Making technology more functional for our students

There is something that has been bothering me for quite some time.  It may seem silly and even petty in the grand scheme of our classrooms, but nevertheless, it is something that I would like to get off my chest.  Let me start by saying that I think it is really important for us to use technology purposefully, not just for the sake of "using technology."  Therefore, technology tools need to be supported, they need to be practical to classroom use, and they need to be FUNCTIONAL.  For example, when you put up a SMART Board, please think about its uses in the classroom and what the intent of the object is.  Most classrooms are mounting SMART Boards over existing chalk and/or white boards.  This makes sense, since for the most part it is central to the classroom and teaching space.  However, if you place a SMART Board in the middle of other boards, you eliminate their functionality.  This is not my biggest frustration though.  My biggest frustration is that you need to mount a SMART Board where it is usable by STUDENTS and not just the teacher!  Elementary students do not have the same capability to reach up to the board as adults do; let's face it, they're short!  Therefore, the board needs to be mounted below where we would expect it to be mounted for adult use.

  This board is too high for this little girl to use comfortably.  If it was mounted a foot lower even, it would be a more effective tool!

A SMART Board is a fantastic tool that really gets students engaged and excited about learning...but only if they have access to it.  Some teachers worry about the expense of the board and that if you allow students to use it they will break it/"mess it up."  Having worked with very young students, there is some validity to this.  However, if some precautions are taken, then there are solutions!

• Move all other writing utensils, such as white board markers and chalk, away when you want a student to write on the board.  This means they only have the option of using the SMART Board pens and there will be no problem!
• If you worry about dirty and messy fingers on the board, use a tennis ball to help students manipulate things on the board.  They hold the ball to move things around and never have to lay a finger on the board.  This also helps young students when their motor skills are still developing use the board.
• Model proper use of the board.  Explain to students that they are working with something special, and so it needs to be treated with care.  Before allowing students to come up and perform a new task on the board that they are unfamiliar with, model this as well.  This will eliminate the potential that students will "break" the tool.
• Mount the board to the appropriate height!  I can not say enough about this.  If students can not reach the board, then they use their other hand to stabilize themselves or they lean their arm on the board and then they are unable to perform the task they are attempting.  It gets frustrating to the students and to the teacher.  This may seem minor, but trust me, it can make a big difference!!!