Interactive whiteboards in the classroom

This makes all our whiteboards interactive... in theory, that is

Futurelab has a new report on interactive whiteboards in the classroom [.pdf file] that makes interesting reading. If you're new to the topic, read it; if you're wondering why your interactive whiteboards (IWBs) don't seem to get used that much, it looks at -- among other things -- the issues involved.

"The introduction of an IWB does not in and of itself transform existing pedagogies," the report highlights -- a misunderstanding I'm sure many of us fell under when they first came out.

There is evidence, it goes on to say, that "factors such as increasing familiarity, good training, time and space to practise and try new approaches, and the growth of teacher confidence all can play in increasing the likelihood of a greater impact on teaching and learning".

How many of those can you check off if you have access to IWBs in your school...?

At IH Barcelona we have "normal" IWBs in some of our classrooms; in all of the others we could use a portable Mimio board (equipment, pens, shown above)... only, regretably, we very rarely do.