Students may benefit from features such as dragging and dropping certain information from a lesson or hiding and showing certain images or text. Teachers have the ability to incorporate highlighting, matching items, peer teaching, and student response systems. These student response systems include ActivEngage2, ActivExpression, and ActiVote. These systems allow students to participate virtually in discussions, work at their own pace, and respond to teacher-made polls and assessments. These are efficient for teachers because they allow teachers to assess student learning in real-time. There are also lesson, image, and video libraries in an online community to help teachers find successful, efficient tools for classroom use.
Results from several studies are included in the reading, which show inconsistencies in interactive whiteboards and student achievement. In one study, average and above average ability students showed gains in core subjects, but lower ability students did not. This presents a challenge to the potential success of interactive white boards in the classroom. Another study presented gains in student achievement when student response systems, graphics, and reinforcer properties were used in the classroom. Some teachers in this study did not present student gains due to incorrect use of the board. This failure signifies one of the greatest challenges to interactive white boards, which is effective training and use by teachers.
Technical proficiency is fundamental for successful implementation of interactive whiteboards in the classroom. Training should be ongoing and include manuals, videos, webinars, and teacher demonstrations. It should incorporate school culture, time to prepare lessons, and technical support. This type of preparation should eliminate student frustrations and increase teacher confidence. Technical training alone, however, is not enough. Professional development should also include pedagogical training that incorporates integrating lessons and concepts with interactive white boards. For students to have greater potential for success, teachers should be well prepared with content that is supported and enhanced by interactive whiteboard tools.
