An increasing number of interactive whiteboards (IWBs) are installed in schools.  These devices have the potential to revolutionize teaching in the classroom.  What are interactive whiteboards, how can a teacher come to grips with one, and how can such a board improve teaching and learning?  Some postings on this blog address these questions.

This page is a catalogue pointing to various blog postings – each one containing information about another aspect of interactive whiteboard usage.  Select a topic, click on it, and broaden your understanding of these devices.

The book Interactive Whiteboards for Africa is based on the blog postings.

In the Western Cape, contact MSIT Support for all you data projector  and interactive installatioin and maintenance requirements.

SHOULD I GO FOR AN INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD?

1  What is an interactive whiteboard?
2  Are all interactive whiteboards the same?
3  What is a hard interactive whiteboard?
4  What is a soft interactive whiteboard?
5  Which interactive whiteboard should I choose – a hard one or a soft one?
6  How does an interactive whiteboard work when there is no board?
7  How do I choose an interactive whiteboard?
8  What is the educational value of an interactive whiteboard?
9  Is an interactive whiteboard just a gadget?
10 Is an interactive whiteboard just a frippery?
11 Is a one-to-one computing programme not better than an interactive whiteboard.
12 When I have a computer and a data projector in my classroom, do I need an interactive whiteboard?
13 My blackboard was always  good enough for me – why do I have to change the way I work?
14 Is an interactive whiteboard not sometimes an over-kill?
15 Won’t an interactive whiteboard put the sage back on the stage?
16 Will interactive whiteboards make teachers redundant?
17 Can’t I do all the things an interactive whiteboard offers me in other ways?
18 Is radiation from interactive whiteboards harmful?
19 Does an interactive whiteboard in my classroom have any health implications?

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF USING AN INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD?

1  What can an interactive whiteboard do for me as a teacher?
2  Why is writing on an interactive whiteboard better than writing on a conventional one?
3  How can an interactive whiteboard add spice to my lessons?
4  How does an interactive whiteboard bring the power of technology into my classroom?
5  How does an interactive whiteboard promote learner interaction in the classroom?
6  Can an interactive whiteboard ease my admin burden?
7 When I learn to use an interactive whiteboard, can I expect some form of accreditation?
8  Can an interactive whiteboard change a poor teacher into a good one?
9  How should teachers who are apprehensive towards interactive whiteboards be viewed?
10 Can an interactive whiteboard be instrumental in improving my subject knowledge?
11 Does an interactive whiteboard lead to digital inclusion?
12 Will interactive whiteboards transform the education system?
13 How can an interactive whiteboard help learners with special needs?
14 How can an interactive whiteboard be used to help learners who lack perceptual skills?
15 How can an interactive whiteboard be used to improve literacy?
16 How can an interactive whiteboard serve as a digital hub?
17 Can an interactive whiteboard in a classroom have a positive influence on learners?
18 Is there any evidence that interactive whiteboards have a positive impact on teaching and learning?
19 Can an interactive whiteboard make me more productive?
20 How can I make my interactive whiteboard a conversation board?
21 Can an interactive whiteboard empower me?

HOW DO I LEARN TO USE AN INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD?

1  Is it difficult to learn to use an interactive whiteboard?
2  How long will it take me to learn to use an interactive whiteboard?
3  What is the quickest way to learn to use an interactive whiteboard?
4  What options do I have for learning to use an interactive whiteboard?
5 Will I be able to use an interactive whiteboard by reading the manual that comes with it?
6  How useful is the buddy system when learning to use an interactive whiteboard?
7  Should I rely on the supplier of my interactive whiteboard to teach me how to use it?
8  Why should I stay close to the supplier of my interactive whiteboard?
9  How much can I rely on the education department for interactive whiteboard training?
10 Should I enrol for a commercial course to learn how to use my interactive whiteboard?
11 Where do I start if I want to master an interactive whiteboard?
12 How will I cope with the many things I have to learn to become a skilled interactive whiteboard user?
13 Where will I find time to learn to use my interactive whiteboard?
14 Am I not too old to learn to use an interactive whiteboard?
15 If I am technically challenged, won’t I have a problem to learn using an interactive whiteboard?
16 Is there any pre-learning I must do before I can use an interactive whiteboard?
17 Whose responsibility is it to help me become a skilled interactive whiteboard user?
18  Can an interactive whiteboard be a Trojan horse?
19 How can I make sure my interactive whiteboard won’t be a white elephant?

WHAT ARE THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH AN INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD?

1  What is meant by the total cost of ownership (TCO) of an interactive whiteboard?
2  What is involved in the initial cost of an interactive whiteboard?
3  What are the infrastructure costs I may incur before installing an interactive whiteboard?
4  What are the recurring costs that I can expect for my interactive whiteboard?
5  What are the hidden costs of an interactive whiteboard?
6  What are interactive whiteboard peripherals?
7  How much will peripherals for an interactive whiteboard cost me?
8  How much value does a slate add to my interactive whiteboard?
9  How much value does a document camera add to my interactive whiteboard?
10 What is a voting system?
11 How much value does a voting system add to  my interactive whiteboard?
12 How much value does a scanner add to my interactive whiteboard?
13 How much can I expect to pay for software to use with my interactive whiteboard?
14 What is the real value of software that is bundled with an interactive whiteboard?
15 Should I insure my interactive whiteboard?
16 Of what value is an interactive whiteboard’s warranty to me?
17 What return can I expect on my investment in an interactive whiteboard?
18  Do I need special light conditions for my interactive whiteboard?
19 How much will interactive whiteboard training cost me?
20 Won’t interactive whiteboards be outdated soon?
21  How can I justify the cost of an interactive whiteboard?
22 What about the view that an interactive whiteboard is a waste of money?

HOW CAN I GET THE MOST VALUE OUT OF MY INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD?

1  Should I have a Plan B if an interactive whiteboard is installed in my classroom?
2  Where should the interactive whiteboard be installed?
3  How do I prevent my interactive whiteboard’s pen from disappearing?
4  Do learners still need to go to the computer room if I have an interactive whiteboard in my classroom?
5  Should I remove the old board if I have an interactive whiteboard?
6  Do I have to rearrange the furniture in my classroom when an interactive whiteboard is installed?
7  How can I protect my eyes when using an interactive whiteboard?
8  How can interactive whiteboard vendors support my professional development?
9  What is the role of the principal when introducing interactive whiteboards into the school?
10 Under what circumstances will interactive whiteboards not lead to success?
11 How can I help my colleagues to see the value of interactive whiteboards?
12 What can I do when my interactive whiteboard does not work?
13 Portable interactive whiteboards – how valuable are they?
14 What is the best position in my classroom for an interactive whiteboard?
15 How do I know when to use an interactive whiteboard and when not to use it?
16 Should an interactive whiteboard be installed in the computer room?
17 Is it advisable to use different brands of interactive whiteboards in one school?
18 What can I do if I’m worried something will harm my interactive whiteboard?
19 How can I keep the surface of my interactive whiteboard clean?
20 What maintenance does my interactive whiteboard require?
21 How can I ensure that my interactive whiteboard is an add-in and not an add-on?

ADDITIONAL ARTICLES

1  Some say an intereractive whiteboard is a waste of money – is it true?
2 How does an interactive whiteboard work?
3  If I have a data projector in my classroom, why do I need an interactive whiteboard?