What+are+interactive+whiteboards?


 * Write here a short description of interactive whiteboards. Feel free to do a google search or any research to find accurate information about how many kinds of interactive whiteboards exist, how do they work etc.**

An Interactive whiteboard is a touch sensitive board that looks like a giant computer screen. It is operated using a pen shaped mouse or whiteboard marker and can be controlled either by writing or clicking on the board with a pen, directly from a computer or by using an slate that can be passed around the classroom. The image from the computer is projected on to the interactive whiteboard, turning it into a very large computer screen for all to see. Any software that runs on your computer (Mac or PC) can be used with the Interactive Whiteboard. Interactive whiteboards are supplied with unique software designed by teachers to support teaching and learning. Interactive whiteboards usually come with a choice of software, designed to appeal to different ages and curriculum. This means that teachers and students can write and draw as they would on a regular whiteboard, and can also pull together thousands of global and New Zealand specific resources to support learning. And that is not all - there are many tools which make teaching and learning easier, increasing student engagement and lesson momentum. It is not just a tool for teachers, it is a tool for student learning too. An Interactive Whiteboard is a collaborative learning tool which engages all types of learners. Visual learners engage best with images and other visual media, and will react well to the bright, colourful world of the interactive whiteboard. Auditory learners will respond best to auditory stimuli, such as verbal reinforcement, group activities, and class discussions. Kinaesthetic learners prefer the tactile sense, learning best with hands-on activities. With this in mind the possibilities are endless. Use an interactive whiteboard environment to physically move objects around, highlight and underline ideas and draw pictures of what is being learned. Link to sound effects, speeches and music or use a student response system to encourage group interaction. Adapted from Activeboard promotional material (Janine)

Brands used in NZ that I have come across: Activboard, Smartboard - Manzana, Interwrite - SItech These are all complete units and can come complete with data projector, etc

Mimio Are a cheaper alternative that convert normal magnetic whiteboards into interactive whiteboard.

Most suppliers of interactive whiteboards offer professional development in using the whiteboards