Since the early 1990s, interactive whiteboards (IWBs) have been transforming modern classrooms and training centers.
IWBs, also known as SMART boards, are used in the vast majority of US K-12 schools, largely due to their ability to enhance student engagement and provide a more interactive learning experience compared to traditional whiteboards.
These boards allow teachers to
- incorporate multimedia content,
- facilitate collaborative learning and
- provide students with a more dynamic and engaging way to interact with educational materials.
While traditional interactive whiteboards are still used, many schools are transitioning to newer, more advanced interactive digital displays that resemble large flat-panel TVs.
Here are some reasons IWBs are so popular:
They help visual learners
Some 65% of us are visual learners. Visual learners learn best by seeing information presented visually, like through pictures, diagrams, charts or graphs, rather than by listening to lectures or reading text; they primarily retain information by visualizing it in their mind, making them more adept at understanding concepts when presented with visual aids.
With IWBs, teachers can display videos, animations and diagrams to illustrate concepts more clearly. Interactive features allow for highlighting, annotating and zooming in on key information.
They encourage student participation
Student participation is encouraged by
- creating a positive and inclusive classroom environment,
- using varied teaching methods that engage students,
- asking open-ended questions,
- providing opportunities for students to share their thoughts and experiences, giving constructive feedback and
- clearly explaining how participation is valued and assessed.
With access to interactive whiteboards, students can write, draw, and manipulate objectson the board using a stylus or their fingers.
Group activities like drag-and-drop exercises, matching games, and brainstorming sessions keep students engaged.
They enable interactive lessons and quizzes
Teachers using IWBs can use proven interactivity tools like Kahoot!, Quizizz, and Google Classroom for real-time quizzes.
Polling and question features allow for instant feedback to gauge student understanding—the teacher doesn’t have to give an exam to know whether the information is getting through.
They support remote and hybrid learning
IWBs can integrate with video conferencing tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams allowing students at home or in remote locations to participate.
Digital notes and recordings from the whiteboard can be saved and shared for later review.
They offer hands-on learning for STEM subjects
STEM learning integrates science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Math and science teachers find IWBs particularly useful for graphing equations, running simulations and virtual dissections.
Coding exercises can be displayed and edited in real-time.
They enhance digital collaboration and group work
While doing group work, students develop crucial skills like
- communication,
- collaboration,
- critical thinking,
- leadership and
- problem-solving by working together on a shared task,
enhancing their learning experience through peer interaction and diverse perspectives–while also fostering a sense of teamwork and responsibility.
With IWBs, students can easily work on projects together, contributing ideas directly on the board.
Interactive mind maps and brainstorming tools like Miro and Padlet encourage teamwork and creativity.
They offer access to online resources
Teachers can pull up educational websites, virtual field trips and online encyclopedias in real time on an IWB.
Cloud integration allows students to save and retrieve lessons anytime.
They aid special education and accessibility
- Text-to-speech and magnification tools help students with learning disabilities.
- Adaptive learning apps allow customization for different learning styles.
Want to explore IWBs for your learning environment? Call us!
Midwest Audio Visual, one of the best companies for classroom audio visual solutions, can recommend several options for your needs and budget. Proper interactive whiteboard installation is also part of the Midwest service. We’ll set up your IWBs and provide training for your staff.