How to use interactive whiteboards in the classroom

HOW TO USE INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARDS IN THE CLASSROOM:

   
  •    Interactive whiteboards are desirable peripherals these days. When hooked up to a computer, the whiteboard's screen becomes a "live" computer desktop, which can be tapped to pull down menus, highlight, and move or open files. 
  •    Users can also circle relevant sections on the projected image,
    , draw geometric figures, and underline. Then they can save the screen — complete with annotations — which can then be e-mailed, made available on a shared server, or printed out.
  •    Most interactive whiteboards connect to computers via USB cables, but some recent models communicate wirelessly using Bluetooth technology. Many interactive whiteboards need LCD projectors in order to project a computer image onto the screen, but some models have an integrated projector behind the screen.                                                                                           

  • These models are more convenient and have fewer wires but are much more expensive.

Wondering how to use an interactive whiteboard in the classroom? Consider these ideas.

Presentations and Projects:

                  Students can present multimedia projects with the whiteboard, controlling the entire presentation without touching a computer keyboard.


Web Streaming and Video:



                Teachers can show streamed or downloaded video clips using programs like Windows Media Player and QuickTime. Clips embedded into multimedia presentation programs can easily be shown as well. The interactive features of the whiteboard allow users to pause, circle, annotate, highlight, and more. Of course, a DVD or VHS player can be connected to the projector, too.

Printing and Saving Notes. 

                  Interactive whiteboards let users print or save anything they've written. Teachers can put notes in a file on a shared server for students to download or post notes on a Web page or blog. Notes can also be printed out and distributed, allowing students to participate in the presentation instead of simply copying from the board.

Encouraging Critical Thinking.

             Interactive whiteboards encourage critical thinking. Imagine using the whiteboard with concept-mapping software like Inspiration or Kidspiration, for example. Students' ideas could be written directly on the whiteboard; if the teachers switches to outline view, the class can brainstorm together in an organized fashion.

For Students with Special Needs.


          

           Interactive whiteboards may be beneficial to students with special educational needs. The large fonts and bright colors might be helpful for both visually impaired students and those who have trouble staying on task, while students who respond well to kinesthetic learning will benefit from touching the board.
    
In this we have, ten creative way of using interactive whiteboard methods:

        

  1. Google Earth

Once installed, it can be helpful not only during geography lessons, but in almost every class. Explore the world, find rare plants and animals, discuss different cultures, civilizations, languages, architecture, design, tour football stadiums and museums, play GeoGuessr (a tiny web app which takes a user to a place in the world using Street View technology and makes him or her guess where it is).

  1. Team Competitions

Teachers have to remember that fun is an essential attribute of a successful lesson in the eyes of their students. Technologies like Kinect and Wii allow users to integrate, have fun and learn simultaneously when using physical response techniques. Learning science teaches us that when we move, we can learn more effectively. Divide a group of students into teams and make them compete against each other in a game needing both their knowledge and cunning. It builds team spirit and competitiveness – two skills not to be underestimated in the adult world.

  1. Teach Students Basic Image, Sound and Video Editing

With a variety of software available – like Google+'s Photos Editor – students can edit, resize and enhance photos. Working on a fun example can be an enjoyable way to lead young learners into the world of graphic editing. The same can be done with sound and movies. Teachers can show the group how to change the tone of someone's voice or add special effects to a video, and then let students act accordingly. Enjoyment is guaranteed!

  1. Spelling Competition

Although some argue against rivalry in a classroom, some students love it. A teacher can organise a spelling bee competition for learners with their works being shown on the board and automatically checked by a built-in spellchecker. Then, the result is transformed into points and the winner is announced.

  1. Take A Virtual Tour

Many important places with cultural heritage and academic value offer virtual tours online, which can be accessed through the IWB and shown to students. Some of them are also interactive, which will keep the children interested and engaged. Virtual tours are also a good idea before and after a real visit to a location, both as an introduction and a summary of the trip.

  1. Record Students

Some whiteboards come with a camera and a sound system. It is a great feature which can be used to record students' presentations, speeches and projects. This can be used to offer constructive critique. At the end of the school year a look-back lesson can be organized, introducing a sentimental mood and a lot of fun while re-watching old clips. (Of course, be sure to keep privacy considerations in mind here – make sure you are in conformance with your school's policy).

  1. Collaborate

IWBs allow students to interact with each other and with the teacher. For example, work on a project together, with different aspects done by different students, in front of a class. Not only will this engage the group, but also provide them with the visible fruits of their labors.

  1. Download Flash Videos and Applications (to be prepared for a loss of connectivity)

It is always a good idea to be ready for a network downtime. With a few applications, like SWF Catcher, it is possible to store online content on a local hard drive and access it without being connected to the Internet. This can include videos, mini games and Interactives that enable students to interact and learn.

  1. Recap of a Field Trip

Students and teachers can bring their photos and videos taken during a field trip, organize them and make a fun and educative summary of their common experience, using previously learned skills. This can make students see that everything they learned had a purpose and was valuable – plus it gives them unforgettable memories.

  1. Interactives

It comes as no surprise that Interactive White Boards are great for Interactive content! Here's are couple sets of resources, from this article on the NEA Member Benefits site:

  • National Library of Virtual Manipulatives – “A wide range of virtual manipulatives that work with almost all IWBs. Interactive digital tools for exploring data, algebra, geometry and more can be found here ready to be “played” with on your IWB.”
  • Interactive Whiteboard Resources from Topmarks – This page offers an index of dozens of websites, online activities and web-based resources that work well with many Interactive White Boards.

Comments

  1. In every school whiteboard plays a very important role to teach students. Whiteboards are also used in offices for meetings or for some group discussion. Thank you for sharing.
    Officeworks whiteboards

    ReplyDelete

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