IWB - Interactive White Board

Teaching and learning have taken a new and exciting turn. Technology plays a major part in this transformation. There is a wide variety of resources available for willing and able teachers. The most important of these, in my opinion, is the Interactive White Board. In the UK alone almost 85% of teachers are now teaching effectively using this apparatus. Education and indeed the National Curriculum, in recent years particularly, is focused on interaction and inclusion.  I will now discuss how the Interactive White Board achieves this.

Firstly, what is the advantages of the IWB?

• It creates a magical environment within the classroom,
• The power to enhance interaction between pupils and teachers,
• Aspects and subjects are brought to life
• A vast amount of tools at our exposure
• Suits all levels of attainment and
• It supports, promotes and extends learning.

" One of the greatest virtues of an IWB is the ease with which the teacher can present information and activities matched to the changing needs of the class when engaged in whole-class interactive teaching". (Bennett, Hamill and Pickford 2007, pg85).If used correctly the IWB becomes an indispensable tool. It provides us with a variety of teaching methods and materials and supports creative thinking and learning. They increase enjoyment and excitement levels within the class and in turn creates a motivational stimulus.

Loveless and Babs(2005) mention the phrase "learning by doing". This suggests to me that all subjects (to an extent) can be learned through practical activity using the IWB. They also state that learners tend to "learn most effectively when they are actively engaged with materials and ideas" (pg 93). I have met teachers that are terrified of this equipment and choose not to use it to its full potential. This is a huge loss to both the teacher and more so the students. The purpose of this machine and programmes is to make the world of teaching attractive,fun and motivational. It saves on resources, time and storage and it provides visual, auditory and kinesthetic learning all in one.

After using this amazing resource for an English presentation, I for one can see the benefits. Its quick and simple to use. However as with every other aspect of life there is always disadvantages. After much thought, I have come to the conclusion that they are very limited. The most obvious one must be the cost, but this must be balanced with the afterall effect and potential. It is also vital that all children are exposed to the board as frequently as possible.The fixture of the board must be taken into consideration regarding health and safety issues.

In conclusion, I portray strong agreement and encoragment for the successful use of IWB in the world of education today. Children should feel happy, comfortable, intrigued and challenged in all aspects of life. This resource provides all these aspects effectivly. Although there is minor disadvantages, the positive attributes surpass these successfully.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLdHbtuCIyY

 Agar, R, (2003) Information and Communications Technology in Primary Schools: Children or computers in control? London, David Fulton

Bennet, R, Hamil, A, Pickford, T (2007) Progrssion in Primary ICT, Oxford, David Fulton

Loveless, A, Babs, D, (2005) ICT in the Primary School, United Kingdom, Open University Press

http://www.rapid.co.uk/our-services/audio-visual/smart-products/smart-boards-.phuse?gclid=COOr4YK-8KsCFUYe4QodwEUXIw
http://www.britishinternationalprimaryschool.se/#