Response to the paper “What the research says about interactive whiteboards” written by researchers at Becta ICT research.

This paper can be accessed from this link.

The interactive whiteboard (IWB) has been described as a large, touch sensitive board which is connected to digital projector and a computer. This paper reviewed the advantages of the interactive whiteboard for children and teachers but for the purpose of this entry I will only run through the general advantages that were highlighted. This paper is a review paper of all the research up to date on the use interactive whiteboards in the classroom.

• The versatility of the IWB
• The use of IWB increases teaching time in the classroom
• Offers more opportunities for interaction and discussion
• Makes the lesson more enjoyable

Matthew Pugh commented that he found “all students benefit from their interactivity and large screen size and have learned at a greater rate than those not using the IWBs.

This paper has focussed mainly on the advantages of the IWB but has also looked at the some criticisms and negative aspects of using this ICT tools in schools. Below again is a short summary of these findings.

• Poor visibility when sun is shining
• The height of the board can sometimes be too high for children to reach
• Research indicates that while some teachers are making full use of IWBs, this is not generally the case.

My commentary:

I would argue from these points, both positive and negative, that the advantages of the IWB outweigh the disadvantages. Although, clearly teaching not using the IWB to its full potential is an issue. This could be solved in one of two ways in my opinion: making the use if IWB mandatory in schools insisting on proper use if it’s potential which could become a part of the ofsted inspections. Alternatively, compulsory training for teachers could be introduced to inspire and dispel beliefs that IWB and ICT is more trouble than its worth. I would also comment that the novelty of the IWB in the class for the children is bound to wear off, however, this technology still enables teachers access to a vast variety of resources which simply wouldn’t be accessible without such technology.

The link below is to a website that offers tips on how to incorporate the use if IWB programs when teaching specific subjects, see for yourself and marvel and the wonder…..

IWB links with specific subjects