Interactive Whiteboards

Interactive Whiteboards have always been intimidating to me because I never knew how they worked. Throughout my whole education, this was the only class the actually used the interactive whiteboard. When reviewing the software and how the board works, I was amazed at how user friendly and simple the whole process is. Since none of my teachers and professors used the interactive whiteboards, I thought that they were complicated and a hassle. They are actually very easy to use!

Now that I feel comfortable working with the software and using all of the features the white board offers, I would be more than willing to have a interactive whiteboard in my classroom. I think that as a teacher you must be selective on the types of games and features you use. There are appropriate and inappropriate times to use all of the features and I think the interactive board may actually be a distraction at times.

I would say that if the teacher is creative they can really grab and keep students attention throughout a whole lesson. The students really enjoy using technology because it is something that is familiar and comfortable to them. They often feel like they may know more about technology then the teacher. It is a good way to get students to the front of the room, willing to participate and can give the teacher an opportunity to informally assess academic performance.

I really feel that it is a way to get students more engaged in the material you are teaching and if you want to keep your students attention you are going to have to continue to advance with technology. Other teachers will be grabbing students attention and when they get to your class you want to be able to match or surpass other teachers creativity and ability to engage the students. An interactive whiteboard is just one of many tools that a teacher can use to their advantage.