Wiiremote Interactive Whiteboard

[Michael Warner]

I just got my interactive whiteboard built. I followed Johnny Chung Lee's instructions and after Bluesoleil updated the software it is working great. If anyone else is building their own interactive boards I would love to talk about it.

[Kevin]

Wow, that's good you built your own. I'm lucky, I have my own Smartboard.

[Michael Warner]

The wiimote whiteboards don't have all the features of a Smartboard, but it allows me to most of the advantages at a much lower cost, under $100. How do you use yours? I know several teachers who get them but are not sure how to take full advantage of the technology

[Kevin]

There is a learning curve and it takes time. But once you know the basics, it's easy. It's good to project some video from Discovery from the net on exactly what you are teaching. Also, I show pictures of the students when they are doing a lab as a way to review. The kids love writing on the board. I also use it to take attendance and submit to the computer. Last year was our first year with the smartboard and I am still learning. I also like being able to prepare lessons with picts, video and/or powerpoints at home and bring in and use.

During the year we had different teachers show other teachers how they were using the smartboard, this way we learn from each other. Also the students are up on all the latest as they see six different teachers using them in different ways.

[David Truss]

I started to make one, and a Grade 7 in our school took over and had it build in two days... he has his own web site where he is working on a couple ways to right click... either by holding the pen in one spot for 5 seconds or by using a second pen.

What I'm stuck on is how to effectively use this tool in the class beyond the 'flash' and 'newness'. It seems to me that what makes a Smartboard smart is the software that lets you interact in ways beyond just having a fancy mouse.

I'll be exploring this more in September and look forward to your insights!
Dave

[Lacey Casto]

I LOVE my wii-board...i use it sparingly, but it gets their attention....

[BJ]

I did this and it worked alright. Though, I was too intimidated to make the whole light pen with IR, so I just got a cheap LED keychain flashlight and replaced the LED with an IR one. Doesn't work well that way, but works basically.