What+are+the+benefits?


 * List here a number of reported benefits of the use of interactive whiteboards in schools.**

Recent research has identified a number of advantages of using interactive whiteboards. Several studies have reported that, used effectively, interactive whiteboards speed up the pace of lessons (Potter, 2007; Gillen et al., 2007; Jewitt et al., 2007; Bennett & Lockyer, 2008; Smith et al., 2006). Further studies have found that interactive whiteboards allow for teachers to move smoothly between activities during lessons (Potter, 2007; (Slay etal., 2008). Students have described interactive whiteboards as being fun (Tanner & Jones, 2007). Recent research has also found that student and teacher motivation is often increased when interactive whiteboards are used in the classroom (Higgins et al., 2007). Gillen et al. (2007) argue that interactive whiteboards enable teachers to present information in a variety of creative ways. Hodge & Anderson (2007, p.280) felt that IWB’s brought the outside world into the classroom; the IWB was “effectively dissolving the walls of the classroom”. In addition, IWBs provide greater visual impact in the classroom and develop children’s creativity, thinking skills and independence (Hodge & Anderson, 2007). Some teachers have reported that IWB’s allow more versatility, flexibility and efficiency in the classroom allowing teachers to "support multiple needs within one lesson” (Slay et al., 2008). Slay et al. (2008) and Hennessy et al. (2007) also found that teachers enjoy the fact that they can, using IWB technology, support their lessons with a vast array of “media-rich content”. Bennett and Lockyer (2008) found that interactive whiteboards were used successfully in classrooms to model Internet research and IT skills. Interactive whiteboards have also been found to help teachers to: reduce the time used for preparing lessons; increase their ability to organize lessons at home; and record lessons for later review (Bennett & Lockyer, 2008). (entered by Cher_Shaw)