A Reflection on "Research on Interactive Whiteboards tell us..."

When I was in the public school system Interactive Whiteboards (IWB) were not available, or even an option.  The closest thing we had were over-head projectors, and educational videos.  I remember as a child whenever the teacher used those tools in the classroom it would be a thrill.  Looking back at why it made me so happy to see a TV rolled in the room, I think it's because it was a different way to be taught, and a different way to learn.  If I had the opportunity to have been taught on an IWB I wonder how much more I would have learned. 

I have learned the positives and negatives of using IWB's in the classroom from the article, "Research in Interactive Whiteboards tell us...".  According to the article, IWB's promise advantages for both teacher and student.  The positive affects of the board have much to do with the IWB software, which includes sound and visual uses. The uses of the IWB strengthen student's involvement, motivation, and attention.  A 2009 study by Marzano and Heystead revealed that out of 85 teachers who used, and did not use the IWB there was a 16-percentile rise in student achievement from using the IWB.  Although, 23% of teachers in the study had better student achievement when they did not use the IWB.  The 23% who did not see improvement had difficulty using the board.  In order for the IWB experience in the classroom to be successful, the teacher needs to know how to properly use the technology. 

In my future art classroom, I believe using a IWB would be very beneficial.  It would be a great tool for my students to watch art history videos on, or even go in front of the class and draw an example of a shape.  The use of drawing tools, and visual aids is a huge plus in the art classroom.  I will make it a goal for myself as a teacher to understand the technology fully before preparing lessons based on the IWB in class.