Transforming Teaching & Learning through Tabletop White Boarding
This technology has transformed my teaching practice, as well as many others’ at my school. No longer are desks arranged in in partners or rows, but rather table groups of 4-6. The white boards are pulled out as often as possible for collaboration in brainstorming, problem-solving, content organization and synthesis, and skill application. Students are engaged, leading their learning, which enables me to guide and facilitate their process.
Why do I like white boards so much?
- Students can contribute knowing that, if they make a mistake, it can be erased.
- Work is not permanent, but rather evolving.
- White boards eliminate the need for paper copies of assignments. Students can complete an activity and take a photograph of the finished project as an artifact for future reference.
- White boarding lessons create a student-centered learning environment.
- White boarding promotes collaboration amongst students and encourages group work.
White boards can be used by students of all ages and ability levels in active and creative ways. They are easily stored in the corner of a classroom or learning commons. I purchased mine from Industrial Paints & Plastics in Calgary.
So let’s grab some erasable white board markers and get collaborative!
Amber Mazur (@ambermazur) is a teacher at Clarence Sansom School. Currently completing her MEd in Educational Technology, her interests include mobile learning, professional networking, professional development and the concept of the flipped classroom.