Interactive Whiteboards

For Assignment 2 I wrote a proposal to the BOT for the installation of Interactive Whiteboards into the classrooms at my school.  During my research I found many potential educational benefits of using Interactive Whiteboards:

• Increased student motivation and engagement
• Enhanced demonstration and modelling
• Quality interactions between teachers and students
• Catering for a range of learning styles
• Social benefits
• Teacher workload (workload is initially increased but later decreased as the resources created are more permanent)
• Interactive whiteboards can be used to support Inquiry Learning

During my research I also found many potential challenges that come with using interactive whiteboards but most of these challenges can be overcome by providing adequate and ongoing professional development for teachers.  

I wish I had an Interactive Whiteboard in my classroom!

Integrating Technology

This is the second time I have come across the article 'Integrating technology: Some things you should know' (Dias, 1999) in my postgraduate papers.  I like the definition given for technology integration:

 'technology is integrated when it is used in a seamless manner to support and extend curriculum objectives and to engage students in meaningful learning'.  I think this is an important point, technology needs to be integrated because if it is a separate subject (an 'add on') it will not be used to it's full potential.

Dias lists the barriers to Technology Integration

• Time - to learn how to use the software and hardware, to plan, to collaborate.
• Training - professional development is a key part of technology integration.
• Resources - without the appropriate hardware and software to support the curriculum integration cannot take place.
• Support - leadership, technical and financial support is essential.

At my school I have the time (ICT Lead Teacher Release), I have the training (ICT professional development contract), what I am lacking is resources and financial support.  I would love to use so much more NET in my classroom but I just don't have the resources.  I believe that all 4 of these barriers need to be overcome for effective Technology Integration to take place.