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INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD

   Definition

An interactive whiteboard is a presentation system that connects a computer to a projector and screen. Through the use of either special pens or even fingertips, presenters can manipulate the images on the screen. Many interactive whiteboard companies also sell additional devices that allow the audience to fully participate in the presentation by texting or selecting numbers, which then appear on the board. Interactive whiteboards are used in classrooms, in the business world or anywhere people need to make presentations.

Types Of Interactive Whiteboard

            The whiteboard is a digital device consisting of a large display that is connected to a computer and a projector. This configuration serves as the platform for different software technologies that allow users to interact with the display of the whiteboard. The mode of interaction is what typically differentiates the various types of whiteboards. These devices are gaining popularity in education and are often used across all grade levels and subject areas to create interactive hands-on lessons. Popular manufacturers of different types of whiteboards are SMART Technologies, Numonics, Promethean, TouchIT and Mimio.

·      -  Touch-based whiteboards.

·      -  Pen-based whiteboards.

·       - Portable ultrasonic whiteboards.

Uses Of Interactive Whiteboards In Schools.

       -   Audio/video presentations.

Interactive whiteboards allow teachers to create lessons and lectures that incorporate the different learning styles of their students. For example, an instructor can incorporate streaming video or teach from a slide show that includes large, full-color pictures for students who learn best visually. The teacher can include audio components, such as speeches or music, for those students who learn best by listening. In addition, students who wish to create something more than a poster or essay for an assignment can use the interactive whiteboard to present a multimedia production.

2    -  Built In Software

Many interactive whiteboards come preloaded with software that takes the place of physical classroom materials.This built-in software includes maps, mathematics applications and educational games. For example, instead of using a pull-down world map that often gets stuck and becomes outdated in a few years, an educator can use the colorful, up-to-date maps provided by the interactive whiteboard to teach history or geography. Since many students enjoy the novelty of writing on the board, the educational games allow students to learn, compete and have fun at the same time