The math room at Rhema Christian School sees a lot of fun and collaboration since applying IdeaPaint to the tables, enabling students to use a dry-erase surface.
IdeaPaint enlivens math class at Rhema Christian School
More collaboration and fun result from whiteboard surfaces
Thursday February 2, 2012 -- Jennifer Neutel
PETERBOROUGH – On a Tuesday morning, Grade 3 students at Rhema Christian School in Peterborough are using the whiteboard surface on their tables to work out answers to math problems.

There’s a lot of math chatter amongst the two to three students sitting at each table, as teacher Lori Wilson walks around and encourages students with their work. When a problem-solving exercise is complete students walk around to view their peers’ work.

This level of collaboration and fun in the classroom has been heightened thanks to the application of a product called IdeaPaint, which turns any desk into a dry-erase whiteboard writeable surface.

Principal Joel Slofstra says he learned about IdeaPaint in a blog by Chris van Donkelaar, Ontario Alliance of Christian Schools director of technology and learning.

Slofstra says he thought IdeaPaint would “breathe some new and exciting life” into the math program.

He notes at a recent principals conference there was a lot of discussion about technology-based innovation.

“One of the things I really liked about the IdeaPaint is it is an innovation but it’s a non-technology innovation and it’s not going to break down,” he tells the OACS News.

The paint was applied over the Christmas holidays to the tables in the math room, as well as a table in the Grade 1 and 2 classroom and part of Slofstra’s desk.

With Grades 3-6 using the math room, Wilson says the biggest difference is seeing more collaboration happening.

“I think they feel less intimidated by it then they might by paper (because) it’s just temporary,” she says.

She says it’s been “wonderful” to see a child helping another through showing them visually on the desk.

Students are encouraged to answer questions in different ways such as writing an equation, drawing a picture or providing a sentence.

“Their personalities show more,” says Wilson.

When the class moves to using the textbook and workbook she says some students ask to work on the desk.

When asking the Grade 3 students what they like best, they say things like having more room than a piece of paper, being able to write bigger and the overall fun it provides.

“I am thrilled to be a trial person on this; it’s definitely been worth it,” says Wilson.

If you have feedback on this story, contact jennifer(at)axiomnews.ca or call 800-294-0051 ext. 26.