Inspiration to create Diagrams, Maps, and Webs for use in the classroom- Gabrielle Ambrose

I made a mathematics web map this week during TPTE using the program: Inspiration. This was a really neat experience! When making this diagram on Inspiration, I realized how simple it was to make a web, map or diagram. Webs, maps and diagrams are very easy to manipulate using the Inspiration program and, thus, in my future special education classroom, it would be very easy to supply the accommodations and modifications needed for students with different types of disabilities. Therefore, I felt very confident making my multiplication diagram. This also makes me feel very excited and prepared for making webs, maps and diagrams for my future classroom.

Being able to give students a map, web or diagram to view or fill out is very helpful when attempting to have students think critically about the content being taught. Having said this,  I strongly believe creating different types of webs, maps and diagrams for many subjects will help the students I will work with in the future- those with disabilities- to achieve their academic and personal goals. These tools will also help my future students better comprehend and retain information presented. 

All in all, webs, maps and diagrams are easy to use and to make, a very useful tool for any grade level, subject and ability level.

Chapter 1 O'Bannon Reflection

Interactive white boards are becoming very popular in the world of education: especially in grades K-12. Interactive white boards allow for teachers and students to be engaged in the lesson. However, many are unsure of their influence and impact on the knowledge of students.

Interactive white boards actually offer many effective teaching elements such as highlighting, magnifying important information, collaboration, discussion, etc. Interactive white boards also help teachers with classroom management and flexibility in lessons.

The relationship between interactive white boards and instruction and achievement are still on the fence, however. Some studies show positive relationships between interactive white boards and instruction and achievement, while some studies show negative relationships between the two.

However, in one study, conducted by Marzano and Haystead, students showed positive gains using three specific features of the interactive white board: student response systems, graphics and videos and reinforcer properties. Some studies have concluded no significant gains and average gains amongst students using interactive white boards. However, one thing is clear, engagement during class time is definitely a positive element of interactive white boards.

Teachers must be properly trained to use interactive white boards. Through the use of adequate training, teachers will be able to easily make lessons flow using the interactive white board and will be able to get their students more engaged. Overall, interactive white boards are very effective in the classroom and should be used whenever possible to promote student participation, understanding and engagement in the classroom.