Interactive whiteboards (IWBs) are electronic whiteboards connected to a computer and projector that allow users to interact with digital content. IWBs allow teachers to save presentations, access online resources, and engage students in new ways. However, IWBs also have limitations like requiring teachers to use the physical keyboard and potentially distracting from teaching. The document discusses the benefits and drawbacks of IWBs in modern classrooms.

1. Interactive Whiteboards in the Modern Classroom By Samantha Baseggio and Nick Donnelly May 2010 Figure 1

2. What are Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs)? IWBs are a medium in which to present information to people/students in a room. They are just like a whiteboard but instead of the traditional markers and erasers, it is all electronic. IWBs are connected to a laptop/computer and have an interactive screen which is usually permanently attached to a surface/wall. IWBs require a special projector to allow interactivity. This is affixed to the ceiling just in front of the board.

4. Teachers are able to interact with the World Wide Web and have access to millions of pages of information which previously would have required the students to be sitting at an individual computer.

6. The magic wand doesn’t ‘run out’ of ink...

7. Can connect to sites such as Youtube and watch DVDs as a class on a large screen instead of a tiny portable TV!

8. Improvements already include an extended wand for the younger students who may not be able to reach the top of the board.

10. You can now share and swap information for other teachers to use.

11. Track what was covered in classes and bring up old work with just a few clicks of the mouse!

12. All students learn differently and this helps Visual and Audio-Visual learners where once upon a time their needs may have been left neglected

14. Schools are saving hundreds to thousands of dollars a year on having to buy markers which often run out quickly or go missing.

15. Schools have been raising funds by getting parents to donate money towards the purchase of IWBs, School Fetes, Community Donations and allocating money in the annual budget.

17. The IWB is PC friendly and not Mac friendly meaning that some teachers may struggle to use the IWB effectively. Due to its non Mac friendly classes such as Media and Art classes may not benefit as most of these subjects are taught using Mac based computers. (McKenzie S, July 2009)