Faculty department

2. FEATURES OF INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARDS

An Interactive WhiteBoard is an interactive electronic white board which can be used for different purposes. It is connected to a computer and to a projector which displays the image seen on the computer screen. First the software (and hardware) must be engaged, and then the board must be oriented. Once the computer screen has been projected onto the Interactive Whiteboard , the user can control all Windows' applications with the touch of a finger. The user’s finger becomes, in effect, the mouse. The user needs only to press the board’s surface to open and close files, explore web sites on the internet, or operate software. As with any regular white board, the user can take notes on the Interactive WhiteBoard. But unlike notes that are taken on a regular white board, these notes can then be printed or saved like any other document.Those are the two main features of the Interactive WhiteBoard. Why using whiteboard walls are better than interactive whiteboards in the classroom.

To avoid confusion, this article is specifically referencing full-sized electronic whiteboards (basically a huge tablet that attaches to a classroom or office wall). We are not in any way referring to the amazing interactive whiteboard pens that work exceptionally well on whiteboard painted walls of all shapes and sizes. (Very different technology…) Interactive or electronic whiteboards were originally developed for use in offices, but they are now being employed in educational settings as well. Since interactive whiteboards are relatively new and untested teaching tools, many educational administrators are concerned about introducing them into their schools. Before investing, potential buyers need to thoroughly research the various advantages and disadvantages of interactive whiteboards in order to weigh their practicality and consider their potential drawbacks. Classroom climate is extremely important for both students and teachers, and if an instructional device such as an electronic whiteboard causes problems of use and comprehension, students’ attitudes and learning ability will suffer.³
Interactive whiteboards are large white display screens that are connected to computers, phones, tablets, etc., allowing students and teachers to draw or write on the display. They essentially link a computer to a touch-sensitive screen and a display, meaning that they cause humans to act as input devices that control the functions of the computer using a pen, finger, or other objects on the screen. Although interactive whiteboards may help educators to communicate with their classes in new and novel ways, they also have downsides that may impede the learning process and cause frustration for both teachers and students.
Some of the important negatives of using interactive whiteboards are as follows: