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Writing Surfaces

Before we begin considering the newer, faster, flashier technologies, it is important to review the continuing use of several older ones—technologies you will likely have access to and be expected to use.

Blackboards, whiteboards, overhead projectors and copy machines have all been around for a while, but they still have their place in many classrooms. Let's begin with writing surfaces.

Large, class-sized writing surfaces may be "old tech", but they are still essential in today's classroom. Don't underestimate their use—and get creative when incorporating them into your lessons.

Most classrooms will have a dry erase board or a chalkboard of some kind, maybe both. While using these tools is usually a no-brainer, here are a few tips to help make the most out of these basic tools:

• Mix up your colors whenever possible Brain research tells us that students remember what they see when things stand out with color. Depending on your content, different colors can be used to indicate verbs in a sentence, the gender of flower parts, or just the importance of information.
• Let students participate Allow students to approach the board and use it! Even high school students love to write on the board—so let them! Make a game of it, or just let a student write class notes for a part of the period. Chances are, students will associate the content with who is writing on the board, helping them to retain your class content.
• Get student-sized dry erase boards and marker sets It is best if each student can have their own 12x12-inch board and a marker. This opens up a world of possibilities for games. Ask other teachers in your building to see if you can borrow a set.