May 2004 — Applications
Print this articleClick here to receive your FREE subscription to T.H.E. Journal
Interactive Whiteboards Enhance the Learning Experience for Deaf, Hard-of-Hearing Students
In addition to the SMART Board interactive whiteboard, the TecEds program also installed SynchronEyes software into its computer lab-style training room, where a teacher may have as many as 12 students working on separate computers. Because these students are deaf, it's very hard to request their attention when it's time to teach again. SynchronEyes allows a teacher to monitor each computer screen in the lab, as well as disable mouse and keyboard control when students need to look to the front of the room. Teachers can choose for student screens to appear blank or display a message such as "Eyes to the front, please."
Technology Training
Since the implementation of the TecEds project in January 2000, teachers have begun to use technology in their classrooms more readily. As part of the implementation, each of the center's academic teams was given a SMART Board interactive whiteboard, a projector and a laptop, provided that at least one team member was trained in using the technology.
Since then, the instructional uses of the SMART Board interactive whiteboard have been expanded by the creativity of the teachers. Teaching methods have changed, and students now often share information with their classmates using the interactive whiteboard instead of the teacher constantly remaining at the front of the room. The students want to come to the front of the room, and they get excited about learning and sharing information with their classmates. The program has been so successful that the teachers have asked for a SMART Board interactive whiteboard in each classroom instead of for each team.
The SMART Board interactive whiteboard and its features are an integral part of all technology training provided by the TecEds project. The tool facilitates visual communication between the trainers and presenters and the deaf individuals. In fact, it has become a standard tool in training and in meetings where computer technology will be used. In addition, the Clerc Center has partnered with Gallaudet University regional centers to deliver more teacher training sessions, which started last summer and will continue through this summer. SMART Board interactive whiteboards were purchased for each of the centers to facilitate both TecEds programs and other training.
- Phil Mackall
For examples of the training materials developed by the TecEds project on the use of the SMART Board, visit http://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu/TecEds/training/materials/index-smartboard.html.
Contact Information
SMART Technologies (888) 427-6278 www.smarttech.comCite this Site
copy text (above) for proper citation
