05+Interactive+Whiteboards

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 * WHAT IS AN INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD AND HOW DOES IT WORK? **

An interactive whiteboard is a piece of hardware that is similar in appearance to a regular whiteboard, but connects to a computer and a projector to make a powerful teaching tool. When connected, the IWB becomes a giant touch-screen version of the computer screen (www.pearsonlongman.com). IWB is a combination of a computer and a traditional teaching board which is capable of providing access to a new world of digital resources for the great masses.

Interactive whiteboards require three main pieces of equipment: a computer, a projection screen and the whiteboard itself. The computer is connected to the projector through either with a USB or a wireless connection. The projector will then project onto the screen anything that is on the computer. For many interactive whiteboards, a special pen is also required, though some boards require only fingertips to use. The pen or other object acts like a mouse on the screen, allowing the user to operate the computer from the board. Many interactive whiteboard companies also sell additional devices that allow the audience to fully participate in the presentation by texting or selecting numbers, which then appear on the board.




 * THE INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD IN MODERN CLASSROOMS **

This ICT tool has generated a great deal of enthusiasm among educators. Teachers are empowered to facilitate learning in whole-group or small-group settings. Additionally, they can introduce new topics using highly engaging content or teach existing topics in innovative ways that enhance student learning. Although the first interactive whiteboard was released in 1991, new emphasis on developing 21st century skills for students, the requirement for educator proficiency in technology, and research documenting increased learning with the use of interactive whiteboards have spurred its adoption.

A teacher can create engaging lessons that focus on one task such as a matching activity where students use either their fingers or a pen to match items. Another teacher might integrate multiple items into a lesson plan such as websites, photos, and music that students can interact with, respond to verbally or even write comments on the board itself. Image size and placement can change with a simple touch to the screen. This technology makes the one-computer classroom a workable instructional model. Imagine taking a class on a photo safari to Africa complete with embedded videos, animal sounds and mapping software. The following video offers some practical suggestions regarding the use of the IWB in the classroom.

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Although we keep referring to ‘interactive whiteboards’, it would be a mistake to restrict our thinking to just the board itself. It is worth remembering that there are also a rapidly evolving set of accessories designed to extend the concept of classroom interactivity beyond the board … wireless slates and tablets, interactive voting devices, interactive text response systems and so on. These devices add further depth to the possibilities afforded by the whole ‘IWB’ concept, and in fact hint at the real power behind this technology — not so much the board, but the interactivity.

Research has repeatedly demonstrated that students learn better when they are fully engaged and that multisensory, hands-on learning is the best way to engage them. Interactive whiteboards facilitate multisensory learning whether it is a collaboration exercise for math problem solving or a Google Earth tour of the Amazon rainforest. Interactive technology tended to help teachers become even more innovative in the resources they were able to bring to students, and that students appeared to learn more effectively when presented with the wide range of stimuli that IWB s were able to bring before them.

In September 2008, Newsweek magazine reported that more than 70% of primary and secondary schools in the U.K. have interactive whiteboards. Recent U.S. studies report increased student engagement, school attendance, and higher test scores. Judging from recent news reports, it is likely that a portion of the new federal education stimulus funding will be invested in interactive whiteboards.


 * CLASSROOM APPLICATIONS FOR USING INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARDS INCLUDE: **
 * Multimedia lessons and presentations including audio and video
 * Collaborative problem solving
 * Showcasing student projects and presentations
 * Virtual field trips
 * Recorded lessons that can be used by substitute teachers
 * Documentation of student achievement
 * Digital Story telling
 * Teaching editing skills using editing marks
 * Reinforce skills by using online interactive websites
 * Use in the six (6) trait writing process


 * EIGHT KEY PRINCIPLES FOR THE EFFECTIVE USE OF THE INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD **

Betcher and Lee (2009) have proffered the following principles for maximizing the use of the IWB in the classroom.

1. **Be proficient** - The use of the IWB will be more effective and fun if the teacher is good at it

2. **Be organized** - Practical consideration must be given to where the board is mounted and having all that is needed for successful use of the board.

3. **Be interactive** - If the IWB becomes a "glorified" chalkboard, the point in having it will be missed. It is not merely a tool for the teacher, but a class resource.

4. **Be flexible** - The interactive nature of the IWB may require the teacher to take an occasional detour into areas that are not planned for.

5. **Be constructive** - Learn to step aside and not always be the dominant one in the classroom, a feature of the Constructivist Theory of Learning, which encourages interactive learning.

6. **Be open-minded** - The teacher must be creative in the use of the interactive whiteboard, and open to new ideas.

7. **Be willing to share** - One must be willing to share lesson plan ideas, resources and best practices.

8. **Be prepared to plan** - The interactive whiteboard's use can only be maximized with careful planning.


 * OTHER CONSIDERATIONS **

NEA member Chad Lehman of Horace Mann Elementary School in West Allis, Wisconsin, has seen a marked increase in student attentiveness and engagement since his district began integrating interactive white boards into elementary classrooms. As his school’s media specialist and technology coordinator, Lehman reviewed the district’s technology plan which recommended both SMART and Mimio. Although SMART had a much larger user community, he chose Mimio because it was more affordable and portable whereas SMART boards are mounted on walls.

“The down side to choosing Mimio is that they have fewer software and lesson resources,” Lehman stated. “Our district has invested heavily in computers, video equipment and LCD projectors, so Mimio is very popular.” He went on to say that the district technology goal is to have an interactive whiteboard in every classroom, but finding the money could be a problem. Lehman did not know if his district would receive any new federal stimulus funds, but said it was not likely that they would be used to buy interactive whiteboards. “This kind of technology helps us teach students 21st century skills, and I’m confident we’ll continue to fund our implementation and training on this.”

There are interactive whiteboards that meet every school and district budget. It is suitable for all ages and allows students to work collaboratively. Teachers report that increased student engagement is the number one benefit to teaching with this tool. Interactive white boards help to motivate students by providing a change in focus, delivering interesting content that engaged and entertained students. The technology allows teachers to integrate multiple information streams into a coherent lesson individualized for their students. Interactive white boards provide an extraordinary opportunity to create classroom environments where students with different learning styles can engage and learn from each other. This easy-to-learn technology ensures that both students and teachers are developing 21st century skills.

1. Read more: [|Definition of an Interactive White Board | eHow.com] [|http://www.ehow.com/about_6575410_definition-interactive-white-board.html#ixzz26rqN4IR7] Betcher, C. and Lee, M. (2009). The Interactive Whiteboard Revolution: Teaching with IWBs. Victoria: ACER Press. Retrieved September 19, 2012 from betchalog.wikispaces.com www.pearsonlongman.com www.youtube.com
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