The insertion of technology such as whiteboards will require new teaching methods to realize their greatest potential. As they are developed as a tool, however, I believe that there will be more information on how to get the most from them in the classroom. As the article states, “use of IAW’s is still in its infancy”.

I work for a vendor of IAW’s. We do not condone a “whole school” scheme and it is against our beliefs to sell boards without training in both the hardware usage and curriculum training. Our schools actively request teachers to tell them whether or not they would use the boards. Those that are comfortable with their existing methods of delivery are not required to change, but those that wish to use them are encouraged to do so and give feedback on their methods of incorporation.

Also, there was a study done in England about whiteboards, and I like the distinction they made in the name: “electronic whiteboards” or EWB, because they say, and I agree, the interactivity is in the use – there is no interactivity built into the board itself. That fits with your frustration, and some of the comments from teachers who do see a fit for it in the spectrum of tools available to both teacher and students. One of the uses that I find intriguing that doesn’t get mentioned that often is capturing notes developed during group sessions. I know you can do it with a computer as well, but there is something about seeing it on a bigger surface that seems appealing. And, often these sessions would otherwise be conducted using easel pads – that’s great, except after the session someone then has to transcribe everything, and often the notes just don’t capture the visual aspect. If I capture what was on the whiteboard, I can then send it as a PDF to those who were there, and those who could not attend, and they should be able to figure out the results of the discussion. Just some thoughts ….

There IS an IWB out there for $500 (or less). It’s called a wireless tablet. Every IWB vendor sells one to “go with” their IWB. The thing is, it provides all of the functionality of an IWB except for the ability to physically write on the board itself, which can be considered a problem for teaching anyway for all the reasons above (stationary teachers = bad). With the wireless tablet, all you need is the computer connected to a display device – no IWB necessary.

I totally agree with the idea that test scores don’t matter, and that learning does. I also agree with the idea that the teacher as the primary source of information in the classroom has gone by the wayside. However, there are great uses for these devices in the sub $500 range.

Agree with you on this one… In fact if the IWB was as cheap as you suggest then I would say GO FOR IT!! I can see a use for them in some aspects of some lessons. Once again you are right as far as the teacher training and skills / pedagogy goes – I agree 100% that no tool is going to work if we don’t have the training and sound pedagogical thought as its foundation. After some research some years ago on the impact of 1 to 1, the trend for success seemed to be slow, gradual implmentation with massive amounts of time for planning, training and PD. The 1 to 1 programs that failed (and there were plenty) rushed it and went off and implemented it right through the school with little to no thought of possible implications…. this then left teachers with no choice but to run typing classes.

Your post here makes perfect sense to me – I just don’t observe any IWB vendor or organisation reccomending such a path for schools. The fact is the price is still right up there and if we all have budgets to look after shouldn’t we be spending a great deal of time on research and recieving appropiate advice from many different sources…. This leads me to my final point here – Schools just don’t share enough, why can’t we have a conference on edtech where each school has to share their greatest success and their greatest stuff up!! That would be a truly educational conference – Get rid of the corporate sponsors and the fancy dinners and catering and simply hold a conference where we all bring a packed lunch and discuss these things in an open forum. A forum where the vendors nick off for a while and we invite folk who have done the research and schools that have done great things and not so great things. I think I may be dreaming……. But I shall continue to dream…. How about a barby at my place one weekend?!!?! Bring your own Snags!!!

I was a last min ring in – I met you briefly on the Thursday with Paul… Ring any bells? I was the good looking one!!