As technology is becoming more common in the daily lives of high school students, many companies are coming out with products that bring that technology into the classroom in ways that enhance the learning. One such tool is the Livescribe Smartpen. The Smartpen simultaneously records audio and written work and transmits them to other technological devices (computers or tablets, for example) via WiFi or USB, depending on the type of pen.
This pen, though useful in a variety of different settings, can be especially helpful for recording math lessons. In many other subjects a student can review or get caught up on missed lessons by simply looking at the overall note produced, but in math it can be difficult to understand exactly what is being done without seeing it broken down. By watching a video that a teacher produces, students can both see each step being written as well as listen to the teacher’s explanation of what is being done, in a way, re-experiencing the lesson. The best part is that teachers can integrate this tool seamlessly into every day teaching because what is being written on a paper can be streamed live through a projector as the video is being automatically uploaded to a computer. At the end of the day a teacher can make the video accessible by posting it to a class website where students can re-watch the lesson or catch up on what was missed; the video even has the advantage of including questions from the class as the teacher answers them. As with every piece of technology, it is an investment, but one which can be shared amongst staff and is worth making.
Is this the size of a regular pen or the size of a smartboard pen? It is pretty cool regardless and the applications are endless. I suppose you could always have a student show how they got an answer and then post it for other students to view. Example being if you showed someone demonstrating/writing how they got the answer, other student could watch the video and critique how they got the answer. Just a thought. It would also be a really good descriptive feedback tool.
ReplyDeleteThe Livescribe Smartpen definitely has a place in the classroom. Although I have not personally seen it used by teachers in passing, the possibilities for it's use are great. One of the best ways to make use of this tool is for students with special needs. Students can use the scribing feature to transfer written work easily to other applications, they can also use the recording feature to verbally answer questions or brainstorm and later play back and write their ideas down. As you mention this tools is an investment, however one worth making (especially for special needs departments).
ReplyDeleteWow, this would be a great tool to have in the classroom. Students who are absent would be able to see and hear the lesson just as if they had actually been present. It would also be great for students who are struggling with a particular concept, as they would be able to "watch" the lesson again for clarification. Teachers might also be able to gain a greater insight into the thinking processes of their students, if, for example, their students used it to complete their homework. The possibilities are endless.
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