Presentation Revolution

Interactive Whiteboards (IWB's) have become a central part of any technological infrastructure advance by a school. It is revolutionary due to its practicality and has immense potential. it can be seen as the catalyst between learners, teachers and technology in education. It takes a simple presentation and turns it into an interactive experience which can be used in various forms and at various times.

The true power lies in it's versatility. The background can be any program which is optimal to education. The board then allows the teacher and learner to manipulate the existing information on the screen and  to create something new. A good application of this is spreadsheets, Excel, which can be used in Accounting. The spreadsheet can be created in such a manner that it already contains some of the information and that other pièces of the puzzle needs to be put in place by teachers and learners alike.

Another function which can be extremely valuable is that information entered or altered on the board can be saved electronically. Sketches and notes made on presentations can be stored and sent to students as a soft copy.

The creativity factor is invaluable and can assist in shaping innovative teaching practice. Design subjects can become more exiting and engaging than ever before. Sketches and techniques can be illustrated in any colour and any format. The power of the drawing tool can also make logic and business orientated subjects more colorful and exciting. The 21^st century is looking for innovators. The world values new and creative ideas which can shape our future. It is thus extremely beneficial for a learner to be groomed in thinking more creatively.

It is important to realize that the IWB is still just a tool and must be wielded by the master. Extensive presentation ability might let teachers fall into the trap of becoming lazy and just slouching through the predetermined content in the presentation. The goal should be to use the tool to make the class more interactive and engaging. It remains the teacher’s responsibility to determine the context and background of the class and then to use the board accordingly.

It can therefore have a lasting positive impact in a digital age. The children should be able to foster a better understanding of computer programs and how they are used in an academic setting.

It is exciting to think about possibilities of the future. The IWB might be replaced by an interactive hologram in which a learner can create and manipulate 3D shapes and figures. Imagine building a skyscraper with the tip of your fingers.