Interactive Whiteboards; Amazing or Overrated?

In this article, two educators take sides on whether or not we should all push to use interactive whiteboards (“IWBs” as the article puts it) in the classroom. Jocelyn Johnson is enthusiastic at the prospect of all classrooms adopting their own interactive whiteboards. She argues that these boards are known to increase a student’s engagement, which could never be a bad thing. Johnson thinks that these boards also allow for student-direct learning and independent student learning. With these boards, teachers are able to connect different technological devices, such as the document camera, so they are able to create a very interactive lesson.With these things in mind, thee boards are actually money savers


Jim Hirsch disagrees with Jocelyn Johnson on the importance of interactive whiteboards. He states that this engagement is mainly due to the projector that it is linked with. By just using that projector in the classroom, there is a comparable effect on the students’ learning. Hirsch also does not like how putting an interactive whiteboard in the classroom results in less small-group work sessions. In order to bring the whole class into the lesson, there are additional accessories, such as a wireless keyboard and mouse, that are meant for students to pass along so they can answer questions from their seats. Hirsch asks what happened to them just walking to the front of the classroom to write on the board? Finally, Hirsch states that quality of the student’s performance is based on the quality of the teacher, not the white board. Focus that money on improving our teachers, not technology.

Are these worth it?

I would say that I agree with Jim Hirsch the most; while I think that this interactive whiteboards are able to improve learning, the software that I have seen kids interacting with seems like a short step up from a form of arts and crafts. Also, I would disagree with Johnson on her statement that it increases independent student learning. These boards seem as though the best way to utilize them would be with the whole classroom, not an individual. I would want to have the focus of my classroom not be on individual learning, but group work. I feel that students get enough individual learning practice at home when they do their homework.


In the end, I think these interactive whiteboards are too expensive to replace what we have been doing in the classroom without them. There are specific students that I might feel would learn best from them, but not all.


The use of these whiteboards would fit with NETS number 2, which addresses communication and collaboration. Students would be able to work in groups, with the additional technology purchased. It could be quite easy to develop cultural understanding, especially when combining with a Google Earth tour.


For the original article, please click here!

Johnson, J. & Hirsch, J. (2010, June/July). Point/counterpoint are interactive whiteboards worth the investment?. Learning and Leading, 37(8), 6-7. Retrieved from http://www.iste.org/learn/publications/learning-and-leading/issues/Point_Counterpoint_Are_Interactive_Whiteboards_Worth_the_Investment.aspx