Interactive whiteboards have been rapidly introduced into all primary schools under UK Government
initiatives. These large, touch-sensitive screens, which control a computer connected to a digital projector, seem to be the
first type of educational technology particularly suited for whole-class teaching and learning. Strong claims are made for
their value by manufacturers and policy makers, but there has been little research on how, if at all, they influence
established pedagogic practices, communicative processes and educational goals. This study has been designed to examine
this issue, using observations in primary (elementary) school classrooms. It is funded by the UK Economic and Social
Research Council and builds on the authors’ previous research on ICT in educational dialogues and collaborative
activities.