Using my classroom efficiently
Well, it is less than a month before I am back teaching. A new class of grade 6/7 students – what computer and internet skills will they have? What social skills have they developed for small group work? Using the Smartboard is going to be more new skills to learn. What about those other teachers and students who come into OUR room to use OUR Smartboard? Will they also have the same thoughts about keeping a room clean and tidy and looking after equipment in someone else’s room?
I know there are some teachers who have used Smartboards in their previous schools and because the one in my room will be there permanently with the data projector hanging from the ceiling, those teachers will also want to use it for their classes. Each teacher has their own laptop provided by the Education Department but will it be more efficient to have all our Smartboard lessons stored in one area of the school’s server?
Last year I used to mention when the Smartboard was being set up in my room for the day and teachers could come and ask to use the room at a time when I could take my class out for a different lesson. This worked well but now with it up permanently, there will be no wasting of time setting it up and packing it away each lesson. I am sure other teachers will start wanting some lessons on how they can use the Smartboard with their classes. Will I need to organize a booking sheet for using the Smartboard?
How does it work in your school? Remember, we only have the one Smartboard for grades 6-10, about 350 students in 13 home groups.
