The Potential of Interactive Whiteboards

To be honest before starting this post I didn’t know what an interactive whiteboard (IWB) was…fortunately, now I do. An IWB is a large interactive display that connects to a computer. A projector projects the computer’s screen on the surface of the board where users can control the computer on the board with there finger or stylus. IWB is an important tool in a classroom to add interactivity and collaboration between learners and between the teacher and learners. It allows all forms of media to be displayed on the screen as well as interaction to take place with this media. Learners can come up to the screen and write notes on images that can be transformed into text and saved to the computer. This has many opportunities for group work and interaction in the group.

An IWB is very cost effective because it shows how one computer can display information to the whole class. This saves money because one IWB is more cost effective than equipping a whole class with laptops or iPads. It is actually easier for learners to work in groups on a IWB rather than on a computer or iPad. In addition, because IWB include so many different technologies it can then replace other technological tools, for example a television or a DVD player.

The potential for uses of an IWB in my subject areas of Life Orientation and Physical energy are widespread. IWB can be used to make mind maps and brainstorm where learners can come up to the board and draw and write out their own mind maps on the topic. This can then be saved and printed out as their notes. Important sections in a text can be highlighted and images can be drawn next to the text for better understanding. IWB can also be used to show learners how to safely use the internet as the teacher can use the computer and it will show up on the board. This function is also helpful for any computer related activities. Brief instructional blocks can be recorded by the teacher which students can review later, this would be helpful in relaying homework or test information. In Physical Education videos of different sport skills or matches can be played to the class, then paused while notes and drawings can be done on the screen. This will help learners see the different aspects of a skill or the different strategies used in a game.

The potential of IWB in classrooms is vast. I think is is beneficial because it will motivate learners to be interactive and motivated to learn because it brings in different aspects of learning that are fun and exciting.