An Interactive what?

What is an interactive white board?

An interactive white board, most commonly known as a Smartboard, is a wide range term which describes when a computer and a large video display creates a touch sensitive surface, and also allows the computer to be controlled by the board.

What are they used for?

An interactive white board is used within school classrooms to enrich the learning process and aid in teaching lessons. The inclusion of interactive white boards allows for a more collaborative class. Students can draw and interact with the information on the screen. Studies have shown that the interaction with the white board increases the retention of the information learned. In the business environment they are used in similar ways: they increase productivity and allow work completed on the white boards to be emailed to a large amount of people which can be printed as well.

Do they have any advantages?

There are several advantages to having interactive white boards in classrooms. As I stated before, studies have shown that students retain more information when they are taught with an interactive white board. Using an interactive white board helps students learn in a new way that captures their attention and keeps them engrossed in the activities. Too much of a good thing can create problems, so I would not use the interactive white board every day. This could be used when a teacher is trying to teach students skills or demonstrate an idea which requires students to be interactive. Students stay engaged because they are involved and are not destined to stay in their chairs.

Sounds good, any disadvantages?

There are several disadvantages to interactive white boards in classrooms and they all deal with money. The obvious disadvantage to interactive white boards is the expense of supplying several classrooms. The costs range from several hundred to several thousands of dollars apiece. Another disadvantage is educating the teachers to use the interactive white boards successfully in the classrooms. Each school would have to dedicate time and money into educating teachers and ensuring they are comfortable enough with the technology to use it in the classrooms. Maintenance of the interactive white boards would be another disadvantage in these strenuously financial times. I do not mean the actual cleaning of the boards but the continual synchronization of the board to make sure that it works properly.What good is a piece of equipment if it can't fulfill its duites?

Who can benefit from this technology?

The interactive white boards have several audiences: schools, businesses and sports workrooms. In schools they are useful in classrooms, but also in conference rooms for professional development. For businesses they are useful because the information created can be printed for easy distribution. They are useful in sports workrooms as they can be drawn on and allow for coaches to interact with the video they are reviewing. Interactive white boards can be used in almost any area of informing a group of people about a certain topic while displaying visual images.

Where can you learn more about this tech tool?

Interactive white boards in the classroom

Information about interactive white boards

Interactive white board via Wikipedia

What is your opinion on the usefulness of this tool?

As a future teacher, I believe the interactive white boards are a useful educational tool to be used in the classroom. I have never used an interactive white board or been in a classroom with one, but I can see how they would capture students' interest. I am all for any tool or gagdet that will capture a students' attention or increase their learning. I do not think interactive white boards should be used as a crutch to teach classes but as an enhancement to the lesson.I believe there is a fine line that teachers should be aware of when teaching students. There are many lessons that could be expanded or enhanced by interactive white boards such as editing in an English class or a geography lesson in a History class, and the list is endless. An interactive white board as a tool for enhancement rather than a forced tool to be used, will engage students' attention and increase their learning as it may connect with their different learning styles. Students are familiar and interact with some form of technology every day, so it only makes sense to include technology into the classroom to grab their attention.

Since I am a pre-service teacher I am very eager to include new forms of technology into the classrooms; anything that enhances learning and connects with students is a great idea. I am excited to connect with students and help them understand the new and difficult concepts that they are taught in school. I think if teachers can deliver the same educational lesson in a new and creative way that students may be more apt to learn or pay attention.