Interactive White Board

An interactive whiteboard (IWB) is a large interactive display that connects to a computer and projector. A projector projects the computer's desktop onto the board's surface where users control the computer using a pen, finger, stylus, or other device. The board is typically mounted to a wall or floor stand. The difference of IWB is that the system is fully touch screen board. Instead of using the mouse on laptop, you can control your computer through the screen by touching it with a special pen or you can your finger.

For the first lesson, we have been exposed to Interactive White Board. As my first impression, it is just a simple white board but then I was realized it is way too hard to use it. We have been guided and trained by lecturer and instructor to get used to IWB. Plus, we were given a task to be discuss in a small group that consist of 4 members and the task should be presented by using Smart Book and IWB.

At first, we were thought the task was quite challenging since we had never used Smart Book software before. However, we managed to done it within 3 days after being explored throughout the tools provided in the software. Even our group presentation was quite lacking of some aspects, but we took it as a positive matter since it was our first trial of using Smart Book and IWB. One thing that I realized during presentation session is that we were giving a full attention during other group's presentation since they were using some interactive tools and flash that can attract viewers.

The interactive whiteboard is one of the most effective tools to be used in school. By using colored pen provided, teachers and students are able to draw or write any related matters on the board and make it fun with those colors. There are some flash tools provided within smart book which is including simple experiments, activities, concept maps and others. Teachers are no more using the traditional way which is chalk and talk. Teachers are freely to move around the class yet controlled the interactive board without using mouse.

We cannot deny that uses of IWB will help students to develop their thinking level. Unfortunately, most of the schools are not provided with this application since it is way too expensive compared to the usual whiteboard. Plus, it is really costly for maintenance if there are problems towards the IWB. Interactive whiteboard are found as a very sensitive application. If we are using it for a long period, it will not functional and we must calibrate it to ensure it is back to normal.

As for conclusion, I can conclude that interactive whiteboard is a very effective tool to use it in school. However, it is quite impossible to have it in most of the school in Malaysia due to economic aspects. As a teacher-to-be, I will definitely explore some other interactive applications that be applied in school.