Interactive Whiteboards

            Many classrooms are now using interactive whiteboard systems. They create interactivity with students and enable them to become actively involved with lessons. It is important for teachers to become effective in using them since they are becoming more prominent in the education world. Today, many teachers plan their lessons and use interactive whiteboards while teaching. Today’s lessons have transitioned from textbooks to digital lessons. Teachers have been enthusiastic in adopting these boards; however, little research exists on their effect on student knowledge (Marzano, 2009).  

There are many companies that provide sales for interactive whiteboard systems. Three of these companies are found in schools. Promethean offers an integrated system that packages the interactive whiteboard, learner response, lesson design and delivery software and online support. SMART Board interactive whiteboards are common in business as well as education. Mimio is a system that turns a basic whiteboard into an interactive whiteboard by attaching the Mimio Teach Unit. For schools with a budget, Mimio is a great option.

There are many effective uses for an interactive board. The instructor is able to highlight, color, annotate, or zoom in on important content. This enhances visuals for students and enables them to closely look at material. It also imports pictures for instruction and brainstorming, or collaborative writing. It also provides visual or auditory feedback by touch. It provides classroom instruction and improvement of active learning, classroom management, lesson organization and flow, and flexibility in handling lesson materials. Research has also concluded that the use of interactive whiteboards include increased efficiency, versatility, multimodal presentation, and interactivity. It enhances interaction with the board or peers and establishes an ability to draw learners’ attention and facilitated learning and remembering using visual media.

There also many challenges to working with interactive whiteboards. Some teachers may not fully understand how to use interactive whiteboards. Additionally, they do not guarantee proficiency. Technical issues could occur, and teachers could not be instructed properly on how to fix them. This could cause glitches in time and in lessons. Students with visual impairments could also be impacted by these interactive whiteboards and may find challenges in seeing them. With proper training and planning, however, teachers could find interactive whiteboards useful.