Check this out!

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/245

Creating an interactive whiteboard using a Wii remote? For about $50?!?! How cool is this?!?!

And it’s cool on a lot of levels.

First of all, it’s cool because it might give educators an inexpensive option for a great instructional tool. Comparable technology like SmartBoards runs upwards of $2000/install.

Secondly, it’s cool because it’s taking technology and seeing beyond its obvious uses and truly envisioning its potential. Most of us look at a computer and see just a tool. Others look at a computer and envision a whole different realm of possibilities.

The Battlefield HS ITRT, Keith R., has already successfully duplicated Mr. Lee’s prototype. This has sparked a whirlwind of emails within the ITRT community about copyright and whether or not creating and using this device has violated any laws. Keith is investigating and the outlook is good that this type of innovation resides on the right side of the law. While we have to always be cognizant of possible copyright infringement, I do strongly believe that exercises like these need to be encouraged–not just within ourselves, but most definitely within our students.

Wouldn’t it be awesome to assign this as a project to a group of our students?!?!

And if you are interested in giving it a try, or checking out any of Mr. Lee’s other ingenious projects , here’s the direct link to the Wii Board directions.

Special thanks to our band director, Dennis B., for bringing this particular TED video to my attention!