Interactive White Boards

Hello, I'm back again!
 

This weeks ICT workshop focused upon Interactive White Boards (IWB) – the benefits of using them, points to consider when using them, and the various tools available to use for creating teaching resources. Interactive Whiteboards are becoming more and more prevelant within schools to teach across all subject areas (Allen et al., 2007: 14). It creates a new dimension for learning, where almost anything is possible!

Benefits of IWB:

·         They can significantly increase attainment levels (Providing they are actually used interactively and not just displaying information)

·         Appeal to all types of learners

·         Can be beneficial to EAL pupils

·         Can aid SEN pupils

·         They can be used for virtually any curriculum subject

·         The resources used can be referred back to and updated

·         They can make lessons stimulating and enjoyable


However it is important to consider things such as positioning, lighting, and font size otherwise the IWBs could have a negative impact rather than a positive impact.
 

In the workshop we also worked in groups to look at specific tools that can be used to create teaching resources. We explored the tool and then created a resource using that tool that we would be able to use in the classroom and presented this back to the rest of the class.

Tools:

• Click to reveal
• Erase to reveal
• Pull tab
• Magic tunnel
• Balloon pop
• Magnifying glass effect
• Checker tool
• Random Generator tool

My group focused upon the Random Generator tool and I will now briefly explain how to use it.

Random Generator Tool

This tool can be used for various subjects as there are many generators available on the smart software such as name generators, word generators and number generators.

It works around a question normally, whereby many answers are inputted into the generator, and they can then appear ‘randomly’ on screen. For instance, we tested this out with the number generator. We used a sum ’10 + ___ = ?’ We then inputted a selection of numbers into the generator. Then if the number ‘20’ appears, the pupils would have the opportunity to come up to the board and decide what other number with 10 would add up to make 20. By using a random generator, it can incorporate mixed abilities, for example using numbers you can input easy numbers and then harder numbers to challenge pupils.
You can decide which numbers to add in, so if your class was concentrating on number bonds to 10, you could input those numbers in order to test their knowledge.
This is possible for all other subjects too by using a different type of generator depending upon the topic. I would definitely use this tool for mental starters to get pupils thinking.
As we explored this tool we decided the name generator could be useful in the classroom also. You can input pupil's names and when you click on the board individual names will appear in random orders. This is a good technique to encourage pupils to come up to the board or answer questions, and becomes a fair way of getting all pupils involved instead of only asking certain pupils.

The other tools presented from the groups looked really interesting too. I definitely want to incorporate them into future lessons (I just need to learn how to use them properly first!) These tools are a great way of motivating pupils to get involved and participate in class. The possibilities with an Interactive White Board are endless! And i'll leave you with a video that demonstrates just how amazing the IWB's can be!

 

     Enjoy!

References

Allen, J., Potter, J., Sharp, J. & Turvey, K. (2007) Primary ICT. Knowledge, Understanding & Practice. Exeter: Learning Matters LTD

 Cogill, J. (2002) How is the Interactive Whiteboard being used in Primary Schools and how does this affect teachers and teaching? Available at: http://www.activewhiteboards.co.uk/ifs_interactive_whiteboards_in_the_primary_school.pdf [Accessed November 2012]