IWBs help students stay connected with the lesson through by following the changing point of focus on the board. Watching an IWB with ongoing highlighting, coloring, zooming, hiding/revealing, multimedia content, etc. is much easier to stay focused on than simply watching a teacher write on a chalkboard. Student achievement through student response systems is, in my opinion, one of the most beneficial uses for IWBs. Similarly to how college students use "clickers" in large classes to keep focus throughout a lecture, early students can use this method to enhance interaction with the material and to make sure they are keeping their attention. Participation in a lesson is of utmost importance for students to learn effectively. Student response systems can be used to submit responses to polls or surveys and are immediately projected on the board. It is a quick and easy way to record responses and gives the whole class a visual as to what the responses look like as a group.
In order for IWBs to be as effective as impossible in the classroom, it is essential for teachers and instructors to have proper training and knowledge of this tool. While it is important for teachers to learn about IWBs before using them, it is just as necessary to stay up to date on new strategies, tools, techniques, etc. throughout their teaching career. Technology changes rapidly and teachers need to learn to incorporate keeping up to date on their products in their daily lesson plans.
http://teacher.scholastic.com/whiteboards/sciencemath.htm
