The interactive
whiteboard is a presentation that is connected to a computer and a projector.
The projector displays the computer’s desktop onto the surface of the
whiteboard, where the presenter controls the computer with a pen, finger, or
other device. Over the last decade the use of interactive whiteboards has grown
rapidly across the world. Some teachers have welcomed them into their
classrooms, while others prefer a different approach to teaching. It is
important for any school that implements interactive whiteboards into their
classrooms to provide the proper training to their teachers, so that the
teachers can become familiar with it. Some teachers are left to their own
devices and have to struggle to figure out how to make effective use of the IWB’s,
which can waste a lot of valuable time, and could hinder the learning of the
learners.
In order to
use interactive whiteboards effectively, one should organise the information
and group it into small segments, before creating the digital display. Also
including visuals that highlight the important information, could be useful and
will attract the attention of the learners. IWB’s are effective in teaching a
variety of learning styles. Tactile learners can touch the board and move
things around, or make notes and highlight important information, visual
learners look at the display, and audio learners can participate in class
discussions.
Interactive
whiteboards have the potential to be used as an instrument that improves the
quality of pedagogical practices in the classroom. Interactive whiteboards are
a powerful tool that can create a space where learners are more interactive and
collaborative, and creates a range of learning opportunities. This tool enables
teachers to be creative and encourages learners to take in the information
shown to them on the display. Interactive whiteboards can also enable group
discussions and participation from learners. It can be effective to use when
brainstorming ideas, as notes can be made on the screen and distributed at a
later stage.
Using presentations has become a more popular tool for
teachers who want to hand out information and share ideas with their learners,
and also for teachers who want their learners to use technology when learning.
The IWB is an instrument that uses both of these elements, and it is effective
for small groups and large groups of learners.
