General Operation and Uses of Interactive Whiteboard

♦ An interactive whiteboard (IWB) device can either be a standalone computer or a large, functioning touchpad for computers to use.

♦ A device driver is installed on the attached computer so that the interactive whiteboard can act as a Human Input Device (HID), like a mouse. The computer's video output is connected to a
digital projector so that images may be projected on the interactive whiteboard surface.

♦ The user then calibrates the whiteboard image by matching the position of the projected image in reference to the whiteboard using a pointer as necessary. After this, the pointer or other device may be used to activate programs, buttons and menus from the whiteboard itself, just as one would ordinarily do with a mouse. If text input is required, user can invoke an on-screen keyboard , utilize handwriting recognition. This makes it unnecessary to go to the computer keyboard to enter text.

♦ Thus, an IWB emulates both a mouse and a keyboard. The user can conduct a presentation or a class almost exclusively from the whiteboard.

♦ In addition,the Interactive Whiteboard is supplied with software that provides tools and features specifically designed to maximize interaction opportunities. These generally include the ability to create virtual versions of paper flipcharts, pen and highlighter options, and possibly even virtual rulers, protractors, and compasses—instruments that would be used in traditional classroom teaching.Interactive whiteboards promotes collaboration among students and group discussion and participation. They can be an effective tool for brainstorming due to the fact that notes can be taken on the board and saved to be shared and distributed to students later.