Digital Whiteboards: Represent, Express and Engage

Audience Level: 
All
Institutional Level: 
Higher Ed
Abstract: 

In the flipped classroom, experiential learning is enhanced through the use of whiteboard apps that foster collaboration and offer multiple forms of expression.  With its ability to transform text, images, and video into meaningful forms of expression, Padlet embodies the spirit of Universal Design.  This presentation will highlight how the app can transform traditional, linear activities into transformative learning experiences.

Extended Abstract: 

Traditional pedagogical techniques have focused on teaching, and not necessarily learning.  Linear methods can alienate those students who absorb information differently and linear assessment methods can fail to measure actual learning.

Universal Design (UD) encourages us to offer students multiple means of representation, action and expression, and engagement.  To facilitate this, the Behavioral and Social Sciences Division at Harford Community College has integrated the shared iPad model into hybrid courses with dedicated class time for multimedia apps capable of digital inputs and outputs.

An example of this is the whiteboard app, Padlet.  In addition to supporting the principles of UD, Padlet allows students to view information as connected in a ‘schema’, which is closer to the way memories store information.  Transfer and generalization are optimized through the visual connection of seemingly disparate pieces of information.  Additionally, Padlet’s collaborative nature supports individual expression (output) and offers new insights about course material under the lens of other student’s contributions (input).

 In this session I will demonstrate how my Educational Psychology course uses the app, Padlet, to create a cohesive and coherent representation of a concept or theory.  Attendees who download the Padlet app will have the opportunity to participate in a simulation of the student creative experience. 

I will share examples of finished products that are rich in text, image and video, and, most importantly, demonstrative of learning. 

Conference Track: 
Teaching and Learning Innovation
Session Type: 
Education Session
Intended Audience: 
All Attendees