Technology Integration: Interactive Whiteboards
Interactive Whiteboards (IWB) have revolutionized the way information is presented in classrooms, boardrooms, and presentation halls. The touch-sensitive board connects to computers and programs to give presenters the ability to interact with their presentation allowing the audience to easily engage and understand material. Not only does it allow teachers to easily manipulate presentations, it also provides students the opportunity to participate at the board or on a device at their seat. Interactive whiteboards’ versatility makes it ideal for students as young as preschool through high school and beyond.
I will use the technology-enabled learning model, SAMR, to explain how the interactive whiteboard can be integrated into teaching and learning.
- Substitution: The interactive whiteboard replaces the traditional whiteboard and chalkboards and allows teachers to present slides, notes, and videos in a digital format. When writing on the IWB, teachers can easily move writing without having to erase and rewrite like on a traditional whiteboard.
- Augmentation: The IWB enhances learning by offering opportunities to highlight text, move objects, and embed attention grabbing videos, links, and fun gifs to keep the attention of students.
- Modification: Teachers can enhance or modify their lessons by incorporating interactive activities like drag and drop answers, solving puzzles, and allowing students the chance to collaborate on projects in real time on the board. In addition, the IWB allows teachers the opportunity to display worksheets and student work or examples to assist in teaching.
- Redefinition: With IWB, the sky's the limit when it comes to the possibilities for learning and teaching. Teachers can take students on virtual field trips, chat live with astronauts on the International Space Station, work with students in another classroom down the hall or across the country. “Out of this world” learning experiences are being created with the simple addition of this technology piece.
The interactive whiteboard can be used effectively in all classrooms with all ages. Today, it seems like students come with “built in” technology knowledge. This means teachers can use these student abilities to their advantage in the classroom.
Engaging Visual Learners: Since children seem to have shorter and shorter attention spans, teachers must create lessons with rich multimedia content including images, videos, and animations. These items are sure to engage visual learners.
- Collaboration and Group Work: Students can interact with content on the board, work together to solve problems and manipulate objects as part of a group activity. Groups can brainstorm for projects and complete tasks as one unit.
- Enhanced Interactivity: Students can use the interactive whiteboards to engage more directly with materials by moving objects like drag and drop answers, drawing using the built in pen tools, and completing digital worksheets.
- Real-Time Feedback: Teachers can provide immediate feedback through interactive quizzes and polls which can allow teachers to adjust lessons accordingly. Leaderboards can also be used to promote student engagement and motivation with completing assignments.
- Blended Learning: Interactive whiteboards allow teachers to integrate seamlessly with online learning platforms by bringing digital resources into the classroom for blended learning.
Since interactive whiteboards have been around for a while now, teachers have access to a plethora of resources. Many websites and online learning platforms offer tips and tricks for effectively using interactive whiteboards. Here are a few sites that can assist teachers with using IWB technology:
As a teacher, I cannot imagine teaching without my interactive whiteboard. My whiteboard helps me reach every student and their individual needs with ease. The added bonus is that I do not have to worry about cleaning chalkboard erasers or running out of dry erase markers.
ClassPoint. (n.d.). 10 ways to use an interactive digital whiteboard in your classroom. ClassPoint. https://www.classpoint.io/blog/ways-to-use-an-interactive-digital-whiteboard
Samsung Business Insights. (2023, October 18). 8 ways to use an interactive whiteboard in the classroom. Samsung Business Insights. https://insights.samsung.com/2023/10/18/8-ways-to-use-an-interactive-whiteboard-in-the-classroom/#:~:text=8%20ways%20to%20use%20an%20interactive%20whiteboard%20in,...%208%208.%20Connect%20with%20remote%20students%20
