Interactive whiteboards were developed to address issues with traditional chalkboards like dust and lack of engagement. The first interactive whiteboard was created in 1991 and allows teachers to connect their computer to a large board for students to interact with digital lessons and the internet. Research shows that interactive whiteboards improve student engagement and learning outcomes, especially for lower-performing students. However, they also require a significant upfront and ongoing financial investment from schools.

1. Interactive White Boards By: Emily Callaway ECOMP 6008

2. In the Beginning… Chalk boards were the first tool that teachers could use over again to have the entire class see what the teacher was teaching. This tool came into the classroom around 1801, and were made of dark slate stone. The problem with the chalk boards was the dust that came from the chalk. Not only does it make a mess, but there were links to respiratory problems in teachers and students. Not to mention the issues the dust caused to electronics, and I’m sure no one can forget the lovely sounds of chalk on a chalk board.

3. At last, no more chalk hand to worry about!! In the mid-1980’s teachers were thrilled when the old chalk boards were being replaced with the new beautiful white boards. Teachers finally had the chance to use colored erasable markers and they no longer had to worry about dusty prints on their bottoms. This was a step closer to having engaged learners.

4. The Birth of the Interactive Whiteboard Once people came to realize how great their whiteboards were, and how amazing their computers were, some started to think why not put them together. In 1991, the first interactive whiteboard was manufactured by SMART Technologies. Educators quickly realized the potential for interactive engaged learning.

5. What is a Interactive Whiteboard? The basic explanation is, a computerized whiteboard. In my classroom, I have a Promethean Board. It is basically just a larger computer screen. The board is connected to my computer and to a projector. This allows for my students to not only see what is on my computer, but interact with it as well. However, some interactive whiteboards are just a projection onto a screen.

6. Why spend lots of money for Interactive Whiteboards? National Education Association says it best, “Research has repeatedly demonstrated that students learn better when they are fully engaged and that multisensory, hands-on learning is the best way to engage them. Interactive whiteboards facilitate multisensory learning whether it is a collaboration exercise for math problem solving or a Google Earth tour of the Amazon rainforest. “

7. Connection from student to computer I use my interactive whiteboard in everything I teach. If I am reading a story about Africa, I can quickly get online and show the students pictures of Africa. If we are learning about the solar system I can go onto the NASA website. During math, I have students using manipulatives on the board interactively. At any point during my lesson, I can test my kids for their understanding with an interactive voter. This can be anonymous or named. So not only are the students engaged but they are also interactive in their learning.

8. Pros The students are engaged and involved. Immediate access to internet, video, sounds, interactive website, and the list goes on. Students get to learn new technology. Research shows that some students learn better Immediate formative assessment with voters. Once the flip charts are made they can use them for the following year. Most of all students enjoy it! Cons Cost to use!! (SMART boards and Promethean Boards both run around $6000. This only includes the board and projector. To put it in perspective a new light blub for a Promethean Board cost around $400 . Lets also not forget the training of teachers and support staff. ) The board will only work as well as the teacher using it. Extra time for teachers to make interactive lessons. Sometimes technology doesn’t work. Substitutes have a difficult time using them.

9. I LOVE MY INTERACTIVE BOARD!!! I love my board! It is very important to teach students about up coming technology, and why not spend the extra money to connect them to the world. It is the teacher’s responsibility to make technological educational gains as well. My students know how to search on the internet safely because of the board in the classroom. Instead of having students hide in the back of my classroom when I’m asking for volunteers they all want to participate. This year I even participated in a research project by Robert Marzano, who wanted to know if the interactive whiteboard made a difference or if it was just the teacher. So my class had to use full technology for two weeks and then no technology for two weeks. At the end, I found out my highest achieving and lowest achieving students scored much better with technology than without it. I know this is just one test, however, I saw the difference in test scores throughout the year.

11. Gray, C., Hagger-Vaughan, L., Pilkington, R., & Tompkins, S.-A. (2005, Winter). The pros and cons of interactive whiteboards in relation to the key stage 3 strategy and framework. Language Learning Journal, 32, 38-44. Retrieved from http://www.ittmfl.org.uk/‌modules/‌ict/‌2c/‌paper2c1.pdf

12. History. (2010, May 18). Whiteboard. Retrieved May 18, 2010, from http://en.wikipedia.org/‌wiki/‌Whiteboard

13. Smart Technologies. (2006, March). Improving student learning outcomes and streamlining lesson planning. In Interactive whiteboards and learning (pp. 4,5) [Brochure]. Retrieved from http://www.neamb.com/‌home/‌1216_2782.htm

14. Teich, A. (2009, May 13). Interactive whiteboards enhance classroom instruction and learning [Electronic mailing list message]. Retrieved from http://www.neamb.com/‌home/‌1216_2782.htm

15. Touchboards. (n.d.). Cost of interactive whiteboards. In Touchboards. Retrieved from http://touchboards.com/‌smartboards/‌SmartSB680i_Refurb-Combo.html