The Interactive White Blackboard, or IWB, is a large interactive display attached to a computer and a projector.

A student in Portugal standing by an Interactive Whiteboard

The teacher and learners control the computer through the display.

Example
The learners are looking at words that are difficult to say. They check the phonetic script in the dictionary, then click on symbols on a phonemic [symbols] chart on the IWB to hear the pronunciation and decide how the word is pronounced.

In the classroom
IWBs are often criticised for making classes much more teacher-centred and it is important that learners are given appropriate opportunities to use the resource. Learner-centred activities involve them using the board themselves, and include presentations or learners leading a stage of the class.

Further links:

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/controversies-using-technology-language-teaching

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/using-board

https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/article/gavin-dudeney-integrating-ict-case-mobile

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