Another extremely
useful and interactive ICT session this morning. The focus
of today's workshop was all about the importance and effectiveness of
the interactive whiteboard. It was also an opportunity to have a go
ourselves. For those who are unaware, an interactive whiteboard is a
touch-sensitive screen that works in conjunction with a computer and projector.
Educators were the first people to recognize the interactive whiteboard's
potential as a tool for improving student learning.
How can
an interactive whiteboard be
used in a
learning environment?
Learning
activities with the interactive whiteboard may include:
- Manipulating text and images
- Visiting websites as a group
- Showcasing student
presentations
- Writing notes over
educational clips
- Demonstrating or using
software at the front of a room without being tied to a computer
Research in the UK suggests a positive correlation between
interactive whiteboards as a teaching resource and
student attainment. Ball (2003) highlights the increased potential
for teachers to concentrate on student responses during a lesson when an
interactive whiteboard is used.
Teachers need to make a number of considerations before installing their
interactive whiteboards, such as :
- Height - Are young children able to reach the whiteboard easily? Do they need a step?
- Positioning - Is the whiteboard positioned in such a way that it is not affected by the sun beaming onto it from outside?
- Visibility - Can everyone in the class see the whiteboard clearly?
