Drumcondra Education Centre - Interactive Whiteboards

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Design and Updates

30 August 2010:

  • Some lovely contributions from the staff of Scoil Bhride, Clane ...done as part of their Kildare Education Centre/NCTE Summer Course. These are to be found on smart_-_ireland.html



17 June 2010:

  • I have redesigned the Resources-Introduction page as not all of the links were visible: see design_and_updates.html


15 April 2010:

  • I have created and uploaded a set of lessons to use with Starboard Cambridge-Hitachi system. These files are suitable for use in a Primary classroom. See cambridge-hitachi_-_ireland.html


23 March 2010:

  • I have created and uploaded a series of lessons for second-level classrooms. These resources use the Promethean Inspire software and are located on the page activstudio_-_ireland.html



23 Feb 2010:
Over the last couple of weeks I have made some changes



7 Dec 2009:


28 Nov 2009:

  • I have added some more of my flipcharts (for Irish Counties, German, Percentages, Science, Caitheamh Aimsire and Time) and have tidied up the ActivPrimary page. As Inspire is not (yet?) backwards compatible, I tend to create the flipcharts in the older ActivPrimary ...as this is where the majority audience still are. Note the time to get the free update runs out in the next month! Be aware that these (older 'flp') can also be opened in SMART, and (both the new 'flipchart' and the old 'flp') with the free Flipchart Viewer. Meanwhile, visit activprimary_-_ireland.html and activinspire_-_ireland.html




22 Nov 2009:



30 Sept 2009:

  • I have created a new page for Promethean ActivInspire resources: activinspire_-_ireland.html
  • It was hard work for me (who is tone deaf!) but I have created a resource for ActivPrimary: Music for Third to Sixth Class: MusicEducationDK.flp (a large 2 MB file)
  • I have also changed the design of the Homepage, and of the Resource Introduction page.



26 Sept 2009:


18 July 2009:

  • I have uploaded a set of ActivPrimary files submitted by the Participants on the Kilkenny Education Centre course that was held in Wandesforde NS ...visit the page at activprimary_-_ireland.html ...with the Gaeilge resources replicated at GaeilgeResources.html


6 and 7 July 2009:


30 June 2009:

  • I have checked the links of the resources_-_ireland.html page, and I have uploaded to it a simple "five sums" application (for all boards/pcs)


29 June 2009:


28 June 2009:

  • I have added Teachnet.ie to the list of Cross-Platform, Interactive Websites useful for ICT in Irish classrooms
  • I have had a second look at Promethean's ActivInspire software, see third-party_software.html



6 June 2009:


25 May 2009:


23 May 2009:

  • I have looked at the Insipre software from Promethean. Read my initial impressions on the Software Purchasing page third-party_software.html


10 May 2009:


29 March 2009:


28 March 2009:

  • I have inserted a section regarding the WIImote whiteboard system in the Purchasing page at board_systems.html


19 March 2009:

  • With the support of Drumcondra Education Centre (DEC), we are undertaking an online survey of IWBs (CBIs) in 'Northside' schools. DEC has emailed the individual schools (as of today). If you have not received this email by early next week (for example, if your school was not on the DEC emailing list), you may undertake the survey at iwbsurvey.html. Thank you for your assistance with this work.
  • I have added wpclipart.com to the list of ClipArt resources on clipart.html (thank you, Ban, for the tip)


15 March 2009:


13 March 2009:

  • I have created a new page of Clip Art links (for possible use in your CBI files) at clipart.html
  • I have updated some commercial links (to include the TouchIT board) on board_systems.html


12 March 2009:


10 March 2009:


8 March 2009:

  • I have updated a list of prices for CBI systems (bear in mind that I am not a Reseller and perhaps do not have the exact up-to-date prices!) ...see board_systems.html



13 February 2009:



3 February 2009:

  • With thanks to the hard work of Teachers on a Summer Course, I have uploaded a group of SMART Notebook and ActivPrimary Flipchart files on the smart_-_ireland.html and activprimary_-_ireland.html pages respectively. We now have 87 Notebooks and 96 Flipcharts (this latter does not include the Flipcharts that I designed for ActivStudio at activstudio_-_ireland.html ...which can also be opened with ActivPrimary!).
  • I have updated the Gaeilge page with these extra resources ...see GaeilgeResources.html



20 January 2009:

  • I have gathered together from this website all of the Gaeilge Resources onto one page at GaeilgeResources.html


18 January 2009:

  • Having visited BETT2009, I have collected and shared information about the updates to CBI hardware and software on bett2009.html


11 January 2009:


16 December 2008:


14 December 2008:


13 December 2008:


9 October 2008:


7 October 2008:

  • I have uploaded a set of mostly Language resources for the Cambridge-Hitachi board at cambridge-hitachi_-_ireland.html (thanks to EBF for these)
  • I have uploaded a set of resources for SMART at smart_-_ireland.html ...look for the 'gaeilge' link (thanks to Scoil Neasáin for these)
  • There seems to be technical problem with the recent SMART uploads - I'll have a further look at these.
  • For those of you who would like to share whiteboard resources through this site, I have created a Guide at howtocontribute.html


6 October 2008:

  • "An Cearrbhach Mac Cába.notebook" (LC Gaeilge) added to the SMART page at smart_-_ireland.html
  • I have uploaded a group of Learning Support resources to the new Polyvision page at polyvision_-_ireland.html (thanks to MH for these)


1st October 2008:

  • I have created a resource for the Egan Teamboard (which uses its own Draw software) ...visit teamboard_-_ireland.html to access the resource


12 September 2008:

  • I have provided a page of ideas and resources for use in a Learning Support classroom. This page is available at sen-learning_support.html This was part of a presentation to the ILSA Conference


21 June 2008:

  • The Department of Education has decided not to provide funding for the ICT Advisory Service from 1st Sept 2008. As a result, I am not funded for supporting this website (nor for other Advisory activities). However, Drumcondra Education Centre will endeavour to maintain this website.


13 November 2007:

  • As of today, Fusion Technology are no longer acting as distributor/reseller of SMART Boards. Stelljes Ireland have taken over this function, and their contact details are available at http://www.smartboard.ie/


6 November 2007:

  • I have added a link to Scoil Barra's Whiteboard pictures on the Gallery page: images.html
  • I have added the www.smartboard.ie link to the Purchasing page at board_systems.html
  • I have added a new page with advice on working with third-party applications: third-party_resources.html


23 October 2007:

  • Updated pricing for the Optivote voting devices at voting_devices.html
  • A file for Leaving Cert Applied, using the eBeam system - thanks, David - on the eBeam Ireland Resource page: ebeam_-_ireland.html


22 October 2007:

  • I have updated details for Polyvision and iDW in the Purchasing page at board_systems.html


30 September 2007:


5 September 2007:

  • I have added more details for the TeamBoard, 3M and CleverBoard on the Purchasing page: board_systems.html


24 August 2007:


23 August 2007:

  • I have added contact details for some more boards to the Purchasing page at ...see board_systems.html ...including an important update regarding the Inspire board


22 August 2007:


20 August 2007:


16 August 2007:

  • I have added contact details for the "iDW7800" board and some details for the "ITL Interact" board on the Purchasing page: board_systems.html
  • I have located and listed a number of Easiteach files, see easiteach_-_international.html
  • In order to guide you to another bank of 'flipcharts', I have put a link to "Promethean Planet" on the activprimary_-_international.html resource page.
  • Promethean Planet hosts a Research section The Digital Chalkface: I have added the link to research_on_use_of_cbis_-_international.html
  • I have tidied up the Training Materials page (training_materials.html), and I have included a link to a training video made by Junior Pupils (in Scotland) for their Teachers!
  • On the same training page, I have separated the links to Promethean's two software systems (Activprimary and Activstudio); and I have added a link to a training guide for Interact
  • In the Irish Research page (research_on_use_of_cbis_-_ireland.html) I have added a link to a paper on the Teaching of Mathematics in Primary School
  • In the same page, I have added some brief comments about a Post-Primary Maths class


14 August 2007:

  • I have updated the 'What are CBIs' page (what_are_cbis.html) with a link to the INTO video clips.
  • In the Research page (research_on_use_of_cbis_-_international.html) I have abstracted material (in PDF format) from Jenny Gage's book relating to a Schema for whiteboard use ...ranging through five steps: familiarisation, utilisation, integration, reorientation and evolution.
  • On the same Research page, I have also added my own three stages: Presentation, Integration and Participation.
  • In the Practical Tips page (practical_tips.html), I provide advice on avoiding the over-tightening of the wall fixings for SMART Board.
  • Also on the Practical Tips page, I provide advice for changing screen resolution when a 'new' laptop is used with an 'older' projector.
  • I have updated the contact details and prices for Mimio (see board_systems.html#mimio)
  • I have posted the question "Which is the best whiteboard system?" on the Purchasing page (board_systems.html)
  • In the Research -Ireland page (research_on_use_of_cbis_-_ireland.html), I have posted a link to the Irish Times article 'The school with no blackboard".
  • Also on the Research-Ireland page, I have posted a link to the Techcentral "White space" article. There is an interesting Government response quoted!
  • I have updated the link for downloading the Reader software on our Easiteach page: see easiteach_-_ireland.html
  • I have provided additional advice for purchasing projectors at projectors.html
  • I have updated a list of some of the interactive websites used by our Project Teachers (some of these sites are popular in non-CBI schools also) ...Primary and Post-Primary


13 August 2007:

  • I have uploaded four more ActivPrimary Flipchart files (thanks to the teachers in Donabate):

  • English for Junior and Senior Infants JollyPhonicsReduced.flp 2831 KB. Note that this is a cut-down version of the file authored by the teachers. I was not clear about the Copyright issues. What remains illustrates the work in the original file.

  • Second Class SESE History Our Family.flp 636 KB

  • History for Third or Fourth Class The Vikings.flp 1,321 KB

  • History for Fifth or Sixth Class The Romans.flp 295 KB - this file uses a nice 'Menu' system


  • I have uploaded a SMART Notebook file Positive and Negative Numbers Resources.notebook 830 KB file. In this file, I have inserted Flash resources for Dice and Coin, alongside the interactions authored by the Teacher.
  • I have updated the list of resellers of SMART boards ...see board_systems.html#smart
  • I have included a link on the 'What are CBIs' page to the “Cool Computer Program” [or “Assist Sketch Understanding System and Operation”] from MIT. A video clip is available on YouTube (and therefore not accessible in schools) at http://ie.youtube.com/watch?v=d7eGypGOlOc. This software demontrates the effect of gravity on moving objects. The board they are using seems to be an 'eBeam'.
  • Also on the 'What are CBIs' page (what_are_cbis.html), I have placed links to additional video clips that are available on YouTube and on eSchoolNews (the latter includes the debate "Whiteboards: Boon or Boondoggle?").
  • In the International Research page (research_on_use_of_cbis_-_international.html), I have noted Doug Browne's comments about improved pace of lessons, motivation, student engagement, and teacher preparation.
  • In the 'Practical Tips' page (practical_tips.html), I have provided a link to further debate/evidence about the brightness of projectors: see http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/education/6253410.stm


24 June 2007: I have updated the url link for theInteractive Teaching Projects (ITPs) in Numeracywhich are posted by the UK DfES (Department for Education and Skills) at http://www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/primaryframeworks/library/Mathematics/ICTResources/itps/ Most of the resources are available in Flash format, and also in .exe format. I particularly like 'Fractions' for teaching equivlaent fractions


23 June 2007: I have added and updated resources that can be used as material for a Summer Course in Whiteboards ...see http://www.cbiproject.net/training_materials.html


23 June 2007: I have posted one of our teacher's Easiteach resources for Third Class ...see http://www.cbiproject.net/easiteach_-_ireland.html


17 June 2007: I have added a large number of ActivPrimary Flipchart resources for Junior and Senior Primary school ....see http://www.cbiproject.net/activprimary_-_ireland.html

I have also relocated (and added additional links) to the Research page research_on_use_of_cbis_-_ireland.html


9 June 2007: Interactive websites for Post Primary added ...see http://www.cbiproject.net/websites_-_post_primary.html

9 June 2007:Nine LC Biology and Chemistry resorurces added for SMARTboard ...and 14 resources for Primary School ...see http://www.cbiproject.net/smart_-_ireland.html

8 June 2007: extra eBeam/3M resource added (http://www.cbiproject.net/ebeam_-_ireland.html); Irish price update for Activote system (http://www.cbiproject.net/voting_devices.html)

7 June 2007: a new page added for Voting Devices ...see http://www.cbiproject.net/voting_devices.html

7 June 2007: updates to Promethean Information ...see


2 June 2007: some Photo and Video resources added to the Gallery:
Photo Link: http://www.cbiproject.net/images.html
Video link: http://www.cbiproject.net/video.html

2 June 2007: This 'Update Page' has been added, so that you can what material is added/amended/deletd since your last visit

This website has been in existence since March 2006.

In May 2007, the site has been re-designed using Website X5 Evolution (see http://www.websitex5.com/en/index.html)


(c) David Kearney | davidk@ict4schools.ie
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