Do you remember the old chalkboards that were used in classrooms, well, not that long ago? Chalks for writing and sponges for cleaning the board, that’s how teachers were functioning. The nasty white markings on hands and even nastier sponges are now in the past. The whiteboard that is today used in almost every classroom is a great substitute. Not only can teachers and students use colourful pens to write or draw on the board, but also the whiteboards can be used for projecting videos, placing illustrations, photos and map. And there are many modern wall hanging whiteboard models that allow computer connection, so yes, we are living the future.
What Are the Features of a Whiteboard?
A whiteboard is usually made of white ceramic and steel strengthened with an aluminium back. The aluminium back makes these boards magnetic so teachers and students can use them to easily pin important visual learning tools on them. On the other hand, the ceramic surface also means that these boards are durable and resistant to stains, dents, scratches and a variety of other damages. The durability of the whiteboard is important since it will allow you to use it for a long time, without having to invest in a new one often which can be the case with blackboards.
Another great thing is that the ceramic surface allows you to use sharpies in various colours and easily clean the board afterwards with only a dry cloth or a specialised felt eraser. Chalkboards are not bad, but they are no longer matching today’s needs of both students and teachers. So, why a whiteboard is a good idea? Here are several good reasons to invest in one for your classroom.
Why You Should Use a Whiteboard in Your Classroom
A classroom should be a safe place for the student. When the teacher empowers the students to participate in class and lets their voice be heard, the students can create and express themselves freely. However, most students perceive the chalkboard to be something the teacher uses, but that won’t be the case with a whiteboard. These boards come in all sizes and can easily be hanged on the wall at students’ level or placed onto a collaborative table where a group of students can use it and share it.
With the right board, your students would want to take part in the class, draw or write on the whiteboard and even use it on their breaks. And when children are free to use everything in the classroom, they will approach learning without stress and fear. So, by adding a wall hanging whiteboard the classroom will become more entertaining, and a place where students can express themselves without any obstructions.
Use a Whiteboard for Student Collaboration and Brainstorming
When students join together to work on a project, they find it easier to write down their ideas (or even draw them). When they can outline the ideas, things get much easier for them. And when things are written on a large whiteboard, visual learners will have a much easier time understanding stuff.
When the class shares ideas through brainstorming, they participate in the class and they want to contribute with their ideas. The teacher can write these ideas on the board, but the students can also do that themselves. Sure, the students can do all this in their notebooks, but when they do that on the board, things become more important. This way students practice drawing things, learn math together and learn how to write (no matter if they write on the board or are observing their classmates doing it).
Learning Through Play
The best way to learn something new is to have fun while doing it. Yes, even if it’s in school. Although you can see whiteboards hanging in various classrooms from preschool to colleges, it doesn’t mean that the more serious the education gets, that the more fun should be completely removed.
Students can draw, write, learn how to spell, play games, pin things on the board and do other activities. The white background will make colours pop up and appear more lively as opposed to using a blackboard.
Easy to Use
The fact that these boards are easy to use, make things even more exciting. The students can use a variety of colourful pens for writing, drawing and highlighting and there is no mess or cleaning. As we’ve mentioned, the white background makes it easier for colours to pop out, which means that students will be able to read things more easily off the board.
Also, it provides classroom flexibility; the teacher can display photos, maps, illustrations or videos directly onto the whiteboard. A whiteboard allows children to interact with the learning material and become a part of the lesson and can even teach each other.
