Basically a lesson comes alive! The visual content stops children being distracted and the content can be adapted for all abilities. The interactive nature means that the whole class can participate and use the IWB.
The following link has a concise and clear article on the benefits of using IWB's, however it does conclude that how well it is used is most important:
http://www.teachers-corner.co.uk/interactive-whiteboard/
In contrast there have been reports questioning the impact of IWB's in schools.A report from The Institute of Education highlighted the following issues:
-Sometimes teachers focussed more on the new technology than on what pupils should be learning.
-The focus on interactivity as a technical process can lead to some relatively mundane activities being over valued.
-It can slow the pace of learning as pupils take turns at the board.
Moss G, Jewitt C, Levaãiç R, Armstrong V, Cardini A, Castle F (2007) The Interactive Whiteboards, Pedagogy and Pupil Performance Evaluation: An Evaluation of the Schools Whiteboard Expansion (SWE) Project: London Challenge http://www.dfes.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/RR816.pdf
I believe the enthusiasm of teachers to enhance their teaching with IWB's can only be beneficial. The key appears to be the word 'enhance' as they are not a replacement for the teacher in the classroom.
This link has some great ideas for using your IWB:
http://www.boxoftricks.net/2008/06/33-interesting-ways-to-use-your-interactive-whiteboard/
I also believe that IWB's will enahnce the learning of the children. however, I think that teachers need to have a good level of understanding of how it works for it to be beneficial to all children. If not it will become increasingly frustrating for the children watching a teacher who cannot use the board properly.
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