What is an Interactive Whiteboard (IWB)?
"An interactive whiteboard is an instructional tool that allows computer images to be displayed onto a board using a digital projector. The instructor can then manipulate the elements on the board by using his finger as a mouse, directly on the screen. " BBC Active As new technology is cropping up in the classroom, old teaching tools are being replaced. The classic blackboard and chalk was replaced by a whiteboard and marker and now the whiteboard is slowly being phased out by its electronic successor the Interactive Whiteboard (IWB). There are many benefits and drawbacks related to this piece of classroom kit. Some of which are: Advantages of using interactive whiteboards in a ELT classroom setting 1. Once the board has been used, the content can be saved and re-used at another time 2. Create and build a library of lessons, which will be efficient and consistent for future classes 3. Board-work and content can be shared with colleagues and can be incorporated in the syllabus as a default template 4. Students can collaborate or compete with each other simultaneously, with the addition of using images and audio 5. Gap fill and word ordering activities are easily completed (saves time) Disadvantages of using interactive whiteboards in a ELT classroom setting 1. The initial time taken to produce materials can be lengthy, as texts will need to be typed 2. Does not match the sensitivity and response rate of a normal whiteboard when writing 3. The main focus of the lesson may be diverted on using new technology 4. May distract the students from the actual task 5. IWBs are expensive I feel the IWB needs to be normalised in the classroom for effective teaching to take place because students may be new to it and will not feel confident in using its features. Another area I feel that the IWB lacks most of the time is the responsiveness. This could be due to the manufacture and quality, but some show delay and could create frustration amongst students. The technology is smart and innovative and has capabilities of developing a productive classroom. Let me know what you think and contribute to this post, as it will aid teachers to understand the role of using the IWB in the classroom.
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