Resources for Using and Creating Interactive Lessons

I wanted to take a minute to share some information and some links I've been visiting recently for help on creating and using interactive lessons.

In undergrad we were required to take a computer skills course specifically pertaining to the classroom. It has been a while, but one thing from the course that really stuck with me was creating an effective PowerPoint. This was a subject that I revisited during my graduate courses for instructional technology.

Some of the key points were:
1. Don't cloud up the screen with words. One or two sentences will do.
2. Pictures should draw the viewer to the information being presented and pertain to the information being presented on the screen. (For example, a football player should be running towards the words, not away from them.)

3. When presenting, don't just read the slide. The viewer is reading it themselves, elaborate and explain.

I think these points can be applied to creating charts for interactive whiteboards. Of course, you aren't just making a presentation for students with whiteboard software. Now you are adding a new level, interactivity. Something I always do when creating a flipchart to present information is to create it like I would a presentation, then go back and add interactive parts to each or most of the slides. I always want students to be able to interact with the screen in some way, big or small. (For example, after you elaborate and explain, have something the students can do to prove they understood what you just said. This reinforces the points you just made and reviews them for students who may not have understood.)

Just think of your whiteboard software as PowerPoint with super powers, out to improve lessons one interactive whiteboard at a time!

Also check out the Flipchart Fundamentals for more information about creating effective interactive lessons.

Flipchart Fundamentals: From Promethean Planet, but also useful information that can be applied to creating SMART notebooks as well.
Other useful resources:


Matt Barfield, Promethean Trainer who visited us in August:

ActivTips: For Promethean Users

Bellevue County Schools, Nebraska: These are resources by grade level that can be used on any computer, in the computer lab, or on your interactive whiteboards. They have got it going on! (Check out some of the awesome webquests)