Promethean+Board

 =Promethean Board =

 __Overview:__ This is a system that you might be assigned to use because this software is becoming more frequently used in the classroom. It is a board at the front of the room that is connected to your computer that can be used to play media, stream video, or generally broadcast your computer up on the front of the classroom. It also several accessories that are useful.   __Features:__       __Strengths:__   <span style="color: rgb(17, 12, 95);"> __Weaknesses:__ <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"> <span style="color: rgb(17, 12, 95);">    <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(17, 12, 95);"> __Before using...__ <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(17, 12, 95);">  <span style="color: rgb(17, 12, 95);">   <span style="display: block; font-family: Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif; text-align: left;"><span style="color: rgb(17, 12, 95);"> __Best practices:__ <span style="display: block; font-size: 130%; color: rgb(23, 130, 207); font-family: 'Courier New',Courier,monospace; text-align: center;">
 * The ability to broadcast your computer up on the screen.
 * Presentation Software - you can use the clunky Active-studio software as a substitute to powerpoint.
 * Powerpoint converter (that is somewhat difficult to work) that allows you to convert your powerpoint that can be changed by simply clicking on the board with a pen that comes with the board.
 * Freeze or No-Show function that allows you to use your computer differently from the board (so you can leave directions).
 * You can use the pen to write on the board, or have students come up and write on the board (an easy way to chart answers, or allow students to annotate answers - kind of like a better and computer-generated overhead).
 * Active-Expression: Students can text in their answers to open-ended questions.
 * Active-vote: Students can use little "clickers" (as my students call them) to answer multiple choice questions.
 * Slate - this is literally a little slate about the size of a textbook that can be combined with the pen that allows you to move about the room and lecture from anywhere or move throughout the room to allow students to write on board from their seats.
 * Also, there are a ton of tools, such as a stopwatch, camera, and recording devices that would be useful. Teachers should read over this extra material and become familiar with it's depth and breadth.
 * You can include media, music, or broadcast internet websites onto your computer, incorporating information you haven't had before.
 * By using this instead of Powerpoint or to broadcast your powerpoints, you can easily hit the board to switch slides instead of having to click on the computer.
 * The ability to move around the room with the slate allows for better classroom management because you can be among the students.
 * Writing on the board with the slate or pen is exciting for students and encourages participation.
 * Active-Expression and Active-vote are engaging, require each student to participate simultaneously, and are beneficial for formative assessment to see what the class //actually// understands.
 * Somewhat clunky in many areas. For example: it's very difficult to edit the words in the Active-Studio once you type them because it is hard to click on the text editor again. As my mentor says, "it is very counter-intuitive."
 * The accessories are very easily broken or damaged and often require hawkish supervision of students, as to prevent goofiness or breaking this expensive equipment.
 * There are many flaws and these errors can be time-consuming and frustrating for some people - you need to be patient with it sometimes.
 * I have seen this cause problems with it's actual expression or vote features and gives inaccurate results.
 * Students don't take it seriously or take it so seriously that they seek to know which student missed the question.
 * Use the fact that they are exciting to your advantage; note to the students that they are a privilege.
 * Realize that if you have the opportunity to have one in your classroom that you should probably use it - they're a large investment.
 * Be prepared for it to mess up once in a while and be patient with it.
 * Check out the resources that the makers include at [|Promothean Planet]; this is a way to share and borrow ideas. Often there are already made-up flipcharts that cover exactly what you are looking for.
 * #1: USE IT! I have heard several teachers dismiss it and claim they don't want one, and that they think it will cause too much set-up time in their classes.
 * #2: Use this to make it more engaging in class. Don't simply use it as a new way to display your transparencies. Use this to bring in media, browse the web, include students in the classroom through the vote, expression, or by simply writing on the board.
 * #3 - Make it easier to convey information. This way you can easily show complex diagrams, show pictures of the locations where your literature is taking place, or print long complex pieces of information that you can convey quickly to the students.