their students, that helps to create a wonderful school!”

At an estimated cost of $2,000 for the boards and supporting technology, all 26 SMARTboards were funded through the creative and cooperative efforts of the Cummings Valley School Site and Student Councils and Parent Teacher Organization.

No more chalk boards mean that Cummings Valley teachers are now are able to spend less time with their backs to their students. That leaves more time to collaborate and share interactive lessons with their students and peers.

“I learn something new every day and my students even get excited when they see I have found something new,” Eberle said.