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Archive for the ‘interactive whiteboards’


A reaction to the IWB Wave!!

I was fascinated recently to listen to the Learning Lama, as part of a Literature Circle presentation, describe and partially demonstrate  a brief overview of how to setup an IWB for around $50. Yes, that is correct $50 – a fraction of what you pay for a wall mounted/mobile IWB or mimio device … and, all that you require for the setup of this cheaper version of an IWB is a Wii controller, a self-made infra-red pen, a bluetooth device, some special software that can be downloaded and a sense of invention and creativity!!! Possibly, one could say a really good problem solving task involving ICT … For those needing some DIY assistance then using the suggested video link you will get the visual and verbal explanation of how best to got about creating your own IWB, and the IWB guide will pace you through the steps required. 

A worthwhile use of ICT to explore and consider … What do you think??

The Interactive WhiteBoard (IWB)

Nyssa (2008) describes her inexperience with interactive whiteboards in the classroom setting and refers to a worthwhile video segment ‘Interactive Whiteboards: Boon or Boondoggle?

She refers to the research that “overall, the pace of lessons, student motivation and engagement, and teacher preparation are all improving with the use of this technological tool. Some have stated that student engagement with the use of Interactive Whiteboards is unlike any other technology”. She poses an interesting question to reflect upon in terms of:

Can this technology replace the use of other resources such as textbooks and manipulatives?

My classroom experiences support the literature with the enhanced engagement of students through the use of an IWB in the learning process; however, I have to consider on each occasion that I plan a lesson: what is the most appropriate tool in my “tool box” that will meet the learning outcomes that I am trying to achieve through my content focus and subsequent teaching of.

Nyssa concludes by saying that:

Our students demand interactivity. This tool is a not a technological tool as a ‘transformative agent’. If teaching is aided by this tool then yes it can be however alone it is not. When it all comes down to it the use of whiteboards really depends on each school. I believe that Interactive Whiteboards should not replace textbooks and other resources but work along side them as an additional tool for engaging learning”.