interactive W.H.I.T.E.B.O.A.R.D

Interactive whiteboard or famously known (by us) as the smartboard is a unique whiteboard that, instead of using markers and all, has a ‘touch’ screen in which the pupils are able to manipulate various tools (readily available during the installation of the smartboard software) during teaching and learning activities. It is an easier way to manipulate what is on board rather then the traditional whiteboard.

This smartboard is related to our latest assignment in which we have to design the teaching and leaning activities using the smartboard software. For me, the difficult part of this task is to select the suitable topic. This is because, not all topics can be used using the smartboard. Therefore, I have chosen the topic of year 4, planet, which I find quite interesting since there are various videos and gifs animation that can be used in this activities. Then I have to think thoroughly about the activities. I have to make it as interesting, interactive and educational as possible while making full use of the smartboard tools. While developing the activities, I didn’t forget about the learning theories. Once in a while I will refer to the theories to ensure that the activities, the layouts, fonts – everything, is relevant with what are mentioned by the theorists. I don’t to be classified as ‘syok sendiri’. Everything must be based on evidence to show the relevancy of the activities.

I also have my own doubts about the whole smartboard thing. No, it is not about the efficiency of the smartboard in the classroom. I agree that it is highly interesting and it gives the teachers and pupils a new experience in teaching and learning process. However, not all schools are equipped with this board. Mostly aren’t and even if they do, the board may be placed in the computer labs. Just imagine, two smartboards in two computer labs to be used by, let’s say, 1500 pupils. I wonder how many hours will be spent on teaching the pupils using smartboards. And before engaging them with the board, the teachers have to familiarize the pupils with it first. So, how many hours will be left to teach the lesson…hurrrmmm?? Besides, I also wonder how the teachers themselves are going to manipulate the interactive board. Some of them may make full use of this techno, but how about a few others? They may just prepare a simple lesson and a video and send all the children to the dream land. Why do I say so? Because, that’s what happen when these few teachers start using OHP and powerpoint when this techno are at their peak. They do not engage the pupils at all even though, for example, powerpoint can be a powerful and interactive tool as well. Now, the interactive board may suffer the same fate as those earlier techno