Technologies In The Trades
Technology One – MyView Board Interactive Whiteboard
Introduction
The MyView Board is an interactive whiteboard platform that allows teachers to present lessons, diagrams, and display multimedia content to students. The whiteboard has many features that allow teachers to create piping spools, such as isometric drawings and 3D modeling, in real time. The software is compatible with major operating systems and technologies, such as Windows, iOS, and Android. The MyView Board also gives access to Google Drive or OneDrive cloud storage, as well as supports inputs from student tablets, smartphones, and laptops.
Cost and Licensing
The cost of the MyView Board ranges from a free standard account to a premium account, which includes all software-related features and is priced at $119 USD per year.
Copyright and licensing for the software, institutions, and teachers require acceptance of the software's terms and conditions. Content created within the software remains the property of the user.
Full details can be found here: myViewBoard EULA | ViewSonic Apps and ViewBoard Knowledge Base.
Advantages
The advantages of the MyView Board lean towards the numerous options it offers for showcasing learning materials to students. The MyView Board is an infinite whiteboard, which means you are not limited to space like a standard whiteboard in a classroom.
I find it very beneficial when we are doing take-off calculations, I can draw multiple different piping spools with different measurements. We can seamlessly transition into each question without having to erase and recreate the system. This option allows me to cover more content in a lesson plan.
Another great feature of the MyView Board is the Magic Box, which contains a set of math and drawing tools, including a protractor, ruler, set square, compass, bearing tool, and many other valuable tools. This helps when teaching courses such as template development and blueprinting.
Disadvantages and Learning Curve
With all technologies, there can be disadvantages, learning curves, and overall functionality hurdles to overcome. While the app does not require Wi-Fi or internet services to use its basic functions, you are limited to your OneDrive and Google Drive accessibility if internet access is an issue.
Another issue that may arise on larger and more complex boards is a performance lag. This lag will be present when erasing, switching between colors, or switching back and forth between different drawing tools, which may cause disruptions in the flow of lessons.
Using the whiteboard alone does not take much training or in-depth navigation, but you will only reach the surface of what the whiteboard can offer. It takes time to navigate the tools and remember which tool does what; frequent switching between line thickness, colors, and selection modes takes some time to understand.
On a scale of one to ten, I would rate the MyView Board for a first-time user a 4, as it takes some time to figure out the correct operations needed to understand and teach a lesson. When I started using MyView Board, I would pre-build the systems or schematics after class for the following day. This eliminated the stress associated with navigating and managing downtime when using various tools.
Learning Strategies
The learning strategies that directly align with MyView Board are Multimodal learning, Active Learning, and Cognitive Apprenticeship strategies. MyView Board supports text, diagrams, videos, audio, and interactive quizzes all in one space. Students will engage with multiple learning channels.
To promote active learning strategies, students can utilize the tools in the “Magic Box” to measure system lengths, perform takeoffs, and verify angles related to piping offsets. The MyView Board also promotes cognitive apprenticeship through modeling, coaching, and scaffolding. Students can watch the instructor create a water entry schematic using valves and fittings. This falls under modeling, students can then create their own water entry schematic, which leans towards coaching, receiving feedback related to the system they develop. Finally, scaffolding allows students to gain more independence by creating systems using different approaches related to the MyView Board.
Pedagogical Function
The strategies align well with the pedagogical functions of communication and collaboration technologies, as well as problem-solving technologies.
Resource
I have shared a link regarding specialty tools that will enhance the benefits of the MyView Board whiteboard in class settings. Have a look at these products that can be incorporated into the class.
Technology Two – MyView Board Companion Application
Introduction
MyView Board Companion Application – A Mobile App Unlocking MyViewBoard
Just like the MyView Board Whiteboard, the companion app is compatible with iOS and Android devices. The companion app is free to its users, which requires no cost to the students to use. This app allows for student-to-teacher interaction. Teachers will log in to the app as administrators, and students may join as participants or guests to take part in the lesson.
The app enables instructors to remotely control whiteboard sessions, making navigation quick and easy. A great feature of the Companion app is that you can sign into sessions via QR code, making logins easy and ensuring that your content is uploaded to the cloud once you are logged in. This means that any work you may have created on a different device will be available when you log in.
The app also allows you to interact with other whiteboard sessions by sharing files. A great feature regarding assessments is that you can create pop quizzes and assign different questions to students in the class to ensure that not everyone will have the same questions. This works excellently for take-off purposes, and recall questions related to material reviewed in morning sessions.
Copyright and Licensing
Copyright and licensing for the application are under the ViewSonic rights, and can be found here: myViewBoard EULA | ViewSonic Apps and ViewBoard Knowledge Base.
Advantages
The MyView Board Companion application offers several advantages, specifically designed for active and problem-based learning. The app creates an engaging and inclusive classroom setting that can be enjoyable and interactive for students.
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Students can answer pop quiz questions, create diagrams, and participate in various beneficial learning activities, such as creating piping systems.
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Students can use their smartphones and tablets instead of having to come to the front of the class to participate.
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The QR code feature enables both students and instructors to join the lesson quickly and easily.
Disadvantages
One of the most significant disadvantages I have noticed regarding the app is the impact on screen time in the classroom. When it is time to use the app, students can become distracted by social media, texts, and other distractions. While it may seem to the instructor that they are using the app, they can be elsewhere.
Additionally, we have a policy prohibiting cell phones in our pipe shop due to the safety risks associated with their use in the workplace. If students need to refer to an early learning session, they will not be able to access that material. This limits the application to classroom use only.
Learning Curve and Training
There is no required training needed to navigate the application, but a basic understanding and explanation from the instructor will help first-time users with its overall functionality.
Students are required to have a smartphone or tablet to participate in the program. If that may be a concern, the institution may need to provide tablets for students.
Accessibility and Pedagogical Function
There is no accessibility concerns related to the MyView Board Companion Application. The technology category in which the app would be best represented is communication and collaboration, as well as learning assessment.
Using the Polls and Pop Quiz options enables instructors to effectively gauge students' knowledge.
Resources
Here is a great video showing how to use the companion app: What is myViewBoard Companion? – YouTube.
Technology Three – Trimble Robotic Total Station (RTS)
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Introduction
Trimble Robotic Total Station – Total Robotic Stations for Contractors
The RTS is a precision layout tool that utilizes electronic distance measurements and angle measurements to create layout points, elevations, and alignments. The RTS enables one operator to control the instrument remotely via a tablet.
This station is a state-of-the-art piece of technology that is not only highly utilized on construction sites around the world, but also a fantastic tool that can transform interactive learning in class. Students can perform layouts of piping systems, sleeves for vertical risers of pipe, and equipment placement.
The RTS allows the instructor to set tolerances precisely, as close as two millimeters, which can encourage students to complete assignments with precision. The Trimble Field Link platform is compatible with Windows-based tablets and utilizes the Trimble Field Link software. The technology is compatible with iOS and Android, but its functions are limited. The tablet and the RTS require Wi-Fi or a stable internet connection for data transfer.
Cost and Licensing
The cost of the equipment varies depending on the model and features; this can also be a significant disadvantage. The price of the RTS typically ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 per unit. Additional costs include monthly subscriptions to Field Link software.
The RTS, once purchased, is owned outright by the institution. Any details related to copyright and licensing can also be found here: Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) and EU Digital Services Act (DSA).
Advantages
The advantages of the RTS are that it allows students to become familiar with industry tools used in real-world construction. Students can be hands-on with direct layout, learning correct procedures and the importance of laying out supports and sleeves, etc.
Disadvantages
There are some other disadvantages related to the RTS system beyond the pricing:
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It requires training and an understanding of software navigation and general equipment use.
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Building Point offers a two-day entry-level training course, which is highly recommended.
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The RTS requires sufficient space to set up for in-shop lessons; otherwise, projects would have to be completed outdoors if there is not enough space.
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The instructor would be required to have advanced training to be sufficiently qualified to teach a class of students and to address any issues that may arise effectively.
Learning Strategies
The learning strategy related to the Trimble RTS is experiential and hands-on learning. Students will learn and understand the concepts by laying out and using the trial-and-error method, reflecting on mistakes to correct when using the system again.
RTS also supports the Cognitive Apprenticeship theory, where students observe the instructor, practice what they have learned, and are guided by the instructor to ensure that mistakes are corrected.
Accessibility
There are some accessibility concerns related to the weight and awkwardness of the Tripods, but practice with mobility and setup will ensure students set up the RTS correctly.
Specialty equipment is provided with the purchase of the complete Robotic Total Station. These pieces of equipment include:
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A Tripod and instrument
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A Trimble tablet
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Targets or Prisms for measurements and layout functions
Resources
Here is a video on all things Trimble Robotic Total Station:
Trimble Robotic Total Station Webinar – BuildingPoint Mid-America – YouTube
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