As I continue to improve on what I have learned so far about using a Smart Board, I keep getting responses to make sure I learn to use it proficiently. There are many teachers using their Smart Boards as projectors when a simple projector will do. Being granted a technology gift like the Smart Board is not common so I feel I need to continue learning its uses and the advantages it gives me to alter my lessons.

One thing I have learned so far that I can apply to my instructional practice is how to take my class on a virtual trip to any country in the world. I can have my students research the different regions of Spain and have them take the rest of the class on a tour of their region. They can present points of interests and historical sites with actual satellite pictures from Google Maps. It’s great! A goal I’m still working on is to collaborate with the rest of the foreign language department to create some similar projects for the different grade levels. This will get students using the Smart Board throughout their high school experience.

Next time I set a similar goal, I think I would try the learning approach of asking my colleagues, either in my school or the internet, for help first. There is always someone willing to share not only their work but experiences with it. This social networking with colleague on the internet is priceless. No matter what you decide to present to your students, there is always someone who has done it before you.