The interactive whiteboard has gained popularity with teachers when used simultaneously with a computer and video
projector as it creates an interactive learning community. Instead of having to crowd
around one or two computers, the interactive whiteboard can not only display material on a
screen, but also respond to human interaction, responding to both computer commands,
and touch commands on the screen. Being touch-sensitive, means students can control the
board and manipulate applications with their finger or pens. Students can annotate notes
on the screen or compose original material that can be saved, printed or disseminated
electronically.
The whiteboard was originally marketed to teachers as a high-tech version of a chalkboard
or flip chart that eliminated the need for chalk or markers (Lee, 1992). The ability to write
and save notes, as well as the growing popularity of its use in distance learning and
communication, sparked interest in the interactive board. As the product became more
popular and therefore less expensive, universities and school districts began experimenting
with the use of the interactive board as a teaching device.



Interactive Technology can help professors enhance communication in the classroom so there is increased attention, interest, preparation, and retention of class materials by the students. Interactive Technology (also called audience response systems) involves students using individual response pads (clickers) to respond to questions asked in class by the professor. The students’ responses are captured by a receiver and with the software available, professors can get instant feedback from their students to determine how well they understand the material presented. To get started using this technology, professors can either buy a system outright or utilize one in conjunction with their textbook. After attending a few training classes and working with their Information Technology people to install it in their classroom, a professor can start working with the system to enhance their interaction with students in class.

Sources:

http://www.btinternet.com/~tony.poulter/IWBs/info.htm

www.editlib.org/index.cfm?fuseaction=Reader.ViewAbstract&paper_id=28842

http://partners.becta.org.uk/page_documents/research/wtrs_whiteboards.pdf

IT In the Classroom

Inactive technology is extremely useful in the classroom. My favorite technology that I like using is the Interactive whiteboards. Because interactive whiteboards are so like conventional whiteboards, they can help even technophobic teachers to use technology comfortably for presentations from the front of the room. They help in embedding the use of e-learning because they rapidly demonstrate the potential of alternative modes of delivery.

Other Advantages:

• You can enhance any presentation or lesson by easily integrating video, animation, graphics, text and audio with the spoken presentation.

• You can display material from a number sources such as CD-ROMs, websites, DVDs, VHS tapes and television. There are other methods of presentation of information on the horizon offering further flexibility.

• You can usually edit information directly during lessons and save any changes or additions to the computer.

• Notes, diagrams and entire lessons or presentations can be saved, archived and added to the intranet or similar centralised resource. This means that presentation or class'work in progress' can be saved ready for the next period.

• Student benefits from the interaction with the knowledge and task, both personally and socially.

• Creates a collaborative layout and an environment of engagement so that there is naturally more dialogue between tutor and students, peer-to-peer and within groups.

• Some say that students are better behaved and more motivated.

• Effective method of presenting ideas, whether to students or colleagues, or to prospects.

• Useful way of getting feedback on ideas from others. There are many ways of achieving this. If you want, you could kit the audience with keypads from the XPress Audience Response System and link them up with the computer in the interactive whiteboard setup and get responses in real time on the computer screen. The responses could be to test questions, contests, exams, or voting.

Sources:

http://ezinearticles.com/?The-Advantages-of-Teachers-Using-a-Interactive-Electronic-White-Board&id=1280476

http://www.digitaleducationrevolution.gov.au/resources/guide/infrastructure/iwbs_projectors.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interactive_whiteboard