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Interactive whiteboards are appearing
in an increasing number of classrooms. Although the technology
is relatively
new, there is an emerging body of literature on their effectiveness
in teaching and learning.
Interactive whiteboards can increase communication
and participation and have been demonstrated to improve the
motivation and enthusiasm
of even
the most reluctant
learners.
Benefits in the Classroom
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As a presentation
tool there are immediate advantages in being able to save and
print the flipchart pages.
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Children enjoy it. Research
shows improved motivation and participation from pupils.
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Many
teachers commented that it actually helped improve behaviour.
The children were keen to behave well so they got their
turn on
the board.
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It has been shown
to encourage and support participation from both less confident
and less able pupils.
The ease with
which annotations can be undone encourages the pupils to "have
a go" without worrying about being wrong or having
to try several times.
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Using the board effectively, lends
itself to the incorporation of ICT into lessons.
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Several
children are able to approach the board at once to
work on a problem and sharing the pen, encourages cooperation
and working together.
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The included resources are a
good starting point for teachers to develop their own lessons
using the board, are adaptable,
and can be shared and modified easily.
How it Works
The technology requires three pieces of equipment: a computer, a
projector and a touch-sensitive whiteboard.
The computer is connected
to the projector and whiteboard, and the projector displays the
computer screen image on the board.
The computer can then be controlled
from
the board. As you point at active elements on the board using
your finger or an appropriate electronic 'pen', the action is transmitted
to the computer
just as when using a mouse.
Installation
The projector and interactive whiteboard
will be installed in a convenient location and at at a suitable
height for the classroom, agreed upon during a site survey in
consultation with the teacher.
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All leads for the installation are included.
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Software for the Interactive Whiteboard is
installed on the designated laptop/PC and the Whiteboard and Projector
are calibrated.
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The system is shown working to the client
or member of staff.
Other Services
Maintenance
A preventative maintenance service for
projectors and interactive whiteboards. The service includes:
Training
Training in best practice and use
of the interactive whiteboard is available
to
all
members
of
staff.
The software used will be dependant on
the installation and we can supply the appropriate training
for the specific system, including:
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SMARTBoard
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Polyvision
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Promethean ACTIVBoard
If Promethean Interactive Whiteboards have
been installed then training to become an Accredited Promethean
Centre of Excellence is available. This can be undertaken on
site or at Swansea ITeC.
Courses can be scheduled around the school
timetable or run as part of an inset day.
Resource Development
Training can also be provided on converting offline
teaching materials into electronic resources and making the
most of web-based and interactive content.
We can supply training in any of the ACTIVSoftware
packages including:
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ACTIVStudio
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ACTIVStudio 2
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ACTIVPrimary
In addition, we can advise on funding available for resource
development so you can get straight on with using your new
skills in the classroom.
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