Interactive Whiteboards- Are they worth it?

I've been negligent. No posts in a few weeks.

I had a conversation with one of Pennsylvania's most influential bloggers, Jim Gates, the other day. Our discussion, as it usually does, centers around current happenings in education technology. While it's not always the case, this time we agreed on the topic.

Interactive whiteboards were the topic of discussion. We spoke about the cost of whiteboards, the software requirements, connectivity, logistical considerations, and more. There is an undeniable "cool" factor that instantly happens in a classroom when a new whiteboard is introduced.

I have seen some very cool lessons involving whiteboards. What I haven't witnessed, on a regular basis, is a shift from the teacher-centered classroom. The whiteboard is typically used as a teacher tool.

At the elementary level, teachers often invite their students to interact with learning manipulatives. At the secondary level we most often see the whiteboard being used as a presentation device. Now I'm not suggesting that there aren't highly engaging activities that can be done. There are. But typically... it's a presentation device.

The cost, at $1100 - $1500 or more, is quite steep. There are cables and connectivity to consider. The boards are large and despite having a rolling stand, mobility is just not practical.
And the one that hits my school the hardest... locally installed software. With hundreds of teachers and a handful of techs, the continuous updating of locally installed software can be problematic.

What I'd like to see develop is (and I know I sound like a broken record) is web-based interactive whiteboard software!! Here's one that I've come to like and I hope you'll give it a try too. It's called Thinkature and it appears to have great potential. Upload your pictures, draw, comment, chat, INVITE OTHERS!

So with a $50 remote mouse and a web-based interactive workspace... homerun!!

There are other web-based spaces such as Skrbl but I've come to like Thinkature.

Tags: web 2.0, Internet, software, whiteboard, interactive whiteboard