Using Interactive Whiteboards in the Early Years

NAACE Advisers’ list – IWBs in Early Years

Advantages for learners and teachers

"IWBs are a powerful learning tool for children, as well as teachers. The first time I saw my reception children confidently and independently accessing the programs they wanted, using the IWB during free play activities, I knew I had had a glimpse of the future."

"In response to excellent teaching, KS1 pupils have spontaneously taken the pen, and with it the control of the whiteboard activity (the bridge between teaching and learning). "

The REVIEW Project recorded several case studies using boards with younger pupils:

www.thereviewproject.org/foundation/found_audiobook.htm

www.thereviewproject.org/foundation/found_writename.htm

"Pupils often 'played' with the boards on their own. They gained cooperative skills with 2Simple software."

"In my classroom, I treated it as another 'zone', just like my role play, sand pit, listening and writing zones, floor and table top activities... and promoted independent use and choice as often as possible. "

Positioning – at teacher or child height?

"Promethean ActivPrimary has a user friendly menu with tools at the bottom of the board. "

"One option is to make a removable carpet covered dais. A sloping ramp is safer than steps!! "

"The IWB should be situated in a clear space, for freedom of movement around the board. Organise a dedicated area. "

"The boards were mounted low enough for the pupils to reach and the teacher either knelt or sat on a chair at the side."

"If the board is too low for the teacher, s/he can use an implement such as a soft music beater on a Smart board to move objects around. "

"Some teachers greatly prefer to be mobile! The board should be at a reasonable height for adults – with the advantage of the whole class being able to see. Keystone effect (projector distortion) is an issue when the board is set too low.) "