Optimum Usage of Interactive Whiteboards

Posted by Ricoh on January 7th, 2016

Interactive Whiteboards have received attention and gained popularity over the past few years and as it seems, they will tend to grow exponentially over the upcoming years too. The wide application of such platforms can be attested by bestsellers like The Interactive Whiteboard Revolution, Betcher & Lee, 2009. For those who are still unknown to this new technology; An interactive whiteboard is a display screen that works in connection to a computer and projector and is used as a tool to increase positive classroom practice. The computer screen is projected onto the board’s surface and can be controlled using a finger, pen or specially designed devices.

The teaching end has quickly adopted the new technology as it decreased their manual work, however little information is available about its effect on the receiving end and student achievement. Such devices are receiving global recognition owing to the interactive technology. In addition, few features have helped develop a significant relationship with the receiving end. The first is, use of visual and graphics of representation of data including downloaded pictures from the internet to tools helping create such forms of information. The second feature is the learner- response device, the handheld devices which allow students to submit their responses. A 29 percentile point gain was observed using voting devices. The third feature which is responsible for the success of whiteboards is reinforcement. The teachers signal that an answer is correct / incorrect or to present information in an unusual context / reference. These applications include dragging and dropping correct answers into specific coordinates, acknowledging correct answers with virtual applause, and uncovering information hidden under objects.

The optimum usage of interactive whiteboards depends on the following recommendations:

• The display of information should not only be creative but organized.
• Visuals must be inculcated among the digital charts.
• The density of content and graphics should be optimum.
• Teachers should discuss the voted responses in detail.
• Facilities like virtual applause should not be misused.
• Students should not exploit the facility and teachers must keep a track of the same.

There is huge potential in Interactive Whiteboard as a platform to enhance the pedagogical practices in learning centers and institutions to digitize education and improve student achievements.

However, new techniques cannot automatically do the magic for you, and educators must use the technology in the optimum while also being in accordance with good classroom ethics.

About the Author

Arem Mukim, Manager - Corporate Communications &  Digital, Ricoh India Limited
With several years of experience in Corporate Communications, Ms. Mukim has extensive knowledge in the field of brand image, digital PR,  media relation,  and marketing campaigns.  Ricoh India, where she is working currently, is a market leader in its key categories and offers a wide variety of products and solutions, which include Office Printers, DSLR cameras, Digital Compact Camera,colour mfp laser printer, LCD projectors, laser printer in india, multifunction laser printer, binoculars, medium format cameras, colour laser printers,short throw projectors, digital duplicators, wide format printer, ultra short throw projectors, production printers, projection systems, video conferencing solutions and related software technologies.

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