Interactive Whiteboards

It seems we are very much in an age of advances in technology, one thing that has been somewhat 'upgraded' since when I was in school is the humble whiteboard. I don't know about you, but when I was at school we had one big whiteboard and some rub off pens!

Nowadays in schools you are more often than not likely to stumble across an 'interactive whiteboard'. Now, if you've never come across one of these I know what you're thinking…what exactly make a whiteboard 'interactive'? Well that's what I'm here to tell you…

What are the features of an interactive whiteboard?

'An interactive whiteboard is an instructional tool that allows computer images to be displayed onto a board using a digital projector.' The teacher can then manipulate the information of the board using your hands or electronic pens as a 'mouse' directly onto the surface of the whiteboard. There is such a wide range of things you can do with an interactive whiteboard including-

• Adding annotations
• Highlighting key information on the screen
• Interactive learning methods, e.g. rub and reveal and magic box
• Creating resources for children who are audio learners  
• Creating resources for children who are visual leaners

How can I take full advantage of my interactive whiteboard and ensure I am using it to it's full potential?  

If the above is a question you find yourself asking about interactive whiteboards…look no further than 'smart technologies'. Smart are a Canadian company founded in 1987, who are best known for developing the Smart Board interactive whiteboard. 

If you're still a bit confused as to what an interactive whiteboard is or how to use it watch this short YouTube clip 

How do interactive whiteboards help teaching and learning?

As discussed by Turvey, Potter and Burton in Primary Computing and Digital Technologies: Knowledge, Understanding and Practice, the use of interactive whiteboards in school helps with-

• Improving the quality of interactions
• Improving 'teacher assessment through the promotion of effective questioning'
• Enhancing modelling
• Redressing 'the balance of making resources and planning for teaching'
• Increasing 'the pace of learning' (Primary Computing and Digital Technologies: Knowledge, Understanding and Practice, 2016 page 71)

One of the aims set out by the DfE The National Curriculum (page 178, 2013) is that children 'are responsible, competent, confident and creative users of information and communication technology'. By giving children the opportunity to use interactive whiteboards it helps ensure that they are fulfilling these skills set out by the National Curriculum. 

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Reference Page 

 Burton, J, Potter, J and Turvey, K (2016) Primary Computing and Digital Technologies: Knowledge, Understanding and Practice. Croydon: SAGE Publications.

DfE (2013) The National Curriculum in England: Key Stages 1 and 2. London: Scholastic. 

SMARTClassrooms, SMART Boards why are they so easy to use? Available at- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0U05WeXPGlk