For a long time now, I've been looking forward to having an interactive whiteboard in my classroom. Considering that I run a small language school of about 100 students where I am my own boss and the only teacher, having an interactive whitebord was what some people would call wishful thinking! But as Constantinos said in his last blog on Blogger, perseverance makes success. Finally, last Friday the dream came true.
An interactive whiteboard is a large, touch-sensitive panel that connects to a digital projector and a computer, displaying the information on the computer screen. It resembles a traditional whiteboard and is used similarly. The computer connected to the interactive white board can be controlled by touching the board directly or by using a special pen. Such actions (inputs) are transmitted to the computer instead of using a mouse or keyboard.
Interactive whiteboards present educational resources in a highly interactive way and are suitable for whole class and small group settings. They allow pupils to engage and interact with the technology to become active participants in learning. Pupils with special needs can particularly benefit from the presentation of multimedia content on a large screen as it can aid in both information processing and retention. Optimal use of an interactive whiteboard involves both the teacher and students using it in a classroom situation. It can, for example, be used to:
-Allow presentation of student work in a more interactive and collaborative model
-Show video clips that explain difficult concepts (in any curricular area)
-Demonstrate how an educational software program works, e.g., an art programme with students using their fingers and hands to draw rather than working with a mouse
-Cater more effectively for visually impaired students and other students with special needs
-Display Internet resources in a teacher-directed manner
-Create handwritten drawings, notes and concept maps during class time, all of which can be saved for future reference.
Also an interactive white board in a language class can be used to :
- save lessons for pupils who were absent and send them by email
- teach grammar and vocabulary in a fun way
- play interactive ...word games
- do quizes on either reading, grammar or vocabulary
- motivate the weaker students
- use internet sites, video clips or dvds to relate to the reading in the textbook
- use the textbook on the board to highlight text, check comprehension and vocabulary
- brainstorm ideas for compositions
- as an electronic word wall
- allow students to create group projects and even write a class book!
- end each day by having students write one thing they've learnt.
Interactive Whiteboards are phenomenal tools. . They provide ways to show students anything which can be presented on a computer's desktop (educational software, web sites, and others). In addition, interactive whiteboards allow teachers to record their instruction and post the material for review by students at a later time. This can be a very effective instructional strategy for students who benefit from repetition, who need to see the material presented again, for students who are absent from school, for struggling learners, and for review for examinations. Brief instructional blocks can be recorded for review by students—they will see the exact presentation that occurred in the classroom with the teacher's audio input. This can definitely help accelarate the process of learning.
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