Promethean, maker of the ACTIVboard Collaborative Classroom System, has released ACTIVinstruction, a new, multi-dimensional training program.
ACTIVboards are interactive whiteboards in primary-age classrooms. The Promethean whiteboard system includes ACTIVstudio software tools and resources for teachers as well as the ACTIVboard interactive whiteboard system and wireless student interaction peripherals.
The ACTIVboard uses electronic electromagnetic sensing technology and incorporates a cordless, battery-free pen designed to enable “natural delivery” of large screen multi-media lesson content. The projected image sits on ACTIVboard’s special low glare surface. All the software for the whiteboard is compatible with Mac OS X and Mac OS 9.x.
The new ACTIVinstruction program provides educational institutions a solution that includes everything from basic set-up and usage instruction to a train-the-trainer package complete with a leave-behind, interactive DVD. ACTIVinstruction offers educators a variety of ideas for integrating the ACTIVboard system more deeply into their daily classroom instruction. It also makes it easier to train subsequent users after the initial half-day training session is over, according to Lisa Dubernard, directors of sales and marketing for Promethean.
Schools purchasing the ACTIVboard system can choose from several training options that accommodate either Mac or Windows users. At the basic level, Promethean provides an online orientation movie that lets users become acquainted with the key components of the system. Plus, printed training materials are provided that take users step-by-step through the entire set-up and usage process, and can be downloaded directly from the ACTIVboard Web site.
Promethean also offers a more advanced training solution via a variety of on-site training sessions, provided by an authorized Promethean trainer. In addition to learning how to setup the ACTIVboard system and install the ACTIVstudio software, participants explore examples and resources, including those found on existing educational Web and software resources in which schools have already invested. They also participate in hands-on learning and teaching activities. All training sessions are designed to accommodate 15 participants.
The new ACTIVinstruction program also offers a DVD training kit that can be used for future teacher training or re-training. It features a training-session example, plus visual examples of usage ideas designed by Promethean’s education experts or by its stable of educator/customers. The training kit also comes with a supplemental teacher’s guide, 15 course manuals, a CD-ROM with PDF files of the manuals, and 15 ACTIVtablets. Contact Promethean for pricing on the various options.