Interactive Whiteboards

This Digistory focuses on the innovative use of interactive whiteboards (SmartBoards) to facilitate student engagement at Eastern Fleurieu School.

The use of Smart Boards (product name for interactive whiteboards) was a consistent theme that arose in data collection from the principal, teachers, students and parents. Literature indicated that the use of interactive whiteboards was seen as being very worthwhile.

There is evidence that interactive whiteboards can enable longer attention span with students, and can assist with student motivation and engagement (Kennewell and Beauchamp 2007). Interactive whiteboards have been introduced in all primary schools in the U.K. (Gillan, Staarman, Littleton, Mercer & Twiner 2007).

There has been a recognition at Eastern Fleurieu School that teacher expertise with technologies such as the interactive whiteboard is very important.

This approach is supported by the research review on interactive whiteboards by Higgins, Beauchamp and Miller (2007), who found that while the technology of interactive whiteboards was important, teacher skill and knowledge in using it was critical. The photos to the right show students at Eastern Fleurieu School using interactive whiteboards in their classrooms