Screen vs. Whiteboard for Lesson Notes?
Found in: Forms & Organization, Studio Setup, Technology
Joan H., Canada
Greetings all – thinking about the time I spend writing weekly lessons on whiteboards, and also documenting lesson content on my computer files – wondering if anybody has transitioned to use something other than a whiteboard for lesson content/notes?
I am thinking it would be great to be able to effortlessly use my softcopy file (which has columns for Foundation and all the streams I use – similar to the prototype that Laurie has shared) and perhaps transfer it to an Ipad screen which I could then simply prop up on the piano or a table near parents. Having said that, many parents like to take pictures of the whiteboard with their phone – easier than writing I suppose. Just trying to think of how to do things more efficiently, as time is such a precious resource. I welcome your ideas!
Patti P., Hawaii
Thanks to Maureen Karpan, I am now projecting the lesson assignments onto the TV screen that is over my piano from my iPad, via Apple TV. It saves me time in the lesson. I note what the assignments are on my iPad as we go through class, so they are basically ready to go by the end of class.
It is not so easy for the families to take pictures of it, which I think is a good thing. I’ve seen a tendency for them to take a photo, then forget to read the notes during the week because it stays on the phone and never gets put into the notes section of their playlist book.
It is also easy for me to take a screen shot if someone is missing and needs the notes messages or emailed to them.
Sue C., Australia
I wonder if we are too busy! I really feel that if I slow down and write the projects etc. on the white/black board and say out loud what I am doing, then it will be the most effective.
With SM foundation lessons I pre-write individual white boards (to help my own memory) but in this case I should be pointing to the board where I have pre written songs to play, speaking them and getting students to write it in their books. I fall down at times. Rather than give them that extra project, I should be taking time out for them to get organised and note the playing already given them to do. I think this would take 5 or 6 minutes at the end of each lesson.
Even if I had it on a screen, I should be talking about it, speaking the projects aloud, pointing to it etc., not rushing those minutes, but using them to calm and prepare students for organization and action.
Joan H.,
Thanks so much Sue, for this reminder to slow down! Much appreciated. I have also been thinking that it would be great to have a white board for each separate class so that I don’t have to erase and re-write – I do have a few that I cycle through but having one per class would be optimal as I also like to pre-write them as a guide for lesson content which I then modify as needed based on what we accomplish in the lesson.
Does anybody know of a cost effective source of good quality white boards? Here in Canada, Staples small white boards are $15 ( too much!) and dollar store quality is not great I find, for erasing markers etc. 5 minutes out of a lesson to recap what they are going home with sounds like a lot of time, but certainly an investment.