They are surely part of the future of education if used well.

In a recent article written for ICT for Education Nadeem Quereshi Year 6 teacher from Chevening CEP School, Sevenoaks, Kent, TH13 2SA wrote:

Promethean Activboards are part of my every day teaching as I have been using them for a few years now and they are used in practically every lesson.They are surely part of the future of education if used well. An increase in engagement is often cited as the benefit; but there is far more to it. While some dispute the whiteboard’s contribution to learning; our pupil questionnaires give an insight.

Answering the questions “What helps you to learn?” and “What would you like to
learn more about?” we find that the whiteboard is consistently in the top two.

To think that it is all about motivation is missing the point. I think the real strengths lie in its digital nature and the opportunity it gives us to show learning. Has there been another educational development within the last 20 years, which has so publicly put the way teachers learn on display? While it may feel uncomfortable – what a great opportunity to model the strategies used to meet challenges; and show how we find ways to think creatively.

Training and support must be firmly in place; but equally - involving children is key.

• Teaching and learning together

When using Promethean’s Activprimary software I explain what I am trying to do and how I am tackling it. The pupils quickly pick up how to use tools and offer suggestions about ways to use the board. This engages them, boosts self-esteem and encourages creative thinking.

Some argue whiteboards are only used within the teacher’s domain - children passive partners. One way to get greater involvement is to install the software on all the computers. Children then have greater access. Our pupils sometimes construct or present work using whiteboard software (on their own computer, rather than the whiteboard).

• Pupils’ interactions with the boards

Encouraging collaboration is essential and the whiteboard allows this. Pupils love to have their turn - so much so that we have a few strategies to help. We share three Activpens, so that two are on their way to the next pupil while one child works at the board. A wireless keyboard is another tool which aids interaction.

When the children are working independently, there may be opportunities to ‘let some loose’ on the board. They can use it as their own learning/note making tool, rather than working in books. Evidence can be easily printed if needed.

• Encouraging participation

Wireless keyboards and learner response systems, such as Activote, are ways to reach those who are less confident. Many enjoy this ‘lower profile’ way of contributing. You can set the software so that Activote results are shown anonymously. (You still have the option to export named responses to a file. This is very useful for assessment.)

• Benefits of saving work digitally

Perhaps the most powerful feature is the ability to share resources, look back through notes, remodel and refine flipcharts.