What is a interactive whiteboard?
An interactive whiteboard is a piece of hardware that looks much like a standard whiteboard but it connects to a computer and a projector in the classroom to make a very powerful tool. When connected, the interactive whiteboard becomes a giant, touch-sensitive version of the computer screen.
Instead of using the mouse, you can control your computer through the interactive whiteboard screen just by touching it with a special pen (or, on some types of boards, with your finger). Anything that can be accessed from your computer can be accessed and displayed on the interactive whiteboard, for example Word documents, PowerPoint presentations, photographs, websites or online materials.
Using special software included with the interactive whiteboard, you can also interact with images and text projected on the board: rearranging them, changing their size, colour, etc. This offers a much more interactive experience than using a standard whiteboard or using a data projector alone.
Interactive learning theory
With the rapid development of technology in modern times, education systems are adapting and using technological inventions to innovate methods of teaching. This has been shown with the growth of interactive whiteboards in school classrooms.
‘The transformative nature of technology integration changes the process of teaching and learning to an interactive learning environment. The framework applied to the new form of teaching, known as interactive teaching and learning, represents the intersection of theory (constructivism), interactive hardware (interactive boards), and Web 2.0 tools such as Kids and Cookies.’
The following diagram is a framework which has been applied to Key Stage 1 and 2 (Source listed above). ‘The framework is a combination of learning theory and tools including constructivism, interactive teaching, interactive learning, interactive tools (hardware & software), and interaction between students and teachers.’
Features:
- Using advanced IR technology, the QOMO Interactive Whiteboard recognizes the pen or will recognize your finger and accurately track you anywhere on the screen.
- Surface is durable, cleans up easily and is coated to provide minimal glare
- Annotate over any application and save your work
- Select among three different pens with unlimited color choices
- Easily integrates into a complete conference network
- Supports real time on-screen editing
- Graphic tools allow you to define background selection and input custom graphics/images
- Supports third party software applications
- Create, edit and annotate over live motion video
- Integrates seamlessly with QOMO desktop and portable document cameras, writing tablets and QClick audience response system
- Free online training and upgrades
Best of all, the full-featured interactive whiteboards are incredibly easy to use. They are implemented in many different environments including: education, hotels, entertainment venues, business and corporate, and command and control centers. If you can use a computer, you can use an interactive whiteboard.
Ask WiVi to demonstrate the many types of interactive whiteboard technologies, the most popular displays include front projection, rear projection, and flat panel overlays.
