Using the Interactive Whiteboard

There are many advantages to using interactive whiteboards. The following are probably the main ones.

• They provide electronically all the familiar features of a traditional classroom blackboard or ordinary whiteboard.

• They replace the scenario of a large group crowding around a single computer. The interactive whiteboard allows a large group to sit and participate comfortably in a presentation.

• You can enhance any presentation or lesson by easily integrating video, animation, graphics, text and audio with the spoken presentation.

• You can display material from a number sources such as CD-ROMs, websites, DVDs, VHS tapes and television. There are other methods of presentation of information on the horizon offering further flexibility.

• You can usually edit information directly during lessons and save any changes or additions to the computer. 

Reference:
Tekgia (2012). The Advantages of  an Interactive Whiteboard. Retrieved from http://www.tekgia.com/product_info.php/products_id/293

week 8

How Important are technologies  to the 21 Century learners

I think technologies are an extremely important part of learning. We live in a very technological driven society where the very core of education has been redefined to keep up with the global changes in the world. As more and more modern devices such iPads, laptops, Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs), projectors and software get introduced into the curriculum, students and teachers are given more opportunities to enhance their learning and teaching experiences. These ICTs allow teachers and students to access large sources of information instantly, collaborate with peers both in the classroom and outside, utilise resources to construct and extend their knowledge base and much more. This YouTube video is a great indication of why ‘technologies’ are a vital part of the 21st century learner. 

However, I also feel that the need for teachers and students to understand these technologies also increases. This places a lot  more pressure , not just on our teachers, but also our students to perform and stay up to date with the rapid changes in technology and in turn the learning process.