--- Forwarded Message from [log in to unmask] (Charlie Long) ---

>Date: Fri, 16 Apr 1999 10:48:53 -0400
>Subject:
>To: [log in to unmask]
>From: [log in to unmask] (Charlie Long)

>The recent question about whiteboards reminded me that I have long wanted
>to post a question regarding electronic whiteboards. I saw one installed
>at
>Stanford's "Flex Room" and wonder if many others have been installed in
>language labs/classrooms? Do instructors use them? Is image capture and
>distribution easy? Is the quality of the image satisfactory?
>Thanks,
>Mark Kaiser
>Berkeley Language Center

I use a SmartTech Smartboard in my classroom. It is wonderful! It turns
the whiteboard into one big touch screen. This is especially nice for the
Internet, because it focuses the class on what I am clicking on for links.
I can annotate over any internet page. This is great for reading Spanish
newspapers about current events. It also works well for group correcting
of compositions. I can do all sorts of correcting with electronic ink.

I also have a series of HyperCard stacks that archive anything that is
written on the board during class. Students then have access to this over
the network after class. I can also call up any past screens for review.
Have you ever heard the comment, "We've never done that!" Well, a quick
find shows the students what and WHEN we talked about it.

The giant touch screen also works well with using multimedia programs with
a class. I have some Spanish adventure games and gammer lessons. Since
these use mostly point and click navigation, the touchscreen allows me to
draw student's attention to one focal point. This facilitates discussion.
 I don't know how I ever taught without it.

Charles E. Long
Language Learning Center
Choate Rosemary Hall
333 Christian Street
Wallingford, CT 06492
Tf: 203 697-2588
Fx: 203 697-2599
"Ask not what you can do for technology, but what technology can do for
you."