Session 12

Title: Creating an Inexpensive Interactive White Board

Session Description:

Research has shown that, if used properly, Interactive White Boards (IWBs) can have a positive impact on student learning and engagement. This session will demonstrate how one might use a Wii controller (also known as a Wiimote), a blue tooth wireless adapter, computer, projector, and free software to create a highly functional IWB for approximately $100.00 CDN (not including the computer and video projector).

When creating one’s own IWB, a critical component is software to create interactive learning activities. Two applications, Classroom Presenter (free for educational use) and mimio Studio will be demonstrated and discussed. Both applications offer an extensive array of tools to create interactive and engaging learning objects.

Classroom Presenter, although created to be used with Tablet PCs, works very well with a Wii based IWB. Classroom Presenter offers many features critical for designing interactive learning activities; noteworthy is the ability to collect real time feedback to support differentiated instruction.
A variety of devices to support Wii based interactive surfaces, a rear projection IWB, an infrared light emitting bar, and others will be demonstrated.

Software solutions for the Apple Macintosh will be demonstrated and discussed.


Presenter: Patrick Logan

Patrick Logan has been in N-12 education for many years; he started his teaching career in an alternative classroom in the 1980’s. Early in his career he recognized the power of ICT to engage students in becoming active participants in their own learning. Patrick has presented at many conferences in Canada and the United States. Currently he is an Educational Technology Consultant for the Winnipeg School Division specializing in how ICT may be used to support the inquiry process and assessment for learning.