Smartboards in the Classroom

"...Pupil Views of Teaching and Learning with Interactive Whiteboards" by Kate Wall, Steve Higgins  and Heather Smith^,  Centre for Learning and Teaching, Newcastle University, 2005

 

Abstract

This study is one element of a government-sponsored evaluation into the introduction of interactive whiteboards (IWBs) to Years 5 and 6 in English primary schools. This element of the research aimed to gather information regarding pupil views of IWBs and the impact these tools can have on teaching and learning. To extend current literature, the method targeted pupils' views of how IWBs can impact on metacognition: thinking about learning. Using a template that has been developed by the Centre for Learning and Teaching at Newcastle University, pupils were encouraged to talk about learning in different contexts: this methodology and its rationale are described. The results show that overall comments from the pupils are positive, with the resulting themes encompassing how the IWB can facilitate and initiate learning and impact on preferred approaches to learning. The pupils describe how different elements of software and hardware can motivate, aid concentration, and keep their attention. On the negative side, pupils candidly describe their frustration when there are technical difficulties, their desire to use the board themselves and their perceptions of teacher and pupil effects. As IWBs are becoming more and more prevalent in schools, we discuss implications and make re-commendations for teachers and manufacturers.

Attachment(s): http://www3.interscience.wiley.com/journal/118683426/abstract?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0

Summary
Interactive whiteboards effect learning in several ways, including raising the level of student engagement in a classroom, motivating students and promoting enthusiasm for learning. Interactive whiteboards support many different learning styles and are used in a variety of learning environments, including those catering to students with hearing and visual impairments.

Research also indicates that notes taken on an interactive whiteboard can play a key role in the student review process, leading to higher levels of student attendance. In addition to the observed positive impacts on student learning, research shows that designing lessons around interactive whiteboards helps educators streamline their preparation, be more efficient in their Information and Communication Technology (ICT) integration and increase their productivity overall. The attached paper brings together interactive whiteboard research and case study observations from the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

Attachment(s): Int_Whiteboard_Research_Whitepaper_Update.pdf

A 2006 European research report with results from Great Britain, Norway, Estonia and the Netherlands has just been released that indicates that there is QUANTITATIVE evidence that interactive whiteboards and other forms of instructional technology have significant impact on learning in the classroom with particular impact on LITERACY in the primary grades.  Here's some key points:

 

- Interactive whiteboards set a "faster pace" in the classroom.

- Teachers'  follow-up questions are directed at the whole class, not individual students.

-Teachers' confidence in using OTHER forms of technology is greater after using the interactive whiteboard.

- Quantitative results show significant improvement in Literacy in the primary grades (et al) when interactive technology is used in the classroom.

- There is a "tipping point" when use of interactive technology takes off in the classroom.  During the early period of adoption, results might not seem justified for the investment but then "suddenly everything just takes off and the added value of using ICT (Information and Communication Technology) just takes off." 

Here's the full report. 

 

Attachment(s): http://insight.eun.org/shared/data/pdf/impact_study.pdf

Here is recent research on the effectiveness of using interactive whiteboards (SmartBoards and other similar devices) in the classroom. 

                                       
                                      
Attachment(s): interactive_whiteboard_research.pdf