Interactive whiteboards are appearing in an increasing number of classrooms. Although the technology is relatively new, there is an emerging body of literature on their effectiveness in teaching and learning.

Interactive whiteboards can increase communication and participation and have been demonstrated to improve the motivation and enthusiasm of even the most reluctant learners.

Benefits in the Classroom

• As a presentation tool there are immediate advantages in being able to save and print the flipchart pages.

• Children enjoy it. Research shows improved motivation and participation from pupils.

• Many teachers commented that it actually helped improve behaviour. The children were keen to behave well so they got their turn on the board.

• It has been shown to encourage and support participation from both less confident and less able pupils. The ease with which annotations can be undone encourages the pupils to "have a go" without worrying about being wrong or having to try several times.

• Using the board effectively, lends itself to the incorporation of ICT into lessons.

• Several children are able to approach the board at once to work on a problem and sharing the pen, encourages cooperation and working together.

• The included resources are a good starting point for teachers to develop their own lessons using the board, are adaptable, and can be shared and modified easily.

How it Works

The technology requires three pieces of equipment: a computer, a projector and a touch-sensitive whiteboard.

The computer is connected to the projector and whiteboard, and the projector displays the computer screen image on the board.

The computer can then be controlled from the board. As you point at active elements on the board using your finger or an appropriate electronic 'pen', the action is transmitted to the computer just as when using a mouse.

Installation

The projector and interactive whiteboard will be installed in a convenient location and at at a suitable height for the classroom, agreed upon during a site survey in consultation with the teacher.

• All leads for the installation are included.

• Software for the Interactive Whiteboard is installed on the designated laptop/PC and the Whiteboard and Projector are calibrated.

• The system is shown working to the client or member of staff.

Other Services

Maintenance

A preventative maintenance service for projectors and interactive whiteboards. The service includes:

• Filter Cleaning.
• Lamp Replacement
• Board Cleaning.

• General Inspection - Check cabling connections, and calibration. A summary report is provided of any observations or recommendations.

Training

Training in best practice and use of the interactive whiteboard is available to all members of staff.

The software used will be dependant on the installation and we can supply the appropriate training for the specific system, including:

• SMARTBoard

• Polyvision

• Promethean ACTIVBoard

If Promethean Interactive Whiteboards have been installed then training to become an Accredited Promethean Centre of Excellence is available. This can be undertaken on site or at Swansea ITeC.

Courses can be scheduled around the school timetable or run as part of an inset day.

Resource Development

Training can also be provided on converting offline teaching materials into electronic resources and making the most of web-based and interactive content.

We can supply training in any of the ACTIVSoftware packages including:

• ACTIVStudio

• ACTIVStudio 2

• ACTIVPrimary

In addition, we can advise on funding available for resource development so you can get straight on with using your new skills in the classroom.