Student Perceptions of Interactive Whiteboards as a Teaching and Learning Medium.
“Interactive Whiteboards represent one of the latest innovations among the new technologies but rather than a single medium they represent the coalescence of a number of new technologies”.
For teachers the advantages offered by Interactive Whiteboards include “the integration of ICT into a lesson while teaching from the front of the class, increased spontaneity and flexibility, and the ability to save and produce materials prepared collaboratively during a lesson”. Furthermore, it is my opinion that the use of Interactive Whiteboards more importantly benefits the students’ development. Mainly in the areas of increased enjoyment and motivation, greater opportunities for participation and collaboration, and most significantly the potential to cater for differing learning styles.
This article presents student responses to the integration of Interactive Whiteboards. Interestingly one student commented about the difficulties their teacher had in using the IWB. Thus reinforcing the importance of ongoing professional development to “address the dual aims of improving teachers’ efficiency with new technologies and providing opportunities and time to investigate applications of these in their classrooms”.
“Interactive Whiteboards present an exciting innovation for Australian students”. Interactive Whiteboards have demonstrated a capacity to engage and motivate students, and there was recognition from students that this from of new technology enhances learning experiences. Thus, Interactive Whiteboards are a beneficial tool in the modern academic classroom.
Reference: Australian Educational Computing – Journal for the Australian Council for computers in education. Vol. 22, No. 2. December 2007.
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