Online whiteboards have brought a drastic transformation in the education sector by simplifying the learning processes. Primary school, high school, and institutions of higher learning have integrated the technology to deliver quality education to its students. Though this technology has evolved over the last two decades, its use has only grown exponentially over the past few years.
An online whiteboard can be in the form of a connectable apparatus with a touchpad used to control other computers from a projector or a standalone touchscreen computer. There are numerous benefits of using online whiteboards in the classroom that makes a positive impact on both the students and teachers. Let’s explore a few of them that can be worth considering to bring a transformation in the classroom.
What is an online whiteboard
An online whiteboard, also known as a virtual whiteboard is an interactive whiteboard where both students and teachers can write and interact in real-time through the internet. Here are a few advantages of a virtual whiteboard in a classroom.
Improvement in learning
An online whiteboard is designed to enable people who are participating in a class or meeting better understand a given concept. In a classroom, some students are good at grasping information delivered through speech while others find it easier to master concepts brought out in the visual form. An online whiteboard allows relaying of information to participants of a classroom in multiple ways which ultimately increases the level of information absorption, synthesis, and retention.
When each student is connected to the online cloud meeting, they can follow through what the teacher is presenting. Being on the same page, multiple students can see and even edit the interactive screen shared by the presenter.
Fun-oriented learning process
Gone are the days of using dry chalkboards with powdered erasers, or whiteboards with markers. Teachers, nowadays use LCD monitors together with shared online whiteboards to deliver lessons. Such technology makes every student anxious to try out how the board works. It can ignite students’ enthusiasm to get involved in the learning process using interactive whiteboards. Presentations and images can be delivered in full HD display accompanied by interactive computer abilities. In such a learning environment, students will find the syllabus more fun, and most of them won’t skip classes or miss school.
Proven success rates
Studies have found that using an online whiteboard in classrooms has proven success rates. It improves learning, increases comprehension, boosts attentiveness, enhances literacy, and raises test scores. According to the teachers, their favorite benefit is that it increases student engagement. Students feel more confident in answering questions or helping other students as the whiteboards allow for different types of learning.
Increased teaching efficiency
Anything being done on a computer can be replicated on an online whiteboard. Teachers can create engaging lessons that aim at one task, such as matching activity where students use either a pen or their fingers to match items. Additionally, teachers can integrate multiple items into a lesson, such as music, photos, and websites. Doing this enables students to interact with, respond, or even write comments on the whiteboard itself. Placement and image size can be changed with a simple touch on the screen. This technology enables a one-computer classroom to be a workable instructional model.
Access to online resources
Online whiteboards offer students and teachers easy access to online resources. Easy to set up inside a classroom, online whiteboards allow students to view any website or video through a computer application. Teachers can access a host of knowledgeable databases and repositories that can help them to reinforce their lessons for students. Further, students can complete their projects or research by easily accessing a wide range of resources.
In Conclusion
Online whiteboards are now a critical part of education institutions. Apart from increasing teacher-student engagement, they boost the performance of the students in the long run. Its advantages are so many that any education institution can’t afford to ignore.
Author Bio: Sarah Williams is a successful businesswoman who has a great interest in diverse subjects. She has learned a lot at the hands of every experience – good or bad. Her write-ups are a true manifestation of her rich experiences and her eventful life.
