Any help from someone familiar with interactive Whiteboards!

I am a University of Maryland College student. As part of a writing assignment I was asked to pick a subject that interests me and write a pitch about it. I chose interactive whiteboards. I was then asked to find a critical reader familiar with my topic to view and answer a few questions. My pitch appears below.

I would be interested in your opinion or ideas about my view of this topic. Please help me by answering the following brief questions.
Is the idea I have proposed a good idea?
By good, I mean would you invest time or money into learning more about the topic, reading or listening to my presentation?
If your answer is no, where can I improve?
I need to write a more or less complete analysis of this topic in no more than 20 pages. Is the topic I have proposed going to be successfully presented in 20 pages?
If your answer is no, where can I improve?
Are my arguments and examples of evidence convincing?
If your answer is no, where can I improve?
You can also go to
Your help woud be greatly appreciated!

Interactive whiteboards; Technology providing an edge to students

Interactive whiteboards are becoming popular in schools, the workplace, sports, and more. It is estimated that by 2011 "one of every seven classrooms in the world will feature an interactive whiteboard" (wikepedia, p1). Technology has allowed the educational system to be more efficient. The boards provide a learning advantage to students by keeping them engaged and motivated. Studies show an incline in grades and test scores when used in the classroom. Teachers that use them to their full capabilities are experiencing increased motivation. The boards allow teachers to be more creative in their instruction and meet the needs of different kind of learners. Technology is an important part of our future; our kids are our future and they need to embrace technology.

What is an Interactive whiteboard? They resemble a very large dry-erase board but should not be mistaken for one. Their use is more of a computer. They are strategically placed in the classroom; usually where a chalkboard would have gone. They are connected to a computer allowing for lessons to be taught through programs such as PowerPoint, custom lessons or special learning programs often provided by the board manufacturer (Interactive whiteboards p. 1). Some boards come with a handheld remote for each student, allowing students to answer multiple choice questions, true/false, and yes no answers, at the instruction of the teacher.

Students more engaged
The Interactive whiteboards keep students engaged, allowing them to stay focused longer . The learning process is being transformed by their use. "The whiteboard is like a magnet; these kids are so drawn to it." says Turner. "It really captures their attention and gets them excited about the impending lesson" (qtd in Morris, p.1). The boards allow more interaction with students . More participation is required by the students by the use of handheld remotes. Websites are able to be viewed by the entire class. Teachers are able to come up with creative uses for the board to implement in their lessons. Teachers have seen behavioral challenges diminish as well as attendance problems (p.3 school planning and management).

Increased motivation
Students enjoy the increased interaction and hands on lessons. They can move images by touch, around the screen, or use the handheld remotes. Fascinating and creative lessons keep them wanting more. Different learning styles are addressed more, keeping frustration down. A student at Thomas Edison High School in Virginia, when called the front of class teased his class "I'm going to the SMART [interactive] board. I'm going to the SMART board" ( Loschert, p1). Students are excited about having to come to the front of class.

Use of visuals
The use of visuals with the interactive boards makes it easier for students to grasp certain concepts. They allow for a student to pay attention longer and not get lost. Teachers have the ability to capture lessons from websites quickly and easily. This can help bring concepts to life. These concepts or lessons can be brought back up at a later date for review. Repetition is key in getting some students to recall concepts.

Teacher benefits
It's not just students getting all the enjoyment from these. Teachers are noting they can use their time more effectively. It's easier to get kids on task, they allow for more time to be spent on lessons, less time is spent on grading assignments. They are "re-motivated" (Becta, p5). All of the benefits the students are getting are helping the teachers be better teachers.

The following will need to be addressed:

n Funding for the Interactive whiteboards
The boards are expensive and can cost in upwards of $2,500 per board (with equipment to go with it). Teachers can use their current computers to connect to the boards to save money. The PTA (parent teacher association) can help raise funds provided every class gets one and can benefit from them. Some Interactive Board manufacturers offer education grants to help defray costs. Donations from the manufacturers have also been seen. It will be important to investigate the total cost of the boards. What upkeep is required? How much do lightbulbs for them cost? Do they come with a warranty? Most companies offer telephone assistance when problems are encountered.

n Appropriate training should be required
If training is not utilized the boards are worthless. All teachers need to be properly trained to use the boards to their fullest extent. The most efficient way to handle this would be training at the school. The boards should be installed in summer and teachers should be required to attend a training session. Some schools have opened a day or two late to allow for teacher training. This should be addressed as well as paid training during the summer.

n Lesson plans
Many companies offer free lesson plans. Lesson plans can be purchased. There are many websites and blogs that offer advice and lessons on the boards.

Works Cited

British Educational Communications and Technology Agency (BECTA). "What the research
says about interactive whiteboards". ICT Research, Coventry, 2003

"Interactive Whiteboard" Wikipedia (Sept.20,2008)

Kennedy, Mike. "Technology Tools". Office equipment/Communications systems American School and University. (March 2005). p.47-49

Loshert, Kirsten. "Bye Bye Blackboard." NEA Today Vol. 23 Issue 1, (Sep 2004): p.30-31

Morris, Casie. "Projecting a Better Image". School Planning and Management January 2008.


SMART Technologies "Evaluating the Total Cost of Ownership for SMART Board Interactive Whiteboards". January 2006. p.4-7

"Using Technology to level the playing field". Independent School Vol. 66 Issue 4 (Summer 2007) p.7