Interactive whiteboards - value for money?

An interactive whiteboard (IWB) is a touch sensitive whiteboard connected to a computer and projector. The projector shows the computer screen and the board allows you to interact with the software directly using a special pen. You may understand this better after watching the short video. If used properly with training this is an amazing resource, if used poorly, it can simply be an expensive projector.

Before I talk about the issues of acceptance and training, I will critique its uses in the classroom. Interactive websites like www.tutpup.com ('where you can compete in fun, educational games against other kids from all over the World') can be introduced before the students are seated at computers. New learning experiences can be introduced in an active, engaging and collaborate way. Students are often keen to jump up and take part in the technology and tap, drag or colour. The introduction video shows how to shade and draw a figure. This pedagogical strategy helps a wider range of learning types - visual, verbal and kinaesthetic for example and highlight misconceptions, and allow for reflection. You can monitor their understanding of the task and concepts and guide their deeper learning accordingly.

The internet provides an extensive resource for endless tasks when using searches. Students can control the learning path as a group with guidence and take control of their learnng.

If you use a blog, wiki, slideshow or eportfolio on the IWB to introduce or use during the learning experience, the information and work can be accessed and added to from the classroom, library or home. Topic revision and missed lessons are at a touch of a button and parents and other teachers can observe with ease. Of course internet connection can be an issue for home.

Software provided with the IWB can include interactive programs covering the Key Learning Areas. Applications can be purchased, for example Scholastic have a huge range. You can download flipcharts (interactive software) prepared by other teachers and create your own. This however ca be time consuming to start, but can be used and reviewed as you progress.

So, does all of the above give you value for money? If used in conjunction with other digital technologies and allows an authentic collaborative base for learning with clear outcomes that can be shared with an audience, then yes. This comment is made without knowledge of actual cost, just from research. If the IWB is only used as a projector and the learning remains teacher-centred, then there is no value for money. This leads me to issues concerning teachers engaging with IWB. Resistance to change, no time, poor technology infrastructure, low levels of support, and training can be big hurdles when introducing and using this technology. There has to be professional development with continuous support to help teachers accept and grasp the IWB. Joining an online Community Practice and working with your peers is essential.

IWB can have the capacity to re-motivate teachers (BECTA 2005) and increase the achievement of stated learning outcomes (Hedberg 2007). I see IWB as a way of bringing the world into the classroom and allowing the students to interact, problem solve and create amazing learning experiences. As a teacher and knowledge manager, I hope to continue to discover and evaluate changing technologies along my lifelong learning journey.

Happy learning
Johanna

References
Hedberg, John and Freebody, Kelly 2007. Towards a disruptive pedagogy:Classroom practices that combine interactive whiteboards with TFL digital content. School of Education, Maquarie University and The University of Melbourne.