INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARDS (IWB)

I did not have any clue or any experience about the IWB before starting my BECH programme. During my journey of education I learned a lot of new versatile digital tools that can help increase students’ achievements in all levels. 

As a future educator I want to encourage all the teachers to make use of resources like IWB or other forms of ICTs in their activities to make it more rich and interactive.

IWB allows teachers and students to interact with the content projected from the computer screen onto the whiteboard. Virtually anything that can be done in a computer can be done on the large screen of the IWB.

Functions of IWB

Using interactive applications on IWB

IWB are educational tools that increase levels of interaction, communication, collaboration and engagement in learning and teaching situations (Northcote, 2010). I believe IWB is a digital tool that helps students to manipulate with text by using their fingers and pens, making learning more active, kinaesthetic, and engaging. The whole class can be engaged in interactions; and lessons can be saved and played later for students who need more time. IWB can be used in all levels of learning including Preschools and higher education.

Below YouTube video explains how to use the IWB and its function that can be used for educational purpose. I believe IWB is a great technology, in fact the best educational resources for integrating ICTs in early year setting.

I found some interesting games and activities which is suitable for preschoolers to explore specific topics using IWB through the websites:

1) PBS KIDS Whiteboard Resources

2) 10 excellent ways to use an interactive whiteboard in your music classroom

3) The best, free interactive whiteboard resources 

Reference:

Northcote., (2010). Interactive whiteboards: Interactive or just whiteboard? Journal of Education Technology 4, 494-510.

Oxford University Press ELT. (2014, march19). An Introduction to Interactive Whiteboards [Video]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jIHg3F3C56I

Midnight music. (2014). 10 excellent ways to use an interactive whiteboard in your music classroom. Retrieved March 9, 2014, fromhttp://www.midnightmusic.com.au/2011/02/10-excellent-ways-to-use-an-interactive-whiteboard-in-your-music-classroom/