What about the view that an interactive whiteboard is a waste of money?
Sunday, February 7th, 2010 | IWBs
In order to test the validity of this view, you must keep two things in mind:
Only you can decide how to spend your money. It is all about priorities – and you (or your schools) may have more pressing needs at present.
If you want an interactive whiteboard for the wrong reasons and are not going to use it optimally, it may very well end up being a waste of money.
If money is tight and you have many needs, you must weigh the pros and cons of each purchase. For each one you have to balance the cost against anticipated advantages. When you consider an interactive whiteboard, calculate the total cost of ownership and then compare it to the ways in which the board will assist you. If you follow the same process with all the things you are thinking of buying, you will be able to come up with a priority list.
It’s always wise to distinguish between your needs and wants. This is true even if the school’s money is involved.
Needs are those things that you require to survive in the classroom. Do you see it as something that could make you a better teacher? When you find yourself saying, “I need an interactive whiteboard for …” you’ve already identified it as a need.
A want is something that is nice-to-have. Can you do without it? If you can, it is merely a want and not a need. When you find yourself saying: “It would be nice to have an interactive whiteboard …” it is an indication that, for you, the device does not yet fall into the needs category.
Once you have reviewed the things an interactive whiteboard can do for you, in comparison to other items on your needs and wants lists, you will be in a better position to decide whether it is a waste of money – whether you should let go of the idea, or rush out and buy one.
How determined are you to learn all its features, so that you will use it optimally? If you’re not, an interactive whiteboard may very well be a waste of money. Your principal may take this into consideration before assigning a board to you.
It is never a bad idea to invest in an environment that will promote improved teaching and learning. If your school can afford interactive whiteboards – and you’re determined to use yours – it won’t be a waste of money.
Click here for more information about interactive whiteboards.
2 Comments to What about the view that an interactive whiteboard is a waste of money?
Kobus, I want to AGREE with your statement: “It is never a bad idea to invest in an environment that will promote improved teaching and learning. If your school can afford interactive whiteboards – and you’re determined to use yours – it won’t be a waste of money.”
If you want to invest in a luxury, travelling in style, having airbags, MP4 player, rosewood interior, electrical seats, “talking intercom system”, stainless steel environmetal friendly gas emitting system – GET a MERC 450 SCII if you can afford it, buy it NOW, but …… make sure you use ALL / MOST of its “toolbars” – from aircon to GPS. Otherwise buy a more homeward bound MERC 180 (1990 model) with LESS “toolbars” on the dashboard and use what is available.
What is the point ? Kobus stated: “How determined are you to learn all its features, so that you will use it optimally? If you’re not, an interactive whiteboard may very well be a waste of money”.
Albie – use your EAIWB optimally daily
“It is never a bad idea to invest in an environment that will promote improved teaching and learning. If your school can afford interactive whiteboards – and you’re determined to use yours – it won’t be a waste of money.” – absolutely agree!
Sunday, 7 February, 2010