Interactive Whiteboards, also called Promethean Boards, Smart Boards and other brand names, tumbled into education as a wave of technology that is changing how teachers teach.

While a teacher may be excited by all the possibilities the interactive white board will bring to the classroom, there may be a level of trepidation at learning something new in technology.  Embrace the opportunity and make learning come alive.  By following these few tips, one will become an expert in no time.

Take workshops

As this is a booming technology, many school districts are offering training sessions on using interactive white boards. Often these are teachers who have been using the technology in their classrooms or technology support businesses hired by the school district.  Take advantage of these opportunities because these people have already worked out the wrinkles and can make it easier for the new operator.

Don’t invent the wheel at first

As in many other areas of lesson planning, don’t think that everything has to be original.  Go online to find resources in the curriculum area.  Many have free downloads and then teachers can use what is applicable for them.  If using a Promethean Board, a great site is Promethean Planet.  There teachers can download flipcharts for elementary math to high school English classes. Many templates have been created for Jeopardy games, Deal or No Deal, and other adaptable games.  The teacher just has to plug in his or her own questions.

Calibrate the board

The wands or pens that correspond with the whiteboard function also like a mouse on a computer. It is important to make sure that the wands or pens are calibrated to the board.  Otherwise, the arrow won’t point to the correct place on the board and the operator may get the eraser when he or she really wanted the paint brush.  The tip of the pen or wand should be on target to the desired item.  If not calibration is necessary.  If unsure how to calibrate, it may be necessary to contact the network administrator for instructions.

Experiment

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the board.  Although there are a few different icons than a normal computer program, there really isn’t much that the operator can do permanent damage with by experimenting.  If the experiment leads the operator to an unwanted place, just close and don’t save. Then start over with a new flipchart, no harm done.