Learning in the Primary School Classroom using the Interactive Whiteboard

Abstract

The Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) is a recent innovation and with it has come a renewed discussion of the nature of interactions in the primary school classroom. In this chapter the interactive affordances of the IWB, where users can physically manipulate two-dimensional objects on the board, are discussed. In focusing on this aspect, the types of resources used via the board are examined as are the multimodal features. In considering the nature of interactions between participants whilst using the IWB, interactions between teachers and students and between students and students are discussed. There is a focus on the ability for the IWB to support dialogic interactions in a more student-centered classroom. In examining interactions through the IWB, the way boards can be used to connect students to content, such as Web sites, is explored. In focusing on interactions with other participants the use of video conferencing is discussed.