What options do I have for learning to use an interactive whiteboard?

Thursday, August 27th, 2009 | IWBs

There are many roads leading to Rome.  There are likewise various ways in which you can learn to use your interactive whiteboard.

These methods fall into two categories: formal methods and informal methods.

Formal methods refer to structured training programmes with set curricula.  A variety of such programmes is available:

Commercial courses are offered to equip you with basic skills and to teach advanced features of interactive whiteboard use.

Computer based training (CBT) is available on the internet, or through programmes that can be loaded on your PC, to guide you through different aspects of interactive whiteboard use.

Your education department or school may arrange formal training programmes to equip you with the required skills.

If formal methods are not available, or if you do not have the resources to enrol in these programmes, you may opt for informal training opportunities.  It may also be that you learn better in an informal setting.

Read the manual and try to master your interactive whiteboard on your own.

Ask a colleague or a friend for assistance to get going, or when you are stuck.

The friendly supplier of your interactive whiteboard may be willing to spend time with you to show you the basics.

Search the internet for tools, tips and techniques.

Don’t be scared to let the learners in your class help you when you get stuck.

The best option would probably be a blended approach: this means using a variety of training methods.  For example, you can let the supplier of the board help you to get going, enrol later for a commercial course for more advanced training, ask a friend for advice when you encounter problems and consult the manual for detailed explanations.

The best way to learn to use your interactive whiteboard – and retain what you learn – is to use it.

Click here for more information about interactive whiteboards.

Tags: IWBs

3 Comments to What options do I have for learning to use an interactive whiteboard?

Dereck Marnewick
Thursday, 27 August, 2009

Implementation training is the key to the successful use of any ICT related product or service.

Surely the school / Education Department should not enter into any agreement or make a purchase unless the supplier is prepared to offer the required level of training.

Otherwise it’s just as bad as software ‘box droppers’ that sell and leave.

Please ensure that the person selling includes training as part of the sale, else you might be starting a zoo with an expensive and costly to maintain ‘white elephant’ in each classroom!

To buy an interactive whiteboard without training being supplied should not be an option at all.

Mark C
Thursday, 27 August, 2009

Today i enjoyed an informal session on the interactive whiteboard with three educators and a number of learners. The excitement of the learners while playing on the board was great. This is not to say the educators were less involved. We’re just waiting for the laptops to come then we’ll move on.

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