Posts made in March 31st, 2009

Using a Visualiser

Posted on Mar 31, 2009 in Digital Media, Hardware, Interactive Whiteboards, Presentations, Promethean, Visualisers | 2 comments

I ran a training day last week for a college where we looked at Visualisers (sometimes called Document Cameras). Through the day we tried out some different things that you could do and I took some screen grabs.

I have put the screengrabs, and a few photographs from the day into a short presentation. Hopefully it will help to illustrate some of the ways that you could use your Visualiser in conjunction with your interactive whiteboard. (Warning, if you’re squeamish – it does contain close up photos of an animal heart….)

If you do have a Visualiser then make sure that you have it installed so that is connected to your computer, rather than just connected to your projector. This means you can then use the desktop annotation tools of your interactive whiteboard to draw and write over the top of the images. You can also use the camera tools to snapshot images into your IWB software (e.g. Smart Notebook or ActivStudio)

Here are a few ideas for using your Visualiser

• Display good examples of students work.
• Show pages from books – save photocopying
• Model examination questions – write answers on the paper – work through as a class.
• Dissections – heart, kidney, plants, flowers, fruits etc.
• Display intricate models / objects
• Show parts of a circuit
• demonstrate how to use technical drawing tools – or maths tools such as rulers and protractors
• Use to make collages – assemble objects below the camera. Take snapshots as the image builds up.
• Video experiments – colour changes in chemistry – iodine clock/thiosulphate experiments. Remember visualisers on a flexible arm don’t only have to point downwards – they can be angled to look at things side-on too.
• Show how to use small gadgets such as calculators, pda’s (or even phones) – no need to use software and cables to mirror/simulate them on a computer.

and many more. If you have any to add, put them in the comments!

Also check out the Ideas to Inspire presentation about Visualisers for a few more ideas.

If you own a Lumens visualiser, then I’ve produced a short guide that tells you a little more about this particular brand of visualiser. You can view it here.

Whiteboard Thinking Skills

Posted on Mar 31, 2009 in Activity Ideas, Interactive Whiteboards, Resources | 0 comments

Thanks to Anthony Evans for sending me this link to a great thinking skills video on Teachers TV.

It’s a series of six short video clips for use on interactive whiteboards, designed to enhance thinking skills and promote creativity amongst Key Stage 2 pupils.

The clips vary in style and mood, and aim to stimulate imaginations and generate discussion. The accompanying resources suggest classroom activities which can be used before or after viewing the clips.

Each clip ends with a question to prompt either class, paired or group discussion and will encourage pupils to compare, contrast and evaluate information. They will have to weigh up evidence, make deductions and anticipate the consequences of what they see on screen.

All clips are designed to be used as starters for a range of curriculum areas in order to warm up the pupils’ thinking skills.

if you like that one, there are a range of Primary lesson starter activities on the site. You can view them here. Even better, if you register with the site you can download them to access offline too.

Thanks Anthony for the link! And a quick plug for the TeachMeet North East London event tonight. I’m unable to attend as I’m heading to Birmingham for a training course tomorrow – but if you are in the NE London area this evening drop in and take part!