In my small town high school, the most we had in our classrooms were a chalkboard and an overhead for the teachers to write on or display information. When I attended a very small college for a semester, I still wasn't exposed to much technology in the classroom. I am definitely a technology buff, and get bored easily in the classroom when all I have to keep my attention is a big black chalkboard with white, messy writing or an overhead screen with lame Powerpoint slides. When I switched to IUPUI, pretty much everything in the classroom was different. I felt like I was in an episode of The Jetson's with all of the new technology. There wasn't a chalboard in sight and I couldn't have been happier. This is when I first became exposed to interactive whiteboards...
An interactive whiteboard is defined as "a large interactive display that connects to a computer and projector. A projector projects the computer's desktop onto the board's surface, where users control the computer using a pen, finger, or other device" (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interactive_whiteboard). The presence of IWB's has increased greatly in the educational setting. Wikipedia also states, "The software supplied with the interactive whiteboard will usually allow the teacher to keep notes and annotations as an electronic file for later distribution either on paper or through a number of electronic formats.
In addition, some interactive whiteboards allow teachers to record their instruction as digital video files and post the material for review by students at a later time. This can be a very effective instructional strategy for students who benefit from repetition, who need to see the material presented again, for students who are absent from school, for struggling learners, and for review for examinations". I am definitely one of those students who benefits from visual learning and repetition, so I understand how important the IWB's can be. They are transforming the classroom in a fantastic way. Not only is it great for secondary and postsecondary schools, but I've also seen elementary teachers use IWB's to mimic children's books... which is a great communication for small children (rather than just having the teacher hold the book up physically). There was also a study done, Wikpedia states, that shows that "the impact of Interactive Whiteboards over a two year period showing very significant learning gains, particularly with second cohorts of students, where they benefited from the teacher's experience with the device". So, the IWB's are a very beneficial addition to the classroom setting.
In addition, some interactive whiteboards allow teachers to record their instruction as digital video files and post the material for review by students at a later time. This can be a very effective instructional strategy for students who benefit from repetition, who need to see the material presented again, for students who are absent from school, for struggling learners, and for review for examinations". I am definitely one of those students who benefits from visual learning and repetition, so I understand how important the IWB's can be. They are transforming the classroom in a fantastic way. Not only is it great for secondary and postsecondary schools, but I've also seen elementary teachers use IWB's to mimic children's books... which is a great communication for small children (rather than just having the teacher hold the book up physically). There was also a study done, Wikpedia states, that shows that "the impact of Interactive Whiteboards over a two year period showing very significant learning gains, particularly with second cohorts of students, where they benefited from the teacher's experience with the device". So, the IWB's are a very beneficial addition to the classroom setting.
IWB's engage students and allow teachers to show and save information with the touch of a finger. The capabilities greatly exceed that of the regular chalkboard and even the overhead projector. This tool allows students to become more interested and attentive to the lesson being taught. I know that I am now paying more attention in the classroom when the teacher uses the IWB. It's so fascinating how much you can do with it... anything from drawing and displaying graphs and charts, to simply just showing students how to navigate a certain website or software program. Even 3rd graders were highly interested in what was happening while the IWB was in use. It's just as easy to use as a chalkboard... all you need is a finger! It's a great investment for schools of all types!
Here's a YouTube video demonstration of how a IWB works!
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