04/11 Brighton, UK - PCE

IATEFL Brighton: Friday 15th April 2011

Learning Technologies Special Interest Group PCE: Interactive Whiteboards: From Methods to Madness

If there's one piece of technology that has promised to revolutionise classroom practice in recent years, it's the Interactive Whiteboard (IWB). Facilitating the integration of other digital technologies in a 'connected classroom', supporters of the IWB claim it has great potential to radically alter the way our students learn, with increased student engagement and improvements to the quality of teaching and learning that takes place. Detractors, however, say it's an expensive and unnecessary piece of technology that results in more teacher-centred classrooms.

What is true is that although it looks like a normal whiteboard, there's so much more to it under the surface, and using it well requires a combination of training, practice and reflection. Good teaching with an IWB can mean rethinking your approach to classroom teaching. For this reason, we have invited a number of guest presenters, experienced in using the tool, to show different methods, principles and strategies for effective teaching with the IWB. We will even look at how you can make your own portable IWB for under 100 Euros that you can set up quickly and carry from class to class.

Apart from the guest presenters, this will be a very practically-oriented day and there will be plenty of opportunity for hands-on group practice using IWBs. The Pre-Conference Event (PCE) is suitable for teachers who have never used an IWB and for those who have had some experience teaching with one. It will culminate in an end-of day 'show-and-tell' session, and more experienced participants will be encouraged to bring their own useful tips and ideas to share with everyone. When it is over, it is hoped that you will leave with a much clearer idea of how to teach effectively with this tool.