My shoestring budget tip of this week is how to make a smart board from a Nintendo Wii controller. All that you need to set up your own Wii smart board is a Nintendo Wii controller, an infrared pen that can be purchased or made (see my picture below), a computer, a projector, and a simple free piece of software courtesy of Johnny Chung Lee. In fact Mr. Lee not only wrote the open source software, he actually came up with the whole package.
You can connect to the following link and Mr. Lee will show you in a step by step manner how to create your own Wii smart board. Also included in the page is a link to the free software that makes the whole smart board work. Johnny Chung Lee Smart board page
I have personally made one of these smart boards and they work great. You just have to watch out the students do not get between the Wii Remote and infrared pen. This problem can be overcome by placing the remote in a strategic manner (see below illustration). If you have any questions please do not hesitate to post them below.
Now what are you waiting for go out and make your smart board!
Image courtesy of http://www.jaftalks.com/Home/Show/Smartboard-whiteboard-Wii-remote
This is such a neat idea! The picture is a great added touch because it gives a visual to your post at the top. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteRoxanne
That is pretty cool! What do other teachers at your school or the administration have to say about it?
ReplyDeleterh,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the positive words. These smart board are very easy to construct with a little patience and planning. If you have questions about making one I would be more then happy to answer them.
Shelly,
ReplyDeleteI made one of these smart boards for an in service and everyone really thought they were cool. I have offered to help teachers make them for their rooms, but nobody has taken my up on the offer to date. I gave the one I made to my brother who teaches grade school. He told me that he uses lesson plans made for a smart board and they work perfectly. If I taught grade school I would definitely have one in my room. If you have any questions about making a board for yourself please do not hesitate to contact me.
WOW! That is a great idea. I like how you mentioned that: as a teacher, a lot of materials and supply purchases are left up to us. I think this is very sad and if we are moving toward a more digital aged school, I most surely hope that a greater supply budget is put into place. I know that providing for my family and classroom will become even more difficult.
ReplyDeleteI think your post this week was great, very resourceful. In addition, I think that fact that you research ideas and things yourself is commendable. :)
Brittany,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the positive words. I definitely agree that being a good teacher has become more difficult in recent years. I have found that the internet has been a great money saving resource for anyone will to take the time to look for educational supplies. I would be interested to know about some of the items you have found for a discout that you currently use in your classroom.
Hi Erik,
ReplyDeleteIt is a great smart board that I ever see. The picture is very clear to us.I think your class is unique. In addition, I am interesting to make my own wii smart board. Thanks for the link and I wish the best for your student.
I didn't know that I could create my own smart board. I am impressed. I really like this idea. I would love to creat my own smart board aspecially since I am a big fan of smart board. Thank you for shearing such information.
ReplyDeletedalya,
ReplyDeletethank you for you comments, a picture is definitely worth a thousand words. these boars are easy to make and the materials can be purchased for a fraction of the price of a conventional smart board.
sherihan,
ReplyDeletethank you for the post. I think you should make one of these boards for your classroom. They are very easy to make and I know you could do it. If you need any help or have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.