Journal Article #2- Interactive Whiteboard Research Review

Dostal, J.(2011) Reflections on The Use of Interactive Whiteboards in Instruction in International Context. The Educational Review, vol.25, number(3), 205-220. Retrieved from: http://www.educationalrev.us.edu.pl/vol/tner_3_2011.pdf

Summary/Reflection
Will the use of Interactive Whiteboards improve overall student achievement? There was a study done by Thai scientists, C.C Shen and H.M. Chuang in 2009 to suggest that overall, yes, there was an improvement with the addition with these types of devices in their sample of 340 elementary schools. Another study conducted in Great Britain by S.E. Higgins in 2010 showed positive effects. The overall results of the teacher and pupil interviews had pointed out some negative results, which the author felt were ambiguous and minimal.

The article discussed some key points about types of interactive whiteboards and their set-up requirements. There is still a need in the classroom to have a traditional whiteboard in addition to the interactive board since you can not use regular dry erase markers on most brands of interactive boards. The companies may offer wall mounted boards versus portable boards which would be adjustable. Both of these have pros and cons for different types of classrooms or even special needs students. The boards that are fixed may be difficult for some students to access the boards.

Another big topic that the article discussed is how effectively the teacher used the technology in the classroom. This is something that would have a large impact on whether or not the information from the lesson was retained for a longer period of time or not. Teachers that had the use of premade lessons, interactive textbooks and overall had a higher comfort level with the boards used them more often with their lessons. These teachers were more likely to integrate more types of features into the lessons to truly use the board for its intended use rather that merely just a projector board.

Some of the negatives that were brought up in the article were the cost associated with the boards. The was also the increase of electricity consumption, although I feel that that would actually be minimal. Creation of teacher lessons may be time-consuming at first. Lack of resources available for ready-made lessons and compatible textbooks. Overall time spent at the board by only a few students, other students are in their seats.

I feel that the negatives brought up in this article were somewhat of a stretch, and they were just looking for something negative to write. I feel with good planning and classroom management, most of these negatives are not an issue. Just when searching for this article, I found many resources for lesson sharing for interactive whiteboards. While the lesson might not be exactly what a teacher wants, it certainly can be modified and less time consuming than starting from scratch. Overall any addition of technology, when used to its fullest potential, is going to be a benefit to students.