Educational Uses of Interactive Whiteboards (IWB)
Introduction
When I was in high school, the tools of the trade of teaching were changing. I remember as we looked in awe as our old green traditional chalk board was replaced by the ever inspiring white board. We could not only write in different colors now, but there would be no need to clean the chalk board erasers again! The future was here and it was glorious. As we begin a new decade in 2011, the tools are changing again and a new technology has been born: the Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) or more commonly known as the SMART Board!
Definition
An interactive whiteboard or (IWB technology) typically combines a projector with software and computer technology to produce enlarged and interactive images, animations and text for the purposes of teaching and learning. (Northcote, 2010, p. 495)
Uses
The uses of IWBs are various and depend on the application. Here are some of the more common uses for an educational classroom setting.
- Taking classroom quizzes where all the students participate and results and scores are instantly collected for review.
- Showing PowerPoint presentations or lecture materials to the entire class.
- Watching educational movies from DVDs and online resources.
- Lecturing and using the pens and eraser to display information. (Much like a chalkboard, but with many advanced options)
- Artistic expression in early child development.
There are many applications and uses for IWBs and these are growing as time progresses. Although this is a newer technology, it is growing by leaps and bounds. IWBs and their technologies are expected to reach sales of $1 billion worldwide by 2008 ( Davis, 2007). As this technology grows, it is interesting to think about what the future holds and how our children will be receiving information in the decades to come. Currently, there's little research of the effects of using IWB's in early childhood development but positive aspects of IWB's have been observed (Terreni, 2010). The technology is useful for both old and young learners.
More on Interactive White Board
References
Cambridge University Press ELT. (2009, May 02). How to use an Interactive Whiteboard [Video File]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLxVjw1yvRk
Davis, Michelle. R. Education Week, v01 fall iss p24-25 2007. 2pp. Retrieved from http://www.edweek.org/dd/articles/2007/09/12/02board.h01.html
Northcote, Maria; Mildenhall, Paula; Marshall, Linda. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, v26 n4 spec iss p494-510 2010. 17 pp. [Link]
Terreni, L. (2010). Adding new possibilities for visual art education in early childhood settings: The potential of interactive whiteboards and ICT. Australasian Journal of Early Childhood, 35(4), 90-94. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.