Benefits & Limitations of using IWB

What is IWB all about?

IWB is an Interactive Whiteboard which is defined as a large touch screen sensitive board which is connected to the digital projector and a computer. It may bee controlled by either directly touching on the board or by using a special pen without the need of assistance from a mouse or a keyboard.

Advantages of using IWB

Similar to conventional/traditional whiteboard

Due to the IWB being similar towards the conventional whiteboard that we have been using for the past decades, even technophobic teachers are able to manage using this TEL with ease. Mainly because it allows the teacher to be able to write on the screen. It also enables teacher to write on the projected image that he/she wants to show the class, hence, easier produces a cleare illustration in the topic that the teacher is teaching.

Enhance presentation

Due to the features which IWB consists, it allows teachers to incorporate a vast range of materials into the lesson. Teachers are able to intergrate pictures from the internet, graph from spreadsheet or text from microsoft word. It allows annotation for students and teacher as well.

Broaden use of E-Learning

IWB conveys a different perception of E-Learning because it has the ability for a vast mode of delivery. Majority has thought that E-Learning is about having an individual to be physically remote to a computer. However, IWB allows a collaborative learning whereby students does not need to have a computer terminal on their own.

Increases pace of lesson

When lesson conducted is in a condusive and interesting manner, students are able to absorb and attain information which they have learnt faster. Since the pace of understanding among students is interrelated to the pace of the lesson plan, it allows the pace of lesson to be faster. Hence, teacher can move on to another topic in the subject.

Create sense of belonging

IWB allows a collborative learning as a whole class without any individual being outcast. Each student can contrubute their ideas during the lesson. Hence, it provide a common understanding among the students.

However, there are also some limitations of using IWB

Expensive cost

The cost of an IWB is expensive compared to the conventional whiteboard. A huge sum of the school fund needs to be invested in order to intergrate IWB in the school

Susceptible to damage

IWB is susceptible to damage due to the sensitivity of the screen. If the screen or any other supporting features are damage, it results to an expensive replacement.

Fixed height-boards

The fixed height board might not be able to cater to those with height deficit because sometimes, the board might be mounted to high for students to reach. It might also be fixed too low to be visible to the class.

Calibration

Sometimes, it might be possible for the writing not to appear on the board when using the smart pen. Hence, rewriting is needed which might take up extra time.

Technical fault

IWB might be susceptible to techincal faults as well. Therefore, it might disrupt the whole lesson and consume time to rectify the matter.

ICT Pre-Session 1

1. What are the main goals of each Masterplan for ICT in education and why do you think it is important for MOE to develop them?

Master Plan 1

• Enhance linkage between school and world around it

Through the usage of Internet , information which can be obtained is not only limited to school itself but also globally thus, the more information one can get, the more their capacity of knowledge will expand. It is also a platform whereby schools in Singapore could share information as well as communicate to other schools internationally and vice-versa.

• Generate innovative processes in education

The ICT system aids students to think felxibly and innovatively. With a greater exposure the students receive through the use of ICT, the more it will intrigue them to experimentation.

It will also escalate their interest in learning rather than the traditional way which made them feel prisoned within the four walls of their classroom which therefore leads to a better attention span among the students.

• Enhance Creative thinking, Life long learning & Social responsibility

ICT Learning allows the students to think out of the box to cultivate creative and innovative learners. It provides the ability for sustainable information through audio-visual etc. This also adorns a better analytical as well as computer licteracy skills for the students.


ICT learning also promotes groupwork and group discussions among students whereby they can learn from their classmates as well as establishing a better interaction among themselves.

• Promote administrative & management excellence in education system

Students are able to avoid the hassle of waiting for teacher's handouts or photocopying exam papers of other schools. Instead, through the means of ICT learning, students can just download it from the school's portal.


Master Plan 2

• Enhance educational processes and structures

- To ensure that all schools achieve baseline level of ICT.


It is essential for teachers and students alike to be aware and well informed about the basic ICT tools to aid them in their work with regards to school. And from the basic itself, it enables the teachers as well as students to advance in experimenting the various ICT tools to further enhance the education system.


Through enforcing ICT Learning in the education system, it allows schools in Singapore to gain recognition globally.


 Master Plan 3

• Implementation of self-directed learning & collaborative learning.

The goal of master plan 3 is to cultivate independent set of learners from students to inculcate them with positive impact of using ICT tools in studies and for the teachers to be the provider of various feedbacks to further enhance the use of ICT tools in education system.


Why So Important??


In the modern society, revolution has infused technology into our daily lives, therefore, it is important to emphasize ICT learning; nuturing the younger generation in using technology to further mould them into responsible and independent  learners, thus well equiped them to embark on the life journey.

2.Has any of the Masterplans impacted you as a student? Share your experience on how ICT had been used in the classes you attended as a student (if applicable).

During my poly days, ICT learning has been vastly used during lessons via Heucampus to promote a better undertsanding in the subjects. It allows me to obtain information or conduct extra practice in the subject which i am weak at with just a click on the mouse.


It also enables me to save time from the hectic poly schedules. I was able to receive my assignments faster after submission and work on the areas to improve in through the comments given by my lecturer via Heucampus.


It is also used as a platform for communication between students and lecturers with regards to school work.

3.How do you think the Masterplan 3 for ICT in Education may affect your role(s) as a beginning teacher?

First and foremost, I may have to be well equipt with the knowledge of ICT learning and also the various integrated ICT tools used in the education system.I need to constantly update myself with the various ICT tools and ways to implement it to provide a classroom with sustainable learning.

I will also have to harnest my IT skills to conduct an enjoyable lesson as well as to promote a beter understanding in the subject.

Increasing my sense of awareness is also essential for me as a beginning teacher. I need to be aware of the various reflections, responds and the abilities of each individual in my class when using ICT.