Interactive whiteboards have become popular over the last few years, and it appears that their use will continue to grow exponentially.
An interactive whiteboard is a large display that connects to a computer and a projector. The projector projects the computer's desktop onto the board's surface, where users control the computer with a pen, finger, or other device. The board is typically mounted to a wall or floor stand. Various accesories, such as student response systems, enable interactivity.
In a recent study carried out to find out the impact whiteboards have on studens' learning, researchers found that students achieved better and significant results.
The study also suggests how teachers might use interactive whiteboards more effectively:
- Organize information according to students'needs
- Do not overwhelm students with too much content and visuals
- Pace the lesson intelligently
- Visuals should focus on the important information
- Balance visuals and written information on flipcharts
- Work out why an answer is correct or incorrect with students before using reinforcing features like the virtual applause
Interactive whiteboards have great potential as a tool to enhance pedagogical practices and improve students'learning, but teachers must understand that whiteboards like many other powerful techno tool must be used thoughtfully, in accordance with what we know about good classroom practice.
Adapted from "Teaching with Interactive Whiteboards" by Robert J. Marzano, Educational Leadership, November 2009 Vol.67 Nº3 - www.ascd.org
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