ICT Week 2- The
Interactive Whiteboard (IWB)
This week we were
learning about using the interactive whiteboard (IWB), although I was familiar
with the use of the IWB I was unaware of the countless possible uses that it
has. From working in a school for the last two years I knew that IWB were
replacing and supporting the traditional use of whiteboards and flipcharts. We
watched a video called ‘The Magic Classroom’ which showed us that if used efficiently
the IWB can be accessed by all learners.
The DfES Primary Schools
Whiteboard Expansion project did a study into how the use of the IWB in 97
schools affected children’s learning over a period of two years. The research
showed that there were significant learning gains across all key stages.
The use of the IWB has
many benefits particularly with the use of the SmartBoard software that we used
in our ICT session.
·
The program means when planning
lessons you can always look back to what you have already done, sort of like a
journal of the daily interactive classroom activities.
·
It helps to develop discussion skills.
·
It keeps children engaged.
·
It is a tool which is appealing to all types of learners-
kinesthetic, visual and auditory.
·
Particularly beneficial to both EAL and SEN.
·
It is stimulating and motivating for students and the
teacher.
However…
When using the IWB we must take certain things
into consideration.
·
Light- we must make sure that there is no sunlight, glare
or reflections.
·
Access- we have the opportunity to have use of IWB in the
first place.
·
Height- both the teacher and children can reach the board
and access its interactive functions.
·
Text visibility- the children are able to read the text
clearly.
·
Interactivity- the IWB should be used to its full
potential, the software means that lessons can be interact and engaging. We must
not just use it as whiteboard.
·
Always have an alternative- as we know sometimes the use
of technology does not go to plan we should always have an idea of how we could
carry out the lesson if there was a technological hiccup.
We were given the chance to explore the SmartBoard software which most
schools to help them to use their IWB as interactively as possible. We were
divided into groups and given a specific tool to look at and use. We then
presented an activity to the rest of the class on how we thought we could use
the resource in the classroom environment. It was a great opportunity to
briefly address the various resources available before we go onto look at them
independently.
The tool our group looked was called the ‘random generator’- this tool picks
numbers or words at random. The numbers can range from -500 to 500 so endless
math problems could be encountered. We used the resource to set up a bingo
activity which would be a great starter to get the children’s brains ticking.
Observing all the groups presentations showed how we can use the IWB to
make all lessons in the National Curriculum interactive and engaging. I will
now go on practice using the functions of the software so that I am capable of
using the resources productively when I get into school.
Brilliant :)
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