Interactive White Board

Week 5 Entry

What is an IWB? (Interactive White Board)or it is also commonly called a smartboard.

A state of the art technology that is taking the place but not replacing the white board/chalkboard in Queensland classrooms. The IWB requires a computer and projector to be linked to the interactive white board for it to be of use.

I have had some experience with the commercial IWB in the classroom only earlier this year. Before that time I have not used one but I had seen one at a Teacher's Convention. I must admit that by seeing this IWB for the first time I was dazzled and impressed by this new technology that had hit the market. I also immediately thought that this is a fantastic invention and wondered how long it would take for it to appear in Queensland classrooms. Anyway after this day I didn't give another thought to IWB. However, at the prac placement this year I had seen it again but this time in action with students in the class. I have seen first hand how the learning has transformed to a more rich and stimulating environment. I wished that it were around 25-30 years ago when I was a student. Though, I'm not complaining as this new technology has transformed teaching and learning for the better.

There are many benefits of this technology in the educational realm and in my opinion far out weigh any limitations. The main benefit that I would like to talk about here refers to the how the learner learns best? The use of this technology and the software that you can purchase targets students preferred learning style. The three main types of learning styles are: visual, auditory and kinaesthetic. However, this technology has the potential to also target other types of learning styles such as the Gardiner's Multiple Intelligences.

In the tutorial we looked at the interactive white board gadget called the mimio. The mimio is a convenient, light weight hardware that can be easily attached to a white board and used like a commercial IWB. The difference is that it is portable and used anywhere with a computer and projector. I thought that this device would be helpful to me if I am placed in a classroom that the school community has not yet embraced the commercial IWB. I believe that investing in a mimio would be money well spent for the enhancement to the teaching and learning context that this device offers. Plus the added bonus because you purchased it for work it can be claimed at the end of the financial year...double bonus.

I have attached a YouTube video is one of nine tutorials explaining how to use an interactive white board. This video is the third tutorial and explains one of the functions of the mimio. An explanation is given on how to use the software 'Primary i-Dictionary.' This is an informative presentation for anyone who has not seen the use of an IWB and its potential for the educational context.

Thanks for stopping by and reading my thoughts on this ICT Tool.
Till next time...
Rambling Rose.