Promethean Boards
What are they and how can I use them in my classroom?
The technology I chose to examine is the interactive white board, the Promethean Board. This is a universal tool that can be used at any grade level and in any subject. An interactive white board as defined by Whatis.com is “An interactive whiteboard, also known as a smartboard, is an interactive display in the format of a whiteboard that reacts to user input either directly or through other devices.”
A Promethean board fits into The R.A.T. model by replacement and serves as a different means to accomplish the same instructional practices. Educators can use promethean boards to replace worksheets and encourage interaction within the class to learn that material. The promethean board also replaces traditional DVD delivery and allows the vast array of videos accessible on the internet to be played for the class to view. The videos available on the internet enhance instruction.
The promethean board also fits into the amplification aspect of the R.A.T. model. The promethean board also replaces a traditional whiteboard and allows educators to prepare the information that would normally be written on a whiteboard (time consuming, and some have questionable handwriting) as a Google slide and streamlines the teaching process. The promethean also amplifies presentations, students can collaborate and share presentations digitally. The promethean board also amplifies differentiated learning by accommodating tactile and visual learners.
1. Here are some digital resources about Promethean Boards and Classroom use ideas
PowerPoint games to be used with Interactive Whiteboards like Family Feud, Jeopardy, and Wheel of Fortune
2. This is a PDF list of recommended apps and interactive websites
3. There are also a large number of resources available on Teachers Pay Teachers
References
Cox, J. (2019, October 6). Technology in the classroom: The benefits of smart boards. TeachHub.com. https://www.teachhub.com/technology-in-the-classroom/2019/10/technology-in-the-classroom-the-benefits-of-smart-boards/
Hughes, J. (1999). Replacement, amplification, and transformation: The R.A.T. model. Tech Edges. http://techedges.org/r-a-t-model/
Promethean. (2021, November 8). How to use an interactive whiteboard in the classroom. Retrieved September 26, 2022. https://www.prometheanworld.com/gb/resource-centre/blogs/how-to-use-an-interactive-whiteboard-in-the-classroom/
TechTarget Contributor. (2017, May). Interactive whiteboard. Whatis.com. Retrieved September 26, 2022. https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/interactive-whiteboard
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Using the R.A.T. model to examine the use of Promethean boards and SMART boards proves interesting because, as outline, depending on the task, the interactive whiteboard is either replacing traditional instruction (when it is used for writing) or it is amplifying instruction because of its digital capabilities and the efficiency those capabilities bring to lessons. Being able to display a map and have students click on it or zoom in definitely amplifies the traditional method of taping a large map to the board. Worth considering is the fact that many classrooms have been using Promethean and SMART boards since the mid and late aughts. At what point does a piece of technology no longer qualify as amplifying the traditional form of instruction because it has BECOME the traditional form of instruction?
ReplyDeleteHi! I had smart boards in classrooms while growing up and very rarely saw whiteboards. While I understand the use of a Promethean board I challenge how it works as cutting edge technology with the use of the R.A.T. Method to some degree. I do think that the R.A.T. Model fits SMART boards however we have to be talking about them being an upgrade from whiteboards I wonder if there is a brand that has elevated the SMART boards so that they can have technology like smart pens interact with them or have smart pens and other technology as easy learning tools for teachers to enhance the teaching. This is an amazing blog post, I just wished that the companies who invented SMART board would elevate and innovate them a bit.
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