INTERACTIVE TOOLS
Interactive Boards.
Interactive Boards, also known as electronic blackboards, are display monitors that are produced in various sizes by different companies such as Smart
Technology, Promethean, Sony, and others. Interactive boards have two distinct functions: display and interactivity. As a display tool, teachers can display specific content related files, software, or Internet resources. As an interactive tool, interactive boards allow the user to write and manipulate objects including images and text. Interactive boards connect through a USB port to a computer (desktop or laptop) and a projector is connected to that computer. The computer screen is projected onto the interactive board and the user has access to all files, software, and Internet at the touch of a finger or a device depending on the type of interactive board. The combination of the interactive board, projector, and computer represent a dynamic system that facilitates flexibility in the classroom. There are specific advantages to using interactive boards in the classroom. Interactive boards provide more flexibility in how lessons are
communicated, promote student interaction with content, provide greater visualization of concepts for students, and increases motivation among students.
Web 2.0 Tools.
There is considerable debate about the actual meaning of Web 2.0.
While there is no consensus on one definition for Web 2.0, there are some basic
commonalities in conversations about Web 2.0.
The following quotes will illustrate this point.
“There is Enterprise 2.0 and Web 2.0.
Both are, in part, about user-generated content, and increasing participation in key conversations. They are also about making all of this participation more accessible to bring more voices to
enterprise decision making.”(Ives, 2007)