Interactive Whiteboards in the classroom

1. Interactive Whiteboards in the classroom Mithra Busler May 11th, 2010 NPTNJ

2. About the workshop This presentation is based in part on a workshop presented by Laura Marinelli, Lyndhurst’s District Technology Facilitator. It consisted of an introduction to ActivBoard, Promethean’s interactive whiteboard, and ActiveInspire, the educational software that supports ActivBoard.

3. Background: what is an interactive whiteboard? • An interactive whiteboard or IWB is a large interactive display that connects to a computer and projector. • A projector projects the computer's desktop onto the board's surface. • Users interact with the surface via a pen, finger or other device • Users may also interact via the computer itself.

4. How widespread are IWBs? • In 2007, about 60% of UK and 12% of US classrooms had interactive whiteboards. • In the UK, 98% of secondary and 100% of primary schools have IWBs • One of every seven classrooms in the world is predicted to feature an interactive whiteboard by 2011. • The IWB industry reached sales of $1 billion worldwide in 2008, with sales of 250,000 units in the US alone.

5. Classroom uses and benefits • Replaces traditional presentation media: • Whiteboards/chalkboards, conventional video/media systems such as DVD players, TVs, non-interactive projectors. • But at the same time, can still be used as a conventional whiteboard… • Well-suited for distance learning and collaboration. • Increased student interaction with lesson material: • Directly, through screen • Via classroom response systems; e.g. handheld 'clickers‘.

6. Benefits (continued) • Allows instructors to record their instruction: • Class notes and annotations can be saved in digital format and in some cases as digital video files. • These can then be distributed to participants/students. • Great for demonstrations of other software or web-based resources. • Increases ability to structure your lesson content and timing to match your lesson plan. • A natural interface for other multimedia sources (video feeds, document cameras, the Internet, etc.)

7. Benefits (continued) • Colorful! This increases student engagement. • Clean - no more chalk dusk, dry erase fumes, etc. • Maximizes use of otherwise limited computer access. • Facilitates differentiation and multiple learning modalities (verbal, visual, kinesthetic, auditory) • Can convert handwriting to text. • Is positively received by all age groups.

8. Criticisms/drawbacks A study conducted by London's Institute of Education on the use of IWBs in education found that: • Any boost in motivation due to IWB introduction was short-lived. • No significant impact on pupil performance in the first year in which departments were fully equipped. • Teachers focused more on the new technology than on teaching objectives. • Runs risk of causing a “Sage on the stage” problem • Single point of interaction can lead to slowing of class pace, especially in In lower-ability groups • The focus on interactivity as a technical process can lead to relatively mundane activities being over-valued.

9. Research: some findings… • Math Intervention "SMART" Project (Student Mathematical Analysis and Reasoning with Technology)Findings: Grade one Math study showed significant growth in experimental group v. traditional teaching • Report on the Use of the SMART Board Interactive Whiteboard in Physical Science to counteract gender differences Findings: Found that use of SMART Board to visualize complex phenomena may help women gain knowledge in physical science classes • Interactive use of the board in 8th grade writing classFindings: Statistically significant improvement in student attitudes towards both using computers in instruction and towards writing instruction See more at: http://www.waukeshaschools.com/WIT/SmartBoard/benefits.htm

10. Around the corner… • Camera-based IWBs: • greatly reduce cost • Increase portability • Increased intellectual capital: • Courses designed for IWBs • More elaborate software platforms • Tablet-IWB cooperation • Students input at tablet, appears on IWB • Teacher inputs at IWB appears on students’ screens

11. Promethean ActivInspire – one type of IWB The ActiveInspire desktop:

12. A sample ActivInspire resource: an interactive periodic table

13. Sources Davis, Michelle R. "Whiteboards Inc.: Interactive features fuel demand for modern chalkboards.". Education Week: Digital Directions. September 12, 2007. Wikipedia contributors. "Interactive whiteboard." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 26 Apr. 2010. Web. 11 May. 2010. "Using Electronic Whiteboards in Your Classroom: Benefits." N.p., 2002. Web. 09 May 2010. <http://www.waukeshaschools.com/WIT/SmartBoard/benefits.htm>. "Interactive Whiteboard market shows no real signs of recession". FutureSource. May 10, 2010 <http://www.futuresource-consulting.com/press/2009-03_IWB_Update_release.pdf>. Bell, Mary Ann. "Why Use an Interactive Whiteboard? A Baker’s Dozen Reasons!." Teachers.net Gazette. 3.1 (2002) Moss G, Jewitt C, Levaãiç R, Armstrong V, Cardini A, Castle F (2007) The Interactive Whiteboards, Pedagogy and Pupil Performance Evaluation: An Evaluation of the Schools Whiteboard Expansion (SWE) Project: London Challenge http://www.dfes.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/RR816.pdf