Interractive Whiteboards

If within my classroom I am previleged to be provided with an interractive whiteboard, I will certainly be excited and use it daily. I have briefly used this form of technology within a school for disabled children and was most impressed. Within a particular lesson the students had learn't how to use the whiteboard which was guided by the teacher. The interraction was fantastic! Without this form of technology these students would not be able to participate with this form technology learning as the majority of these children are unable to use a mouse and computer.

Below I have listed some useful tips in reference to using Interractive Whiteboards.

Horses for courses
Choosing a whiteboard really depends on the needs of your school. Most whiteboards are either operated by a finger and have a soft surface or by an electromagnetic pen and have a hard surface. Both types have pros and cons so visiting other schools to see which will suit you best is a great idea.

Location, location, location
Consider if large windows require blinds for sunny days and the height of those viewing the board - children and staff. Remember that a board and extra equipment will require as many as six power sockets nearby.
Think about the area around the board. On either side of the board, I have two waist high units, one is for my laptop so I and the children can type onto the board while looking into the class. On the other is my visualiser or document camera. This allows easy access to the board, but is flexible and allows for other approaches

Get to know your new board
The installation company should offer you basic training on the software which operates with your board. Consider whether this software offers the tools and resources to enable you to teach effectively. Look around and see what is available before deciding.Accept that, although initial gliches may happen, they are often easily rectified

It's not a flip chart, so don't pretend it is
Don't be tempted to settle into a routine of creating a series of slides for you to talk about. If you would not have done it with traditional resources, don't do it now. Try to justify the learning aim of each slide

Make sure your lesson is interactive
Think about where it is appropriate to make pages, or slides, interactive. This could involve children coming out to manipulate some text or a diagram, or typing directly into the PC/laptop. A good, whizzy maths game with things flying around and going bang at the beginning of a numeracy lesson, will certainly get your children's attention

Images, images, images
Images are powerful learning tools. The software which runs on your board will allow you to import saved images from your computer or copy and paste images from the web. I try to start every lesson with an image which the children can make some kind of emotional connection (Teachers.TV, 2009).


References
Teachers. TV, 2009, Interractive Whiteboard top tips, Retrieved 18th August, 2009, from; http://www.teachers.tv/ict/whiteboardtips