Interactive Whiteboards IWB

Most schools now have IWB in the classroom. This often under used software is a brilliant piece of technology. Used correctly they can be a great tool for engaging children in their learning. At university recently we received training in SMART and PROMETHEAN software. During both our training session we were shown how to make resources on the software. These were interactive activities to go along side our lessons. I don't think there was much between the two programmes. To get the most from either of them you would have to use them yourself quite a bit. They both work in a similar way to PowerPoint where you make up slides with text and images. The difference is that you can very easily make the text and images animated using Smart and Promethean.
IWB mean teachers can purposefully include ICT in lessons with engage and interact with children. Teachers need to make sure they keep up with the advancements in technology. It is no use having and IWB in the class and never having the children up an using it.

"Teachers need to be able to make informed and imaginative decisions about how the curriculum and the teaching strategies which children encounter in schools enable them to become critical and creative participants in a 'knowledge age', not passive consumers of 'information'. " Loveless (Ed.) (2002, p8)

I think IWB allow children to interact with their education. When I grew up you just watched tv, nowadays children can create and view their own ideas. Teachers need to be aware of this development  and keep up with the modern world. By using correctly IWB are a simple tool which can allow teachers to create and foster the idea that children can use technology to discover their own learning.

Curriculum for Excellence states that ICT should be used to enhance learning. Resources such as Smart and Promethean allow this to happen.

Continued Professional Development (CPD) is compulsory for all teachers.

"Teachers have high expectations placed upon them in preparing learning experiences to develop learners' knowledge and understanding in the curriculum, in their ICT capacity, in their ICT skills and in their thinking processes." Loveless (Ed.) (2002, p20)

The training we were provided with allowed me to develop my own skills. With a bit more practice I will be able to include correct, relevant and engaging ICT in the classroom through IWB. My council area uses Smart software and boards throughout the region. I have since downloaded this to my computer to allow me to keep improving my skills.

Here is an document produced by SMART on improving learning through IWB if you are interested in learning more.


Loveless, A and Dore, B (Ed.) (2002) ICT in the Primary School. New York: Open University Press