interactive whiteboard

An interactive whiteboard (IWB) is a touch-sensitive screen that works in conjunction with a computer and a projector. The first interactive whiteboard was manufactured by SMART Technologies Incorporated in 1991.  Educators were the first people to recognize the interactive whiteboards potential as a tool for collaboration, improving student learning outcomes, and streamlining lesson planning. Educators continue to comprise the largest user base for this technology.

Simply put an interactive whiteboard is:

• • A large screened computer that you can write on.
  • Allows teachers create a presentation tailored to our students that is more engaging then watching us write on the board.
  • Allows us to make better use of our in class time with our students.
  • Allows the students to be more active in the classroom, creating a sense of control over their own learning.                                                                    

Interactive whiteboards raise the level of student engagement in a classroom, motivate students and promote enthusiasm for learning. Interactive whiteboards support different learning styles and are used in a variety of learning environments, including those catering to students with hearing and visual impairments  Research also indicates that notes taken on an interactive whiteboard can play a key role in the student review process, leading to higher levels of student attendance. In addition to the observed positive impacts on student learning, research shows that designing lessons around interactive whiteboards helps educators streamline their preparation, be more efficient in their Information and Communication Technology (ICT) ntegration and increase their productivity overall.