== Interactive whiteboards ==
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=== What are they? ===

An interactive white board is a “blackboard” tool which works with a computer’s desktop so that you can interact directly with applications and presentations on the board rather than through the mouse and keyboard.  It also can be used as a traditional black or white board but with the ability to digitally capture what is on the board for later use or distribution.
The are several different types but most have a touch screen so that with a finger or a special pen it is possible to 
 * click on buttons
 * drag items around the screen
 * annotate the screen with drawings and text
 * add drawings and text to ‘flipchart pages’ for printing and storing for later use

	
=== How can I use them with my students? ===
The main use for interactive whiteboards is to present information and to share content.  In its simplest form an interactive whiteboard can be used as an electronic flipchart. You can write on the board, and save the ‘flipcharts’ for later recall or distribution or printing.

‘Flipcharts’ can also be prepared in advance and away from the interactive whiteboard using a standard computer. For example, text and diagrams can be created for further annotation during the lecture or tutorial. It is also possible for animations and movies to be included and annotated.
The interactive nature of the boards allows innovative exercises to be developed that involve students, for example dragging-and-dropping text and diagrams around the board.

Interactive whiteboards are also ideal for demonstrating the use of software applications; the application screen is displayed large in front of the students and rather than having to follow a small mouse pointer, students can easily see how the demonstrator interacts with the software.

=== Examples ===
Becta have produced [http://publications.becta.org.uk/display.cfm?resID=25834 Getting the most from your interactive whiteboard: A guide for primary schools]. 
!TechDis have produced a case study of  [http://www.techdis.ac.uk/index.php?p=3_7_26_1 Interactive Whiteboards as Inclusive Technology].


=== Where can I get one? ===
The software associated with interactive whiteboards is generally available for both the Windows and the Mac platforms.

Suppliers include:

 * [http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-GB/Products/SMART+Boards/default.htm Smart Boards] 

 * [http://www.prometheanworld.com/uk/server/show/nav.1686 Promethean]

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