An Introduction to the New Electronic Whiteboards at International House Integra Bielsko-Biala
Starting in September 2008, IH Integra Bielsko-Biala is introducing the latest technology to the English language classroom: the interactive whiteboard.
What is it?
The interactive whiteboard works by linking a high-tech sensor placed on a traditional whiteboard to a laptop and a projector unit. Software on the computer reproduces the class course book, adding interactive elements and making learning English more attractive than ever!
Who is it for?
This new technology is for everybody – from our youngest learners to our most grown-up ones! For the kids, we have digital versions of Backpack and Fairyland, which are both full of games, videos and sing-alongs to make learning fun.
We also have the excellent New Cutting Edge series in digital format, which takes a more serious approach to learning. The digital version expands on the original textbook, making exercises interactive and more accessible.
What can students do with it?
Using the interactive whiteboards, the students will be able to test their knowledge in the class, and receive instant feedback through the teacher and the computer. For example, answers to a particular exercise can be shown on screen, helping students to correct their work, or the answers can slowly be revealed, so the teacher can concentrate on the parts that students had the most trouble with.
Listening activities, which have always proven difficult for students in the past, are much more manageable, with improved language quality and handy on-screen scripts.
Students who learn best by using their hands will find that they learn more successfully with an electronic whiteboard, as many exercises are designed to be done manually using the stylus to drag and drop language elements.
There are a lot of useful language games available for the electronic whiteboard, too. Students will be able to play games against each other, scoring points for correct answers, and keeping track of how well their team is doing at each stage.
Why is an interactive whiteboard better than a traditional teaching arrangement?
Traditional teaching methods will still be employed in the language-learning classroom at International House Integra. However, the electronic whiteboard helps the teacher to reach even more students and make the learning process even more memorable. Students typically put off by a text-and-teach approach will find the electronic versions more dynamic and more interesting.
In short, the new electronic whiteboards at International House Integra shows that the school is committed to improving teacher standards and helping students achieve their goals.
