INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARDS
An interactive whiteboard allows computer images to be displayed onto a board using a projector. A teacher can then control features on the board by using their finger as a mouse straight onto the screen. Items can be dragged, clicked and copied and the teacher can handwrite notes, which can be changed into text and saved.
The interactive whiteboard is a powerful tool in the classroom adding interactivity and collaboration, allowing media to be integrated into the lesson and supporting collaborative learning. Used creatively they provide a wide range of learning opportunities. However, it seems they are often not used to their full potential. With these things in mind, it is important that I am aware of the full capabilities of interactive whiteboards for supporting learning and am confident in using this technology.
I began by working through the video and powerpoint resources on Blackboard linked to the use of Interactive Whiteboards ("Basic accessibility", "IWB Teacher Training" and "56 Ways to use an IWB in Class". Several weeks later, following a practical university based session on the use of interactive whiteboards, I moved on to the advanced Blackboard resources, looking at the more subtle skills involved in manipulating features within the program. I also downloaded the free Smartboard software made available.
I used Smartboard software almost every day during GPP to display images, lesson objectives, videos and lesson slides. I also used it for interactive quizzes and games. I feel very confident in my ability to use interactive whiteboards to support my lessons, but more importantly perhaps, I feel confident that I can develop these skills further as challenges arise.