Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs)

The year before last, my school installed interactive whiteboard (IWB) systems. We happened to purchase the ēno by Polyvision for the middle school as a pilot program, then purchased the Mimio system for the upper school the following year.

The IWB system has three distinct components as it relates to teaching: the projector, the interactive whiteboard, and the presentation software. The projector can be used as a ... well, a projector for showing the class images from a computer or tablet (we have iPads). The interactive whiteboard features allow a person to use a stylus at the board exactly the way you would use a mouse on a computer. The interactive software allows the teacher to create dynamic presentations for a unique experience each time the material is presented. (You can download software free at Promethean.)

Here are some problems and solutions we learned along the way while using the eno IWBs.

I can't see my computer screen!

• Is the projector connected to the computer? Check to make sure that the VGA cable (from the projector to the computer) is plugged in.
• Is the projector on the right source setting? Or projectors have Computer 1, Computer 2, Video, and HDMI as options. Make sure you know which option you should select for your source.
• Is your mirroring turned on? Mirroring enables the projector to display exactly what your computer display shows. 
• Are your display settings for LCD and VGA compatible? It is easier to work with displays when they appear the same on your monitor and the projection.

My stylus won't work!

• Recap the stylus and wait ten seconds before trying again.
• Check the bluetooth settings on the computer to verify that the stylus has been paired correctly.
• Change the battery of the stylus.

I don't know what to use it for!

• The easiest first step is just to project for the class. You can project appropriate YouTube videos (I suggest using TubeChop to edit them first.), images related your course, or the worksheet that students are completing or grading (just use a marker to fill in answers).
• Now, integrate the stylus by using it as the mouse at the board to edit essays, highlight target concepts, and use interactive websites.
• Finally, use the software to create interactive presentations that can be used over and over again!

The most important element of any technology in the classroom is that it supports and enhances the curriculum. Using technology for the sake of using technology is not going to improve the performance of students. I had a colleague make a comment to me when he saw that I (the technology coordinator for our school) was using "antiquated" methods for something. My reply? Technology is not one-size-fits-all. I use it whenever I feel it is the best way to experience the material.