Interactive White Board

Initially, learning to create an Interactive Whiteboard was somewhat challenging.  Even after explicit instruction, it was not until I had the opportunity to explore and test various tools that I finally got the hang of it.  In order to complete an interactive whiteboard that could be used in a classroom, we used ActivInspire Software program.  This program offers so many useful tools that could be utilized to enhance students' learning.  This would be a great program to use as an interactive supplement to a lesson.  By allowing students to come to the board, the teacher has the opportunity to informally assess participants, monitor and adjust, and engage students in the lesson.  Additionally, the teacher has the ability to create an interactive flipchart specific to her lesson.  Because this process can be quite labor intensive, teachers have the opportunity to share their flip charts via a sharing community called Promethean Planet.  

For my project, I chose to create a tool that could be useful for a third grade science teacher. This interactive flip chart helps students identify and describe a food chain. Students will define academic language including: food chain, prey, and predator. Additionally, students will put a food chain flow chart in sequential order.  In order to activate higher order thinking, students will be able to relate food chains to math through a relevant problem solving activity.  This flip chart includes the following tools: pull tabs, infinite cloner, drag a copy, erase to reveal, move to reveal, and the table tool.