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// **Hello all. We have been thinking and investigating different options for Interactive Whiteboards at TPPS. While the ICT committee and leadership team have some ideas, we would like to hear any thoughts or ideas you may have about their introduction. Any contribution would be appreciated.** // Hi Brian,

I THINK IT IS A GREAT IDEA BUT BELIEVE THAT WE SHOULD START SMALL WITH ONLY ONE BOARD. TO GET OPTIMUM USE, IT WILL BE IMPORTANT TO HAVE STAFF TRAINED PROPERLY IN ITS USE. WOULD IT BE HOUSED IN THE LIBRARY? CHRIS

I haven't had the opportunity to use one but think that they would be a very exciting and engaging learning tool for preps and beyond. I'd love to see one in use to see their potential. Ongoing PD would be essential to get the most out of them. Maryanne

I emailed today the company who sold Donburn PD their IWB in the hope of getting a demonstration and prices. It would be nice if we had lot's of questions and scenarios to run by the rep when the time comes. BC

I have used Interactive Whiteboards before in my own class and find that if they are used in a classroom setting as part of everyday routine, teachers can visit the class to train and to see how the teacher uses them to integrate them into their lessons. A school I previously worked for only had one in the ICT room and lots of staff pretended that it didn't exist and therefore it was under-utilised! Michelle

Maybe we could look at one team having IWBs to start with, so they can learn from each other, inspire and challenge each other to get the most out of them, rather than one person on their own. Someone who would be really interested to explore their full use and get the team going would be essential in getting the ball rolling. Robyn

I used one last year in my 6 week teaching block and it was fantastic. I used it everyday in my lessons, the kids loved it as it was really hands on and brought things like maths to life. there is so much you can do with it. Something to consider when purchasing them is the software, the school i was at brought the boards with no software and the programs take hours to make so until they got some software they sort of went to waste. Symone

I have never used an IWB however, I think that it could definitely be used in the Performing Arts area. Areas such as music theory would have the scope to be 'spiced up'. I think it's a great idea. Jo Court

I haven't actually used an IWB but am very excited about the opportunities to include them in our daily program. Deb.

FROM THE ICT COMMITTEE... Firstly, thanks to everyone for all of your input, we have had a discussion in our mtg this afternoon... Here is a few more thoughts:
 * We like the idea of a mobile board because it can be used by more than one user. Hence if we had a board in the Level 4 area, it could be shared between the 4 grades in the area.
 * All classrooms would need to be setup with the appropriate networking points so that the board(s) could be used throughout the school.
 * A PC if preferable than a laptop at this stage, due to wireless connections
 * The board would need to purchased with software so that it is user friendly
 * To ensure that if we get the mobile board - it is a 'one stop shop' - i.e. speakers, stands, cables, remotes etc, in one unit to prevent loss and damage
 * PD is provided by the company
 * The height is at a level appropriate to the students in the Grade level.
 * The IWB is for calssroom use, so the Library and Computer Lab would not be ideal areas as they busy rooms for other reasons (borrowing books etc)
 * Specialists - we acknowledge that the boards would be useful in your areas too!
 * Brian will post some information of a demonstration - this will be on a Thursday, so that Johl can be here.

I have organised Peter Casy from EWB to talk to whoever is interested about the mobile interactive white boards. He will visit on Thursday 5th March at 3.30. Although he cannot bring out a board to demonstrate on, he will share prices, features and recommend a number of things. Anyone is welcome. Brian