My Interactive Whiteboard

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.

Comments

[Andy]

I hated English because of my teachers...I got my GCE O Level in English with a C ! I wish I were one of your students now!! Too late, I guess. Your students are very lucky to have a teacher like you providing them with the very best technology has to offer.

[Haruko]

Good morning my dear Anastasia. I just got up and thought to say hi before going to work. I am glad you made your dream come true. I wish you many happy lessons now that you have your interactive whiteboard.

[Jeff]

Evidently, setting goals is easy but reaching them can be a wee bit difficult. Knowing how much you love your work, I guess reaching your goals is your primary aim. And it seems you're doing great. No doubt, an interactive whiteboard is a super tool for both you and your students.

[Lisa A]

I am using the interactive whiteboard in my classroom for 2 years now and I have seen a very good progress in my students even the less good ones. Kids can use their fingers and hands to draw, they feel more creative especially the less talented ones. The more talented see the interactive whiteboard as a challenge and together we explore its ressorces to produce really great drawings and paintings. When the principal of the school said yes for the interactive whiteboard in the art class, I was the most happiest teacher. I like your idea of getting the kids to write at the end of the lesson something they have learned or maybe in my class draw something new they have learned to do. In my school we have interactive boards for the language classes (language laboratory), maths, science geography and art.

[Lakis Ioannou]

As a schoolboy, all I remember is the traditional blackboard at the primary school, the white chalk and a duster! Everytime the teacher wiped off the blackboard everything was covered in white dust! There was a small progress at the high school - the blackboard was replaced by a green board - a softer material. Well, it's amazing what an interactive whiteboard can do nowadays. At the office I have an interactive business board but it's very different from the one you describe.

[Christina]

Wow! I had never before heard of interactive whiteboards. When I was at school we had the blackboard with the chalk which reminds me that I am getting old! and later at college the normal whiteboard. But this is a miracle of technology! You spoil your kids, Anastasia, but judging from their teacher, I am sure they deserve it!

[Constantinos]

Now that's a very cool tool, Anastasia, and I am glad you finally made your dream come true. And thank you for quoting my blog... actually OUR blog! True, perseverence makes success. Without it nothing can be achieved. When you decided to invest on the latest hi tech media in education , it is only for one reason (since you run a small school) : your love for your work but most importantly your love for your kids. 100 lucky kids!

[Lucy]

That's a great tool, Anastasia. Technology should be part of the education of our children - especially when learning a foreign language.

[Laura]

This is a great tool to have in your classroom, my friend. I'm sure both you and your students will make the most of it.

[summer]

wow that is really great ms anastasia. im sure your students are very happy for having the latest tool in ur school. am happy for you that your school is growing and im wishing you all the best ms anastasia.

takecare ms anastasia. and pls dont forget me even 360 closes down. i dont want to lose touch with you. *hugs* and kisses.

[Faith]

Congratulations on your wonderful interactive whiteboard. I can tell you it would be a huge benefit to my class butI was just given a document reader (that regular education teachers have had 2 yrs already). I am thankful for the document reader but it is certainly not interactive. I doubt that before I retire, we will have interactive whiteboards. Enjoy it and be glad you are not in public education in S. Florida. I am mildly jealous but then I will retire before you. LOL It all works out in the end. I am happy for you!!!

[Tina]

I'll bet the students really like the new whiteboard, too! :-)
I know Rachel mentioned that her math teacher last year had this in the classroom--maybe in time, every teacher will be able to use one.
Congrats to you on aquiring this new teaching tool.

[emma]

Is it like, uh, a Smart Board? I had one in class, awesome! What I loved about it is I can make Power Point presentations and show the class!!!

[Anastasia]

It's the smartest board I've ever used. Sure, you can make Power Point presentations and show the class - since it displays the info on your computer!