SURVEY OF USE OF INTERACTIVE ELECTRONIC WHITEBOARD
IN INSTRUCTION
DECEMBER, 1998

CONCLUSIONS

• Interactive electronic whiteboards are valued very highly for classroom demonstrations and instruction.
• Board users find the equipment and software user-friendly.
• The whiteboard is favored for presentations over more traditional devices such as overhead projector, chalk board, etc.
• The whiteboard is favored over computer, presentation system, and television for classroom teaching.
• Problems which respondents reported centered around three areas:
• Logistical problems with wires, positioning of boards and other equipment, and moving equipment from one location to another were reported by some respondents.
• Some participants who liked the equipment were not satisfied that they had received enough training from the suppliers or from their own institutions.
• The expense of the equipment was reported as a barrier to obtaining enough equipment to adequately serve the needs some participants' institutions.
• Users reported high satisfaction with the interactive qualities of the board.
• Teacher enthusiasm for the boards was high.
• All respondents indicated a high degree of positive student response to board use.

• Training should be considered a high priority.  Whether offered by equipment vendors or supplied by institutions acquiring equipment, training should not be underestimated as a key to successful and productive use.  Users should be confident and comfortable with the equipment after initial training.
• Ongoing discussion with tips and ideas for use would be productive.
• Colleagues should plan ahead and work together to minimize problems related to sharing and relocation of equipment.
• Students should be included in lessons as participants at the board, at the computer, or at both locations in order to fully realize the interactive potential of the boards and in order to gain maximum student response and enthusiasm.
• Distance learning applications are less used, probably due to lack of training or lack of other equipment and networking.  Interested board users should actively investigate using the boards for distance learning.