Interactive Whiteboard (IWB'S)

What is an interactive whiteboard?

Wikipedia’s definition of an interactive whiteboard is:

‘'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, stylus, or other device.'' Interactive Whiteboard definition

Do interactive White Board's help a child's learning?

Over the last ten years, interactive whiteboards have become popular teaching and learning tools within primary school classrooms. 

Interactive whiteboards are a fun and engaging way to teach children. It is an effective and modern tool and is nowadays used as an alternative to chalkboards, flip charts, The list is endless...

Out with the old...in with the new!

An interactive whiteboard is fast, effective, versitile  and creates a stimulating working environment.

A lot of research has been completed on IWB’s to see if the progression in technology is having an impact on children and their learning.

Maria Northcote, Paula Mildenhall, Linda Marshall and Paul Swan have completed a piece of research entitled Interactive whiteboards: Interactive or just whiteboards? The report highlights that ‘high levels of student motivation, teacher enthusiasm and whole-school support associated with these technological tools.’ 

Report by education researchers Robert Marzano and Mark Haystead (education researchers) report, entitled “Evaluation Study of the Effects of Promethean Active Classroom on Student Achievement,” suggest that the IWB does raise student achievement. Counter arguments to this can be reflected on a teachers confidence in using technology....Are children better at new media technologies than teachers?

Interactive Whiteboards = Resources


A few examples of interactive resources are:

1. The Checker Tool - A tool that you can use to check an answer to a question and receive instant feedback - C/T
2. The Balloon Pop Tool - Use the balloon pop to hide and reveal objects  - B/P
   
3. The Magnifying Glass Effect - By layering objects, you can create the illusion of revealing hidden text with a magic magnifying glass - M/G/E
   
4. The Erase to Reveal Effect - You can use the erase to reveal effect to reveal information gradually - E/T/R/E
   
5. The Random Generator Tool - randomly generate objects based on a pool of pre-selected variables - R/G
   
6. The Magic Tunnel Effect - Using grouping and layering objects, you can create the illusion of dragging your question through a magic tunnel, revealing the answer on the other side - M/T
   

The above list are a few examples of interactive tools a teacher can use with children. The above examples can be and are encouraged to be used across all National Curriculum subjects.

In the words of Blue Peter....''Here's one I did earlier'' 


The Checker Tool….

Using the Checker Tool:

1.   Click and drag one of the incorrect answers to the Checker tool. A red X appears in the bottom-right corner.

2.   Click and drag the correct answer to the Checker tool. A green check mark appears in the bottom-right corner.

3.   The Checker tool provides students with instant feedback and an opportunity to gain interest by interacting with the SMART interactive whiteboard.