Exploring the impact of interactive whiteboards on learning: Lessons from the UK - 4 views
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Jose Paulo Santos on 22 Nov 10Abstract. Interactive whiteboards are being adopted in classrooms around the world. They have generally been well received, with many teachers claiming they could no longer teach without one. Others are naturally more sceptical. The article examines the evidence regarding the impact of interactive whiteboards, focusing on experience in the UK, which was one of the early adopters of the technology. A practical example from a primary setting is used to illustrate how interactive software can be used to support the delivery of teaching objectives. A number of benefits are identified. These include impact on presentation, on teaching practice, on the learning environment and on learning itself. Ultimately, it is in the latter area that the real potential of interactive whiteboards to transform education is felt to lie. Notwithstanding this, there are clearly a number of factors which affect the degree to which benefits are realised. These include practical issues, such as frequency of use and access, the teacher's attitude and skills and the process of change management when the technology is first introduced. To ensure maximum benefit, implementation therefore needs to be well thought-out and accompanied by discussion of pedagogy to ensure that the technology is effectively embedded in the learning environment.
