1. Mithra Busler May 11 th, 2010 NPTNJ 1 Interactive Whiteboards in the classroom

2. About the workshop This presentation is based in part on a workshop presented by Laura Marinelli, Lyndhurst’s District Technology Facilitator. It consisted of an introduction to ActivBoard, Promethean’s interactive whiteboard, and ActiveInspire, the educational software that supports ActivBoard. 2

3. Background: what is an interactive whiteboard? An interactive whiteboard or IWB is a large interactive display that connects to a computer and projector. A projector projects the computer's desktop onto the board's surface. Users interact with the surface via a pen, finger or other device Users may also interact via the computer itself. 3

4. How widespread are IWBs? In 2007, about 60% of UK and 12% of US classrooms had interactive whiteboards. In the UK, 98% of secondary and 100% of primary schools have IWBs One of every seven classrooms in the world is predicted to feature an interactive whiteboard by 2011. The IWB industry reached sales of $1 billion worldwide in 2008, with sales of 250,000 units in the US alone. 4

5. Classroom uses and benefits Replaces traditional presentation media: Whiteboards/chalkboards, conventional video/media systems such as DVD players, TVs, non-interactive projectors. But at the same time, can still be used as a conventional whiteboard… Well-suited for distance learning and collaboration. Increased student interaction with lesson material: Directly, through screen Via classroom response systems; e.g. handheld 'clickers‘. 5

6. Benefits (continued) Allows instructors to record their instruction: Class notes and annotations can be saved in digital format and in some cases as digital video files. These can then be distributed to participants/students. Great for demonstrations of other software or web-based resources. Increases ability to structure your lesson content and timing to match your lesson plan. A natural interface for other multimedia sources (v ideo feeds, document cameras, the Internet, etc.) 6

7. Benefits (continued) Colorful! This increases student engagement. Clean - no more chalk dusk, dry erase fumes, etc. Maximizes use of otherwise limited computer access. Facilitates differentiation and multiple learning modalities (verbal, visual, kinesthetic, auditory) Can convert handwriting to text. Is positively received by all age groups. 7

8. Criticisms/drawbacks A study conducted by London's Institute of Education on the use of IWBs in education found that: Any boost in motivation due to IWB introduction was short-lived. No significant impact on pupil performance in the first year in which departments were fully equipped. Teachers focused more on the new technology than on teaching objectives. Runs risk of causing a “Sage on the stage” problem Single point of interaction can lead to slowing of class pace, especially in In lower-ability groups The focus on interactivity as a technical process can lead to relatively mundane activities being over-valued. 8

9. Research: some findings… Math Intervention "SMART" Project (Student Mathematical Analysis and Reasoning with Technology) Findings: Grade one Math study showed significant growth in experimental group v. traditional teaching Report on the Use of the SMART Board Interactive Whiteboard in Physical Science to counteract gender differences Findings: Found that use of SMART Board to visualize complex phenomena may help women gain knowledge in physical science classes Interactive use of the board in 8th grade writing class Findings: Statistically significant improvement in student attitudes towards both using computers in instruction and towards writing instruction See more at: http://www.waukeshaschools.com/WIT/SmartBoard/benefits.htmhttp://www.waukeshaschools.com/WIT/SmartBoard/benefits.htm 9

10. Around the corner… Camera-based IWBs: greatly reduce cost Increase portability Increased intellectual capital: Courses designed for IWBs More elaborate software platforms Tablet-IWB cooperation Students input at tablet, appears on IWB Teacher inputs at IWB appears on students’ screens 10

11. Promethean ActivInspire – one type of IWB The ActiveInspire desktop: 11

12. A sample ActivInspire resource: an interactive periodic table 12

13. Sources Davis, Michelle R. "Whiteboards Inc.: Interactive features fuel demand for modern chalkboards.". Education Week: Digital Directions. September 12, 2007. Wikipedia contributors. "Interactive whiteboard." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 26 Apr. 2010. Web. 11 May. 2010. "Using Electronic Whiteboards in Your Classroom: Benefits." N.p., 2002. Web. 09 May 2010.. "Interactive Whiteboard market shows no real signs of recession". FutureSource. May 10, 2010. Bell, Mary Ann. "Why Use an Interactive Whiteboard? A Baker’s Dozen Reasons!." Teachers.net Gazette. 3.1 (2002) Moss G, Jewitt C, Levaãiç R, Armstrong V, Cardini A, Castle F (2007) The Interactive Whiteboards, Pedagogy and Pupil Performance Evaluation: An Evaluation of the Schools Whiteboard Expansion (SWE) Project: London Challenge http://www.dfes.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/RR816.pdfhttp://www.dfes.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/RR816.pdf 13