Pedagogy and the Interactive Whiteboard: Challenges for the 21st Century Teacher

Abstract

The speed technology is moving and place man stressful-free and improving every sphere of human life globally cannot be overemphasized. The teacher who in the past will leave the class after lesson delivery covered with chalk-dust is free from it in most schools as a result of advancement and innovation in technology. One of these innovative technologies is the Interactive Whiteboard (IWB). Interactive whiteboard commonly known as smart board or interactive board is an advanced display tool that can connect to the internet and instantly digitalise task and operations interactively such that more senses are involve in learning process. This rapid change and advancement in technology affects the teacher whose knowledge is more on the traditional use of chalk-and-talk. The study emphasises the importance of IWB as a change agent in teaching and learning and should be encouraged even though the teachers have capability and competence challenges in the use of IWB. The paper suggests that teachers should be trained to acquire knowledge and skills necessary to use IWB in line with the global trends. It concludes that because of the potentials of IWB, the management of institutions and government should make IWB available in classes for teachers use to promote digital education