Using Interactive Whiteboard Apps in Math

When I was a kid teachers used chalk boards or overhead projectors to lecture and give notes. In the late 90's dry erase whiteboards were installed in most classrooms. About 5 years ago classrooms began to be integrated with SMART board Technology. SMART boards, "the world’s leading interactive whiteboard, combines the simplicity of a whiteboard with the power of a computer, and brings interactivity to any environment." But now ipads and Apple TV have made learning and creating even more student centered.

In my math classroom at Rogers Middle School, student have been using two interactive whiteboard apps. Screenchomp helps students "share a great idea... explain a tricky concept... helpkids with their homework..." by having them "sketch out their ideas and talk the viewer though the how and why of it all." Educreations helps students and teachers to "teach what you know, learn what you don't" by creating amazing video lessons that can be shared with classmates or students around the world.

This week we have been learning how to solve equations using the Order of Operations. Math problems must be solved in a step by step process to get the correct answer. My students used an interactive whiteboard app to explain how they solved math problems by following the steps in the order of operations. By allowing them to sketch and record their thinking, I can more easily see mistakes in their process. After completing their whiteboard video my students can wirelessly transmit their video to my SMART board through the use of Apple TV. Using this technology helps keep my tech savvy middle school students engaged and intrigued in their learning.

If you have an ipad, I highly reccomend each of these apps. Both are free and easliy downloaded from the APP Store.