Stephanie May
Snapshot
Whiteboard Tables: 1:1 and Health Science Classroom
With health sciences being an industry led-classroom, I was very troubled about our students being able to make the transition from traditional paper/pencil to using technology. Even though our students have survived the last year while academics have been occurring virtually, there are still many who may struggle with this change.
Experiential learning as well as the group collaborative will most definitely have barriers in maintaining the safety of the technological devices being utilized by the student. And then, we have some students who still prefer to be able to write steps down, brainstorm and then discuss findings. All to re-do their process to improve results.
I have visited a classroom which has Whiteboard Tables in use and became very intrigued about utilizing them in the health sciences classroom. Students learn steps to medical processes, for example CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation), and are able to use their notes to aid with the explicit demonstration of the skill, all while viewing performance videos on Chromebooks. Students will be able to take notes directly on the Whiteboard Table and use them to complete the final CPR check-off task to demonstrate skill mastery.
Eight square, whiteboard tables will used to create a space for 4 individual learners with room for their Chromebooks. The area will also provide spacious area for additional materials while promoting collaborative learning. Students will be able to demonstrate the kinesthetic activities instead of just merely responding passively. Much information about use of Whiteb9ard tables has been presented in several teacher classrooms who have transitioned from traditional to flipped classrooms.
Being part of the Area Technical Program provides a perfect opportunity for the carpentry class to construct the Whiteboard Tables. Each table is a 42″ square, there will be 4X4 post legs which will have routered corners, and whiteboard will be placed over plywood as a base, and quarter round trim will be used to prevent items, mainly Chromebooks, from sliding off the table. In the center of each table will be a materials container which houses the Whiteboard markers, eraser and cleaner. The rolling chairs are already present in the classroom and will just be added to the new Whiteboard Tables. Keeping the rolling chairs is more cost effective and allows for changing of groups to provide collaboration among teams.
It is realized that being part of a 1:1 classroom requires planning and implementation as well as organization of the classroom so students receive the maximum benefit. If the grant is received, construction will begin immediately. The Whiteboard tables will be utilized daily, spread throughout the Nurse Aide course, Medical Terminology, Principles of Health Science and Anatomy classes.
The ability to use these Whiteboard tables will provide beneficial for years to come as it allows students to continue to expand in their thinking, collaborative efforts (imperative for healthcare workers) and application of content mastery. The incorporation of the Whiteboard tables will provide a better opportunity for students to utilize technology, become innovative thinkers and designers and demonstrate knowledge and skill-set through the use of devices and experiential learning.