I like interactive whiteboards in the classroom. However, I do not think they are a necessity for good teaching. As part of my technology article notebook I actually took a look at an article about interactive whiteboards and it’s effectiveness in the classroom. The essence of the article is that while interactive whiteboards are great tools for teaching, they do not replace great teaching. I agree 100% with the article. Interactive whiteboards can be a great tool to have in the classroom. When used in conjunction with great teaching they can help get students involved in the lesson and perhaps help keep them engaged in the lesson. However, the whiteboards cannot replace good teaching. One study showed that teachers who were most effective using the whiteboards displayed the hallmarks of good teaching with or without the whiteboard. They were able to pace the lesson accordingly and build on the lesson based on what students already know. For this reason I believe whiteboards can be a great supplement for the classroom but cannot replace good teaching.
Given the opportunity I would like to have an Interactive Whiteboard in my classroom. I do believe that they can be a great tool and allow students to be engaged in the classroom in ways that they may not be able to be without it. The whiteboard allows easier access to the internet and other media outlets in the classroom. Having the opportunity to pull up a website or watch an internet based movie that can supplement a lesson is a great opportunity to have available. That is not to say that you must use the whiteboard for everything you do in the classroom. You can use the whiteboard to supplement the classroom environment and hopefully keep students engaged in meaningful learning. In some scenarios I believe that whiteboards can help to keep some students engaged in the lesson. However, as illustrated in the article referenced above the whiteboard is not a substitute for a good teacher. I believe if teachers are practicing all the methods of good teaching then they are able to keep students engaged with, or without, an interactive whiteboard in the classroom. The whiteboard can help bring variety to the classroom but it is not a necessity. The whiteboard can be a good tool and given the opportunity I would like to have one available in my classroom.
