A Reflection on Interactive Whiteboards

Interactive Whiteboards and Student Achievement

Many of us are aware of, or have even had experience with, learning through the use of interactive whiteboards (IWBs), or what some may refer to as "Smart Boards". Much like a normal whiteboard or blackboard, interactive whiteboards can be used to write on (through the use of a stylus or finger), and can also serve as a projector screen. However, unlike traditional white or blackboards, IWBs are capable of much more. For example, instructors can create custom interactive slideshows similar to PowerPoint presentations, but can also incorporate unique features such as pull-tabs/pulleys, magic revealers, containers, or even manipulate elements onscreen by dragging, clicking, erasing, and more. Using these additional features (and many others that can be acquired through downloadable packs), teachers can engage their students with learning in a wider variety of ways.

For many teachers, the use of IWBs is not a novel idea. In fact, according to Grambling State University, IWBs were invented in the early 1990s. Initially, these boards were known as "Liveboards", and as other companies (such as SMART, Promethean, and Mimio) began to develop their own version of interactive whiteboards, newer brands were soon on the market. Though they were originally used in office settings, in time, they were also adopted by schools. The issue, however, remains that at that time and even today, many teachers simply use IWBs as a fancy replacement for blackboards. In other words, teachers often fail to utilize IWBs to their full potential - relying on them only for the use of writing or projecting. As a result, it is not surprising that many schools report that the use of IWBs has little positive effect on student achievement! Yet, when teachers effectively utilize IWBs as they were designed to be used - in developing innovative and active lessons by incorporating the features that these boards offer - student achievement improves. So what should educators know about IWBs in order to make them effective?

Effective Use of Interactive Whiteboards

In order to improve learner success through the use of IWBs, teachers must first be competent in using the accompanying software (such as ActivInspire) and capable of developing unique activities suited for their students' needs. It is critical that teachers are trained with sound instructional strategies for using IWBs. This means that, in creating their activities for example, they know how to properly highlight, annotate, zoom, hide/reveal text or photos, drag/drop information, match items, import pictures, activate feedback by touch, and allow for the use of student response systems. A helpful text to refer to for such information can also be found on iBooks: Engaging Learners with Interactive Whiteboards by Professor Blanche OBannon. In the text, OBannon quotes Robert J. Marzano, an educational researcher, in saying, "teachers must use interactive whiteboards thoughtfully, in accordance with what we know about good classroom practice." Therefore, in addition to being familiar with IWB software interfaces, teachers must be well-informed about the latest research in instructional approaches in order to optimize their students' learning potentials. As mentioned in OBannon's text, by using IWBs appropriately, teachers can engage their students in active learning by increasing their attention, memory, motivation, participation and collaboration while improving classroom management, and lesson flow and flexibility. Research has shown that with proper instruction, IWBs have led to an overall gain of 16% in student achievement in literacy, math, and science - though there was little effect on students who were below average ability in these categories.

Challenges of Using IWBs

Although IWBs are a great technological tool for educators, there remains several instructional challenges. As mentioned previously, many teachers do not have the pedagogical or technical proficiency to effectively use these boards, and this can still be an issue even for technologically advanced teachers. Again, it is of utmost importance that training is provided for the development of appropriate materials using the accompanying software. A lack of proficiency will continue to result in teachers using IWBs in traditional ways (such as replacement white or blackboards) and therefore they are of no additional benefit for students. In addition, as with many technological devices, sporadic technical problems may occur, resulting in a negative impact on instructor confidence and an increase in frustration for both teacher and students. Finally, students may experience difficulty in clearly viewing the board from a distance, just as with traditional boards. 

As with any approach, no single instructional method is flawless. However, IWBs offer competent teachers a great advantage for instruction, and with proper training and continued professional development, teachers can become motivated and empowered to better reach their students through efficient use of methods and tools such as interactive whiteboards.

I have also designed an ActivInspire Flipchart (compatible with Promethean's IWB) available for free download, modification, and use.