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Technology is rapidly changing the way we live, work, and play. The field of education is no exception. Technology was abuzz and education was the primary target for researchers who wanted to transform education as we know it to be. The classroom of today looks and operates significantly differently to the classrooms of five, ten and even 20 years ago.

Gone are the days of a solitary desktop computer in the corner, a dusty chalkboard, and an overhead projector. The 21st Century classroom houses various technologies from Interactive Displays, Interactive whiteboards, laptops, projectors and visualizers, all seamlessly connected by Wi-Fi or Bluetooth and supported by a range of software from cloud-based to apps.

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Taking care of yourself as a teacher is vital. So, although you’re usually the one who does all the teaching and training, here’s a quick lesson that may enrich you the way you usually enrich others: Imagine a not too distant future that allows you to finish your class and then simply take your equipment home with you - if you’re not already at home.

Quick lesson for the teacher​

Your audience’s ability to learn during your lessons is directly linked to the length of their attention spans. There is only so much attention they can afford to pay you before their brains go “broke”, so to speak. Roughly, only eight seconds, according to experts.

Furthermore, if they’re not able to pay attention, all your efforts, however brilliant, will be fruitless.

It also doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with their age, but how much time they spend online, and if it's a lot of time, they’re likely to have a much shorter attention span than what you may have given them credit for.

Interactive Whiteboard in the Classroom

As we start the year 2020 I thought it will be a great journey for me as a trainer to start sharing my experience with regards to the use of ICT in the classroom. As I write this blog I feel that a class does not just have to be equipped with technological hardware but for it to be functional it needs an innovative educator.

Today I would like to focus on the Interactive Whiteboard mainly Parrot Interactive- though most of the information is relevant to a variety of Interactive Whiteboard. 

Interactive Whiteboard

An Interactive Whiteboard is a whiteboard that allows one to manipulate the projected images of a computer screen. In a learning ecosystem, educators can project and control lessons created on different software, for example, Interactive Software, Word, PowerPoint, PDF, etc. Educators can also enhance a lesson by adding links, educational applications, and tools.

Components of an Interactive Whiteboard

The basic set up for an Interactive whiteboard consist on 

• Interactive Whiteboard
• computer/ laptop
• Projector 

Set-Up of the Interactive Whiteboard

The connection between computer to project 

Educators can be able to transmit an image of the computer screen to the projector by using a 

• Video Graphics Array (VGA) cable that transfers video data
• High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) transmit audio and video data

The connection between computer to Interactive Whiteboard

A USB cable is used to connect the Interactive Whiteboard and the computer. This connection allows for the transmission of touch functionality between the computer and the Whiteboard, without this connection the board will be idle.

Software and Drivers

All Parrot Interactive Whiteboard has whiteboard software available that serves different purposes (please read my next blog looking at Whiteboard software that is available). Use this link to download the Software and drivers on Parrot Website Software and Drivers. I have also added a training video for how one can calibrate the Interactive board and also the Teach Infinity Software with user guide

When Interactive Whiteboards are effectively used in the classroom they can be a tool that helps educators create a class that caters to different learning needs(please read my blog on this topic). There is a need for educators to be