Interactive Whiteboards (IWB) are newly developed in more contemporary schools that allow users to access a touchscreen surface via an electronic pen or computer screen. In the classroom, teachers can use Interactive Whiteboards to engage students in various activities that will allow the students to be actively involved. The teachers can implement curriculum in a variety of ways utilizing any of the many types of whiteboards. The boards themselves include Promethean, SMART, and Mimio. Promethean is an integrated system that has lesson design software, interactive whiteboard, learner response system, and online support. SMART is generally used in schools and businesses and was actually the first board to be integrated in classrooms. Mimio boards are usually for lower-budget schools, allowing the schools to simply attach the board to a regular whiteboard.
Interactive Whiteboards are great tools for teachers because it allows them to create enhanced learning environments and integrate differentiated learning styles. Students and teachers can use the boards to highlight, use multimedia, import and export pictures, annotate, and connect via student response systems. Research completed on IWBs states that if they are used correctly, they can increase active learning, classroom management, lesson organization and flow, and the flexibility in handling lesson materials. Students can also use IWBs to increase their knowledge of technology and to familiarize themselves with tools they may not have access to at home. They can also use the IWB in group and individual work, and enrich instruction, motivation and overall participation from students. The overall effectiveness can vary and ultimately does not affect lower achieving students as much, however in some studies, an increase in student achievement is shown.
Student response systems can be used to take polls or quizzes and can allow for teachers to check students' understanding during the lesson. In addition, graphics and videos are helpful, allowing students to be directed to a specific piece of information or to incorporate fun activities into the curriculum like animations. There is a 31% increase in achievement levels with the use of interactive whiteboards, and the only decrease in achievement was when the board was used incorrectly.
Teachers can be effective if they have the technical and pedagogical proficiency to utilize the boards to the fullest extent. While there are problems that can be associated with the boards, if used correctly, teachers have the opportunity to significantly enhance instruction. They can become more familiar with IWBs by participating in teacher training programs, preparation, and other sources of technical support. The training must be initial so that the teachers receive the most benefit and gain the most knowledge possible on IWBs.
