How technology has changed the way we learn...

There is no denying it - technology has changed the way in which we learn. There is a plethora of ways in which technology has altered learning but for the purpose of my short post, I have only selected one way in which technology has changed the way in which we learn:

The Interactive White Board
From the chalk board to the white board to the Interactive White Board.

I'm not very old but I was taught via a chalkboard in Primary school. Granted my teacher was the 'old school' type, but my point is that the chalkboard is not too distant a memory for me. The development of the IWB, I think, is massive in the way teachers now deliver lessons and the way in which students learn. Higgins agrees that, "the use of the IWB may be the most significant change in the classroom learning environment in the past decade."

Gone are the days where the teacher would stand in front of the class and write out all the necessary points in neat, clear handwriting (unless you're in my position and your placement doesn't have an IWB)

As Hillier (p 150) points out the development of IWBs is another potential method to engage learners. She explains benefits of motivating students by being able to involve students with an activity using the IWB (such as physically moving text), other interactive quizzes, having students label an image (see picture above). She also states that it helps to provide spontaneity. Further, you can use sounds, images and videos to reinforce your point. Brazburg also states that it encourages critical thinking, for example, the class can brainstorm together.

There is fantastic potential in this technology - provided that it is used to its potential. If it is just used merely as a projection screen then it needn't be 'interactive' and then you risk falling into the trap of death by another boring presentation. However, in the instances when it is used fully then it can produce valuable learning and teaching.

For more information on the IWB, I have found a useful link that explains the benefits and limitations here.