Interactive Whiteboards in the Kindergarten Classroom

By James Maxlow

Image from www.smarttech.com

Overview

Interactive whiteboards (IWBs) are ‘giant touch screens’ that let you control a computer screen via touch

IWBs are ideal for interactive lessons with students where they can manipulate images, text, sounds, video, virtual objects, and more

IWBs tend to lead to high engagement among students but can only be used by

a one or a few students at a time

Types and Brands

Touch-resistive (SMART, Hitachi)

Radio-frequency wands (Promethean)

Infrared wands (Hitachi, NEC,

Epson, Do-it-yourself Wii)

Instructional Uses

Direct presentation and engagement Individual use as a center – writing exercises,

letter sound identification, addition and subtraction problems, etc.

Small group collaborative use – word and number games

Student-led instruction –

presenting

Affordances

Manipulating images, text, and objects is key to kindergarten learning

Virtually unlimited manipulatives and media sources

Communities of educators that share Highly engaging Pre-built tools, media, and games

to speed lesson creation Easy enough for users of all ages

Constraints

High cost of top-end models Limited to individual or small group use Stand-and-deliver is tempting Advanced software use not appropriate for

kindergarten students Advanced use requires sustained

professional development