Journal 6: Interactive Boards

An Interactive Whiteboard is basically a touch sensitive computer screen. It is connected to and used with a computer and a projector. The projector displays the image of the computer's desktop on the surface of the whiteboard. The whiteboard then becomes interactive in that a person (teacher or student) could then use a pen, finger, or other device on the actual whiteboard to manipulate data and/or objects. This is a powerful tool for teaching and presenting. In the classroom, teachers can show students anything that can be presented on a computer’s desktop, without having to be huddled around the computer. Accessories allow movement and engagement of the teacher throughout the classroom. Teachers can also record their lessons (with audio) and save them or post them so that students can view the instruction just as it was explained the first time. This benefits students that may have been absent for a particular lesson, those that are struggling with a particular concept, and/or those that need repetition to learn.
A discussion on Classroom 2.0 covered many advantages of the Interactive Whiteboards as well as some practical uses for them in the classroom. With the lifestyles of children today, traditional methods of teaching are not always effective in keeping the attention of students. Interactive Whiteboards have shown that even students with ADHD are engaged and eager to participate. Teachers and students can play educational games and visit interactive websites. One suggestion was to collaborate with the class using graphic organizers (Inspiration & Kidspiration). The boards can easily integrate multi-modal approaches making teaching more efficient. The use of and exposure to these whiteboards on a daily basis also enhances the student’s technological abilities. This is important for those who may not have computers readily accessible to them outside of school.
The two most prolific Interactive Whiteboards are the Smart Board and the Promethean ActivBoard. Both see pretty comparable to each other for most needs. However, the ActivBoard seems to have its foundation in education, with readymade lesson plans available, so it seemed to be favored in the discussion. Lower priced items, like the eBeam and Mimio, were also mentioned, but simply for their cost.
To see the potential of how the Interactive Whiteboards can work with software and really be amazed... Check out this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1l2tDiyRWvw&feature=related