Interactive Whiteboards

Brielle Hibma

EDUC 3302 Technology in Education
October 16, 2013       

Interactive Whiteboards

            Interactive whiteboards can be such a powerful tool for teachers to utilize in the classroom. The biggest emphasis that I can see on the use of these tools is their ability to engage visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners. According to the research found in Robert Marzano’s article, The Art and Science of Teaching/Teaching with Interactive Whiteboards, there were three factors of the interactive whiteboards that had the greatest impact on student achievement. The learner response device, which is a hand-held tool for each student, allowing them to respond to questions from the teacher with their answers posted on the board, was the first feature that showed increases in student success. I think that this tool provides opportunities for students to interact (kinesthetic) with the material and each other, while seeing (visual) the responses of other students in the class. At this point, the teacher and students are able to discuss (auditory) the results. While this tool is particularly useful for kinesthetic learners, all learning styles can benefit. In my opinion, it allows the students in the classroom to share their thoughts without fear of being incorrect. Also, it provides an opportunity for the teacher to assess themselves and the students understanding in a certain area, allowing for the chance to review or move on to new information depending on the results.

            While there are many advantages to using the interactive whiteboard in the classroom, I would think that an overreliance on technology devices might take away from individual assessment and relationship with the student. Also, too much stimulation with the devices might cause students to be over stirred, detracting from their learning. Although there are so many advantages to using this tool in the classroom, a teacher needs to be careful on how the presentation is put together. There is nothing that can replace personal interaction between the students. If an interactive whiteboard were to be used as a digital tool to enhance learning outcomes, I do not think that it should replace other classroom strategies that are already working well such as student-student conversations, teacher-student conversations, writing, reading a book, or interactive activities. Overall, the interactive whiteboard is a very useful and important device that, if used well, can really enhance the learning of students. As we are living in an increasingly technological and digitally connected world, I think it is important for students to be introduced to technology in the classroom so that they will be better prepared for the world that awaits them.

Works Cited

Marzano, Robert. "The Art and Science of Teaching/Teaching with Interactive Whiteboards." Educational Leadership. 67.3 (2009): n. page. Web. 16 Oct. 2013. <http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/nov09/vol67/num03/Teaching-with-Interactive-Whiteboards.asp&xgt