Suggestions+&+Recommendations


 * Suggestions for successful implementation of Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs)**


 * In order for the IWBs to be successfully implemented into the classroom environment there needs to be substantial consultation with the teaching team, a number of significant points should be considered, these include;**


 * Professional development of teachers – Teachers will need to given sufficient, ongoing, needs-based professional development, time and opportunity to explore and ‘play’ with equipment before using the IWB within the classroom context (Howes, 2005).
 * Pedagogical practice – Teachers wanting to adopt the use of an IWB within the classroom context will need to ensure that they understand that the IWB is a tool. The IWB will not transform teaching practices; the effectiveness of the IWB will depend on the desire of the teacher to create innovative teaching practices and a genuine community of learners. ‘Teachers are key to the adoption of innovations in a school as it is the teacher who is central to creating the learning environment and guiding learning processes within their classrooms’ (Zhao et al. 2002, p.507)
 * Collaboration - Regular communication and collaboration with other schools using IWBs in the classroom context will be beneficial to the effective implementation of IWBs (Howes, 2005). Zhao et al. (2002, p502) suggested that schools need "a person who can help the teacher understand and use technologies for his or her own classroom needs". Teachers need to be aware of the technological infrastructure and peer support available within the school and community before they begin to implement innovative uses of technology in their own classroom and teaching.
 * Innovation – Teachers should also consider ways in which they can use the technology in innovative ways, rather than as a tool for instructivist teaching methods, this will include the ownership and participation of students.Location and installation of the IWB – the projector will need to be mounted to the ceiling of the classroom to reduce shadow effects over the front of the projection (Love and Garcia, 2004). It is strongly suggested that the IWB be permanetly mounted to the wall of a classroom as this will reduce unnecessary set-up time. It is also suggeted that the IWB be installed and set up by technical specialists (Howes, 2005)
 * Ongoing reflection by teachers and students - Teachers that reflect on their own teaching practice and goals consciously use technology in a manner that reflects their pedagogical beliefs. Teachers who express their social awareness, and are able to work and make compromises with technicians and administrators are more successful at implementing projects that involved technology i.e. IWBs **(Zhao et al, 2002**).


 * Recommendation for implementation of IWBs

We recommend that the school proceed with the implementation of IWBs into the school environment. However; as outlined throughout this report several components should be considered when introducing these into the school; Professional developments of teachers, pedagogical practice, colloboration with school personnel and wider community and ongoing reflection by teachers and students must be addressed before purchases of the IWBs are made.**