Final+Report

= Press Release =

Interactive Whiteboards In The Classroom: An Exciting Way To Learn
Massey University Learning and Educational Technology students believe that Interactive whiteboards (IWBs) are the way of the future and schools should be encouraging teachers to use them within New Zealand classrooms. Interactive whiteboards are a touch sensitive board attached to a computer and a data projector. They are operated using a pen shaped mouse or whiteboard marker which enables the user to control the computer through the whiteboard. Interactive whiteboards have two uses within the classroom. One is to enhance teaching and the other is to support learning. They come with a range software which is easy to use and can be used with different ages and curricula. Students report that lessons are more enjoyable and interesting (Wall, Higgins, & Smith, 2005) using IWBs and all learners including visual, auditory, and kinaesthetic can be catered for in an improved way. IWBs are claimed to increase student motivation through whole class and group interactions (McDowell and Murray, 2005) and being able to present information in a variety of creative ways increases the motivation of the teacher also (Gillen et al, 2007). Along with developing children's creativity, thinking skills and independence (Hodge & Anderson, 2007), some teachers have reported that IWBs allow more versatility, flexibility and efficiency in the classroom allowing teachers to "support multiple needs with one lesson" (Slay et al., 2008).

Schools must however weigh up the cost of IWBs against other technologies that can make the most difference for the biggest number of students. Along with the large initial cost of installation, there is the cost of training. To take full advantage of the interactive whiteboard technology, schools need to provide teachers with a sufficient level of training and support (Miller & Glover, 2007; Kennewell & Beauchamp, 2007; Armstrong et al., 2007). Finding the time and resources to support the extensive and ongoing training in interactive whiteboard technology, can be considerably difficult for many schools. IWBs also have a tendency to create a more teacher-centred classroom as the IWB is mounted in the one place and the focus of the students is on that one place. This feature goes against a trend towards a more learner centred classroom. However, there are pros and cons to all teaching innovations and if students have increased enjoyment and motivation using this technology, the incorporation of IWBs as a teaching tool has the potential to make learning exciting.