interactive whiteboard problem solving activities

16 Engaging Whiteboard Games for All Ages

Mackenzie Carter

Published on Jul 10, 2024, updated on Jul 19, 2024

Whiteboards are versatile tools that can be used for more than just meetings and classroom instruction. They can also be the centerpiece of a variety of engaging and fun games that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. In this article, we will explore some exciting whiteboard games , how to play them using Boardmix, and categorize them into games suitable for adults and children. Let’s dive into the world of whiteboard games and discover how they can add a spark of fun to any setting.

What Are Fun Games to Play on a Whiteboard?

Whiteboard games are interactive activities that use a whiteboard as the primary medium for play. These games are designed to engage participants in group settings, providing both fun and educational experiences. Suitable for various occasions, whiteboard games can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Here are some common scenarios where people play whiteboard games:

Classroom Activities: Teachers use whiteboard games to make learning more interactive and engaging for students. These games can reinforce concepts, encourage participation, and make lessons more enjoyable.

Office Team-Building: Companies incorporate whiteboard games into team-building exercises to foster collaboration, improve communication, and boost morale among employees.

Family Gatherings: Families play whiteboard games during reunions or holiday gatherings to have fun together, create lasting memories, and strengthen bonds.

Parties and Social Events: Hosts use whiteboard games at parties to entertain guests, break the ice, and ensure everyone has a good time.

Online Meetings: With the rise of remote work and virtual gatherings, people use online whiteboard tools to play games during virtual meetings, making them more interactive and enjoyable.

Whiteboard games are versatile and can be adapted to suit various group sizes and skill levels, making them a popular choice for both recreational and educational purposes.

How to Play Whiteboard Games with Boardmix

Boardmix is an online whiteboard tool that makes playing whiteboard games even more accessible and interactive. Here’s how you can play some of the mentioned games using Boardmix:

Setting Up Boardmix

Create a Boardmix account and set up a new board.

Invite participants to join your board through a shareable link.

Ensure everyone has access to drawing tools and text features.

Choose a word or phrase generator or prepare a list of words beforehand.

Assign a player to draw the first word on the Boardmix whiteboard while others guess in the chat or via voice.

Use the drawing tools in Boardmix to illustrate the word without writing it.

Hangman on Boardmix

One player thinks of a word and uses the drawing tool to draw blank spaces for each letter.

Participants guess letters by writing them on the Boardmix whiteboard.

The drawing player adds parts of the hangman for each incorrect guess.

Tic-Tac-Toe with Boardmix

Draw a 3x3 grid on the Boardmix whiteboard.

Players take turns using the drawing tool to mark Xs and Os in the grid.

The first to get three in a row wins.

Dots and Boxes on Boardmix

Draw a grid of dots on the Boardmix whiteboard.

Players take turns drawing lines between dots to form boxes.

Use different colors to distinguish players’ boxes.

Whiteboard Games for Adults

Adults can enjoy these engaging whiteboard games that are perfect for parties, team-building, or just casual fun:

Create a trivia game where one player writes questions on the whiteboard, and others write their answers. Each correct answer earns a point, and the player with the most points at the end wins. Trivia questions can cover various topics such as history, pop culture, sports, and more.

Debate Topics

Write a debate topic on the whiteboard and split into teams to argue for or against the topic. Each team presents their arguments and counterarguments, and a neutral party judges which team made the most compelling case. This game helps improve critical thinking and public speaking skills.

Brainstorming Sessions

Use the whiteboard for brainstorming sessions where participants write down their ideas on a given subject. The facilitator writes a central topic or question on the board, and participants contribute their thoughts and suggestions. This game is ideal for creative problem-solving and generating new ideas.

Murder Mystery

Create a murder mystery game where clues are written or drawn on the whiteboard, and participants have to solve the case. Start with a scenario and list of suspects, then gradually reveal clues. Participants discuss and piece together the clues to identify the culprit. This game encourages teamwork and analytical thinking.

Memory Challenge

Show a series of images or words on the whiteboard for a short time, then ask participants to recall and write them down. The player who remembers the most items correctly wins. This game helps improve memory and concentration.

Strategic Planning

Use the whiteboard for strategic planning games where teams develop plans to achieve a specific goal. Each team outlines their strategy on the whiteboard, detailing steps and resources needed. This game enhances planning and organizational skills.

Marketing Pitch

Teams create and present a marketing pitch for a product or service using the whiteboard for visuals. They must outline the key features, target audience, and marketing strategies. After the presentations, the best pitch is selected based on creativity and feasibility. This game develops creativity and persuasive communication.

Negotiation Simulations

Write down negotiation scenarios and roles, then have participants role-play and negotiate on the whiteboard. Each participant takes on a role and negotiates terms to reach a mutually beneficial agreement. This game improves negotiation and conflict-resolution skills.

Leadership Exercises

Use the whiteboard for leadership exercises where participants solve problems or make decisions as a team. Present a challenge or problem, and participants must collaborate to develop a solution. This game builds leadership and teamwork abilities.

Escape Room Puzzles

Create escape room-style puzzles on the whiteboard that participants must solve to "escape" the virtual room. These puzzles can include riddles, number codes, and logic problems. Teams work together to solve the puzzles within a time limit. This game enhances problem-solving and collaboration skills.

These whiteboard games for adults not only provide entertainment but also help in developing skills such as critical thinking, communication, and teamwork.

Whiteboard Games for Children

Children can also benefit from and enjoy these whiteboard games, which are both educational and fun:

Alphabet Game

Write a letter on the whiteboard, and children take turns writing words that start with that letter. Each child tries to think of a unique word, and the game continues until no more words can be thought of. This game helps with vocabulary building and letter recognition.

Drawing Contest

Give children a theme and have them draw their interpretation on the whiteboard. The best drawing wins. Themes can be anything from animals to outer space. This game encourages creativity and artistic skills.

Spelling Bee

Write words on the whiteboard for children to spell aloud or write down. Participants take turns spelling the words, and each correct spelling earns a point. The child with the most points at the end wins. This game helps improve spelling and vocabulary.

Math Challenges

Write math problems on the whiteboard for children to solve. The fastest correct answer wins. Problems can range from simple addition and subtraction to more complex multiplication and division, depending on the age group. This game helps enhance math skills and quick thinking.

Simon Says Drawing

Play "Simon Says" with drawing commands on the whiteboard, such as "Simon says draw a circle." Children must follow the commands only if prefaced with "Simon says." This game helps improve listening skills and following directions.

Write a story prompt on the whiteboard, and children take turns adding sentences to create a complete story. Each child adds their own twist to the narrative, and the story develops in unexpected ways. This game encourages creativity, imagination, and collaborative storytelling.

These whiteboard games for children are great for developing vocabulary, creativity, and problem-solving skills while ensuring they have fun.

Whiteboard games are a fantastic way to engage people of all ages in fun, interactive activities. Whether you’re looking for games to play at a party, during a team-building event, or to entertain children, whiteboard games offer a variety of options that can be easily adapted to any setting. Using tools like Boardmix can enhance the experience, making it easy to play these games virtually.

From classic games like Pictionary and Hangman to creative storytelling and strategic planning exercises, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. So gather your friends, family, or colleagues, and start playing some exciting whiteboard games today!

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30 Fun And Easy Whiteboard Games For Kids (In 2024)

Whiteboard games are a great way for kids to engage and enjoy learning. They are perfect for reinforcing concepts, fostering teamwork, and sparking creativity. And the best part? They’re loads of fun!

These versatile ideas are perfect:

• For diverse age groups
• For both large and small groups

This post contains affiliate links, and we may earn a commission at no cost to you. See our disclaimer for more.

Educational Whiteboard Games

Elevate learning at home or in the classroom.

Pro Tip: Further boost active engagement by having students use individual whiteboards at their seats.

1. Alphabet Soup

• Write a mix of alphabet letters on the whiteboard in a random order to make the “soup”.
• Determine a time limit for each round.
• Students take turns coming up to the board and creating a word using the letters displayed.
• Points are given for each correctly spelled word.

Game variation: Students must create words related to a specific theme or category.

2. Letter Match

*Great for young learners

• Write uppercase letters on one half of the whiteboard and lowercase letters on the other half.
• Students take turns matching the uppercase and lowercase letters together.

Game Variation: Have students take turns writing the uppercase or lowercase letter to match the letter written.

3. Scrambled Words

Rev up the excitement in your class by creating a word challenge!

• Jumble up words your class has been studying on the board.
• Award points to the team that unravels the word puzzle first.

4. Word Wheel Puzzle

• On the whiteboard, create a circle divided into 8 equal sections. Place a letter in each section, with an additional letter in the center.
• Clarify that each word must include the center letter, and letters can be used more than once if needed.
• Players, either individually or in teams, use the letters on the Word Wheel to form as many words as possible. Encourage creativity and accept both common and unique words.
• Assign points for each word created.

Related: Fun & Easy Minute To Win It Games

5. Math Race Whiteboard Games

• Divide students into teams.
• Write a math problem on the whiteboard and have the first student from each team race to solve it.
• The first student to solve the problem correctly wins a point for their team.

Game variation: For multi-step math problems, have students take turns completing each step of the problem. Encourage collaboration among team members to solve the problem together.

6. Spelling Bee

• Call out words and have students take turns spelling them on their whiteboards.
• Any student who misspells a word is out for that round. Continue until only one speller remains.

Game Variation: Divide the class into partners and each partner team spells the words together.

7. Science Pictionary

Reinforce scientific vocabulary and promote teamwork.

• Divide the class into teams or pairs.
• Write scientific terms on slips of paper and put them in a hat.
• Have students take turns drawing a slip of paper and drawing a picture of the word on the whiteboard.
• The remaining team members try to guess the scientific term based on the drawing.

8. Rhyme Time

• Write a word on the whiteboard.
• Students create as many rhyming words as they can on their whiteboards.

Related: Funny Tongue Twisters for Kids & Fun Telephone Game Phrases

9. Tic Tac Toe Spelling

Put a twist on this classic game for 2 players.

• Have one student draw a tic tac toe board on their whiteboard.
• Both students will pick one word from their spelling list. Those two words will be the “X” and “O”.
• Students practice spelling while playing the game of tic tac toe.

Game Variation: Use any other content vocabulary words your students are studying.

10. Last Letter First

• Divide the class into groups of 4 or 5 students.
• Assign a category your students have been studying.
• The first student writes a word from the given category.
• The next student must write a word that starts with the last letter of the previous word.
• Play continues until no more words can be written or the time is up.

Example: The category is food: apple, egg, green bean, Nutella, apricot, tomato, etc…

Related: Free Categories for Scattergories Game

11. Boggle White Board Games

• On the whiteboard draw a 4 by 4 grid and put 1 letter in each box.
• Students (individually or in teams) search for and write down as many words as they can find by connecting adjacent letters horizontally, vertically, or diagonally.
• Awards point for each correctly spelled word.

12. Spelling Race

• Split the group into teams of 4-6 players.
• Have players line up at the whiteboard.
• Assign a spelling word to the class and have each student write down one letter of the word and pass the marker to the next player on their team.
• The first team to spell the word correctly the fastest wins!

13. Hot Seat

• Divide the class into two teams.
• Each team sits together facing the whiteboard. Take an empty chair for each team and put it at the front of the class facing the team members. These chairs are the “hot seats.”
• Choose one volunteer from each team to sit in the “hot seat” and face their team with their back to the whiteboard.
• Choose a word to write on the board. Each team takes turns trying to get their teammate to guess the word using synonyms, antonyms, definitions, etc..
• The team to guess the word first gets a point!

Related: Fun Growth Mindset Games & Activities and Ice Breaker Activities For Kids

Creative Whiteboard Games

Use these whiteboard games to encourage creativity and imagination in kids.

14. Turn Vocabulary Words Into Pictures

• Students transform the word into a visual representation through drawings.
• Encourage students to explain their drawings to promote discussion and understanding.

This method allows creative expression, word recognition, and challenges the drawer to use their imagination.

15. Pictionary Games for Whiteboards

Divide into teams and draw as your team races to guess the word first! The  game of Pictionary  promotes team building, encouragement, and collaboration.

Related: Best Charades Ideas List and Fun Family Feud Game Questions

16. Whiteboard Story

*This works well with partners or a small group

• Write the opening sentence or phrase of a story on the whiteboard. For example, “Once upon a time in a magical forest…”
• Invite the first student to add a sentence or drawing based on the initial prompt.
• Each subsequent student takes turns adding to the story, either through sentences or illustrations. Emphasize creativity and encourage unexpected twists.
• Set a time limit for each turn.
• Read aloud and illustrate the final story.

Pro Tip: Encourage students to connect their sentences to the previous elements of the story for a cohesive narrative.

Related: Best Conversation Kids Games

17. Puzzle Pieces (Whiteboard Games)

• Start by drawing a complete picture of an object, scene, or character on the whiteboard.
• Erase the picture into distinct pieces, leaving enough clues for the players.
• Players take turns drawing the missing pieces of the picture, one piece at a time.

Game Variation: Foster collaboration! Divide the class into teams to work together to complete the puzzle.

Related: What Am I Riddles

18. Practice Drawing

Hesitant artists will feel more confident with the freedom of using a whiteboard:

• Experiment with lines, shapes, and basic patterns
• Choose simple objects to replicate on the whiteboard
• Sketch elements from nature such as leaves and flowers
• Make a favorite character sketch
• Practice letter formation
• Complete a directed drawing

19. Web Whiteboard: Whiteboard Games Online

Engage kids in drawing, homework help, and games with this free online whiteboard for kids .

More Interactive Whiteboard Games

Whiteboards are a great tool for interactive learning games.

Pro Tip: Set clear expectations for whiteboard and expo marker use before playing.

20. Team Trivia

For a fun and informational team-building game, try out trivia. Divide the kids into teams and have them work to answer  kids trivia questions or teen trivia questions .

Also, look for seasonal and holiday trivia plus  more types of trivia  that will challenge your group.

21. Scrabble

• The first player writes a word on the whiteboard.
• The next player writes a word horizontally using a letter from the first word to start or end their word.
• Play continues until no more words can be written.
• Each letter in the word is one point.

Game variation: Set a category for the words.

• Give each player on a team a different colored marker. The object of the game is to draw the most shapes on the whiteboard.
• The first player draws a shape that has corners and sides: triangle, quadrilateral, square, rectangle, rhombus, parallelogram, trapezoid, pentagon, hexagon, heptagon, octagon, nonagon, decagon
• The next player draws a shape using only one corner or side of a previously drawn shape.
• Players may not draw a line inside one shape to create a new one.
• When no more shapes can be drawn, the winning team is the one with the most shapes.

23. Stop The Bus

• Start by dividing the group into small teams or pairs, each equipped with a whiteboard marker.
• Create columns on the whiteboard with category names at the top.
• Set a time limit. The “bus driver” writes a letter and shouts “Go!”
• Teams list as many words as possible for each category that starts with that letter.
• The first team to complete their list of requirements shouts “Stop the bus!”

24. Dot Grid Whiteboard Game

This game can be played in small groups or pairs.

• Start by creating a grid using only dots.
• Players take turns connecting the dots by drawing one line to form a box.
• Once a box is formed, the player puts his/her initials in that box.
• The winner will be the person with the most boxes claimed on the grid. 

Pro Tip: If making the dot grid is too much, you can use dot grid paper and put it into dry-erase pockets instead. Kids can still use their dry erase markers. And these pockets erase easily.

25. Put The Dot In The Center

This game is similar to “Pin the Tail on the Donkey”.

• Draw a large circle on the whiteboard with a star in the center.
• When it is a player’s turn, he/she is blindfolded and faced toward the board.
• The goal is to hit the center of the start with their marker dot.
• The winner is the player closest to the center of the star.

26. Magnetic Whiteboard Games

These magnetic whiteboard activities are perfect for individual or group games.

• Word spelling with magnetic letters
• Magnetic color sorting set for preschool
• Magnetic spinners for whiteboard games
• Magnetic Tangram Puzzle Set
• Connect 4 Magnet Game

27. Melting Snowman

Kids love this positive alternative to the game of Hangman.

• Draw a simple snowman on the whiteboard.
• Choose a word relevant to a lesson or theme.
• Display blank spaces on the whiteboard to represent each letter of the chosen word.
• Students guess one letter at a time. As they guess correctly, fill in the corresponding blank spaces with the letters.
• If they guess a letter that is not in the word, erase part of the snowman.
• Guess the entire word before the snowman melts!

Game Variation: Melting ice cream sundae can be played in warmer months!

Active Whiteboard Games

Encourage physical activity with these whiteboard games.

28. Fitness Fun Whiteboard Games

Fitness Fun challenges kids with physical activities.

• Divide the whiteboard into sections and write different exercises in each section. For example, one section could say “10 jumping jacks” and another could say “5 push-ups”.
• Kids take turns throwing a soft ball at the whiteboard.
• Whichever exercise the ball lands on, the child has to do.

29. Sporting Squares

Sporting Squares is a game that combines elements of tic-tac-toe and basketball.

• Draw a tic-tac-toe board on the whiteboard and assign a basketball hoop to each square.
• Divide the kids into two teams and have them take turns shooting a soft ball at the whiteboard.
• If the ball lands in a square, the team gets to place their mark in that square. The first team to get three in a row wins.

30. Dance Doodles

Dance Doodles is a whiteboard game that encourages expression through movement.

• Kids take turns drawing a shape or object on the whiteboard.
• Another child comes up with a dance move that represents that shape or object. For example, if someone draws a star, the dance move could be to jump up and spread their arms and legs out like a star.
• Kids take turns drawing and dancing.

Related: Kindness Activities for Kids and Easy Family Night Ideas

Benefits of Whiteboard Games for Kids

Whiteboard games are not only entertaining, but they also have advantages.

1. Enhance Learning

Whiteboard games provide a dynamic platform for interactive learning and play. This helps kids reinforce concepts in a fun and engaging way.

2. Improve Creativity

Whiteboard games foster creativity and imaginative thinking. This enhances their ability to think outside the box .

3. Develop Social Skills

They promote social skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.

4. Boost Confidence

Whiteboard games help to build kids’ self-esteem and confidence. Plus, it’s easier to erase and fix mistakes!

5. Provide a Break from Technology

In today’s digital age, these games provide a break from screens, while offering a hands-on, tactile experience. This reduces screen time and promotes physical activity.

6. Versatile and Flexible

Each whiteboard game can be adapted to suit different age groups and skill levels.

What’s Next?

Parents and teachers have a variety of options for these 30 whiteboard games for kids.

Next, check out more Team Building Activities for home, school, and to use for groups.

More HHI posts you’ll love…

• Fun Would You Rather Questions Kids Love
• Ice Breaker Questions for All Ages
• Get To Know You Questions List

Interactive Games To Play On A Whiteboard

Jessica is a contributing editor for Healthy Happy Impactful. She is dedicated to fostering a love of reading and empowering women and families. Jessica holds a Master's degree in Education and is a licensed Reading Specialist. She is a mom to 2 kids.

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Need Interesting And Fun Math Whiteboard Games? I Have Found The Perfect 10 For You!

In this article, I will be sharing several of the whiteboard games involving math that I have used and felt like worked with my students. Throughout the years, I have tried out hundreds of these games and am confident that the ones on my list are the best. I believe you will find at least a couple that will work for you and your students. The goal is for teachers around the world to adopt some of these whiteboard games to make math a more enjoyable experience for students.

10 Math Whiteboard Games

1 .Back 2 Back → 2. Guess My Number → 3. Mountain → 4. Double Trouble Race → 5. Mega Noughts and Crosses → 6. Snake → 7. Tug of War → 8. Race to 100 → 9. 101 and Out → 10. Higher or Lower →

1. Back 2 Back

The two students who are chosen to represent their teams must stand back to back at the board. This gives them the opportunity to write on the board while blocking the other person from seeing their number. Once the caller yells “numbers up,” the two students write down a number of their choice. The caller will state the sum or product of the two numbers. The students sitting down will use their knowledge of math facts to figure out what the other person’s number is when added or multiplied by their number. The first player to announce the other person’s number wins! The loser selects the next person to take their place.

2. Guess My Number

Description: Start by making a large chart on the whiteboard if you do not have a dry erase chart that can be clipped to your board. One student will choose a number, and the other students will try to guess the chosen number by asking questions. The student will cross off numbers that the answer is not and circles numbers that it could be. The person who guesses the correct number wins and gets to be the next person to choose a number for the class to guess.

3. Mountain

Description: Begin drawing a mountain with a smiley or funny face. Write in numbers that go up and down the mountain. The objective of this game is to be the first person to climb the mountain, in number order, and then go down the mountain on the other side. Hand the students dice to roll. They will hope for the numbers that are listed on your mountain to be able to cross them off the mountain. However, keep in mind that they must go in order. For example, if your first number is a 1, they cannot skip that number. They must roll a number 1 first before moving on to the next number.

4. Double Trouble Race

Description: For the Double Trouble Race game, you will need 2 six-sided dice, markers, and a whiteboard. This is a two-player game that students can take turns with their partners doing in front of the class. Player one will start writing the number 0 to 100 out on the whiteboard, while player two is rolling the dice. When player two gets doubles on the dice, they get to call out “Doubles.” What I mean by doubles is a 4 and 4 or 2 and 2. The players switch turns until someone reaches 100. Then, another pair of players can go.

5. Mega Noughts and Crosses

Description: Draw a 5 x 5 grid on the whiteboard. Select two students to go to the board and decide which is X and which is O. They will then take turns by writing an X or O in a square until the entire board is filled. Go through the grid and determine how many lines of 3, 4, and 5 of the same letters there are.

7. Tug of War

8. race to 100, 9. 101 and out, 10. higher or lower, 4 ways to make teaching math fun and easy, 1. play math games, 2. emphasize hands-on learning, 3. build excitement and offer rewards, 4. encourage teamwork, 4 essential strategies in teaching math, 1. observe, modify, and reevaluate, 2. connect math to other learning areas.

Putting our whiteboard table to good use today with lots of math games. Developing our mental math skills and strategies! #iteachmath #PVNCLearns #StFrancis45 pic.twitter.com/m5wuiIrUht — Sarah Sims (@MrsSarahSims) March 25, 2019

Description

Mimio Educator

15 resources to create effective, engaging iwb lessons.

Interactive whiteboards are fantastic tools, providing educators with a more engaging way to teach. With so many features to choose from, how can you best put these tools to use in the classroom? Here are some of our favorite resources with ideas and recommendations to help you use interactive whiteboards effectively in order to increase learning and engagement with your students.

• Crickwe b : Looking for teaching resources for students from ages 4–11? Check out Crickweb, which offers educational games and interactive activities that are ideal for IWBs.
• Eduscapes : With an array of activities, ideas, and tutorials covering a variety of subjects, Eduscapes is a wonderful resource for teachers looking to make the most out of their interactive whiteboards.
• Fit Brains : Launched by Rosetta Stone, the award-winning Fit Brains program offers over 60 fun and engaging games, more than 500 personalized training programs, and in-depth performance reports to help students perform at their best.
• Math Playground : For teachers looking to engage their whole class in a variety of math topics, Math Playground is the place to go. Choose from an array of stimulating math games, including logic puzzles, problem solving, and Common Core activities.
• MimioConnect® interactive teaching community: You can find and share an array of lesson plans and activities with fellow educators in our online teaching community. Learn how other teachers are using their interactive whiteboards, share your tips, and find out what has—or hasn’t—worked in other classrooms.
• MimioTraining : With On-Demand resources and Quick Learn sessions, our collection of training materials—including video tutorials, recordings, user guides, and reference cards—help educators learn how to use classroom software and create effective lessons.
• NASA Space Place : NASA’s award-winning Space Place website helps educators teach their students about space science and technology with a collection of games, activities, and videos.
• NCTM Illuminations : Designed by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM), Illuminations offers teachers access to quality resources for mathematics as well as instructional support. Teachers can choose from PreK through 12th grade lessons and interactives that meet NCTM or Common Core standards.
• PBS KIDS : Vetted by educators, PBS KIDS offers a collection of educational games for interactive whiteboards that are fun and engaging for younger students.
• Scale of the Universe : This simple tool effectively demonstrates the differences in sizes of objects ranging from miniscule atoms and particles to humans, dinosaurs, famous monuments, countries, planets, and beyond.
• Scholastic : Scholastic’s collection of interactive whiteboard-friendly activities, lessons, and tips cover topics in science and math, social studies, and language arts.
• Sheppard Software : Offering hundreds of interactive educational games for just about every subject and age level, Sheppard Software can help teachers make learning fun and engaging for their students.
• Stellarium : This free planetarium brings the night sky to your interactive whiteboard. It’s a simple, yet realistic, way to show your students illustrations of the constellations, the Milky Way, the planets, and more.
• TeacherLED : Teachers can access an array of free, high-quality teaching resources from TeacherLED, a site that focuses on whole-class learning with interactive whiteboards. These resources help teachers explain and demonstrate lessons with examples designed to further student comprehension.
• Topmarks : Offering IWB resources for a range of subjects and age groups, Topmarks regularly updates their content to ensure your lessons contain the most current information.

Do you have a favorite interactive whiteboard resource for engaging your students? Let us know in the comments below! Don’t have an interactive whiteboard? Our MimioTeach™ interactive system can turn any whiteboard into an IWB in just minutes—without the need to buy or set up complicated and expensive equipment.

Topics: Lessons , Interactive Whiteboard , Free Content , Training

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22 Fun Whiteboard Games for Kids

Looking for exciting and educational activities to captivate your young audience? Look no further!

These fun whiteboard games for kids are the perfect combination of entertainment and learning, making them an ideal addition to classrooms, homeschooling setups, or playtime at home.

With the whiteboard as their canvas, kids will embark on thrilling adventures that challenge their minds, spark their creativity, and foster essential skills.

Whether it’s solving puzzles, unleashing artistic talents, exploring the world, or mastering new concepts, these whiteboard games guarantee endless laughter and engagement.

So, gather the markers, erase any boredom, and let the fun begin as we delve into this delightful collection of whiteboard games tailor-made to delight and educate young hearts and minds!

Doodle Charades:

Combine the joy of drawing with the excitement of charades in the “Doodle Charades” whiteboard game for kids. Divide the children into teams and have one player from each team come up to the whiteboard. Whisper a word or phrase to them, and they must draw it on the board while their team members guess what it is. No speaking allowed! This game encourages creativity, quick thinking, and teamwork. The kids will have a blast as they attempt to decipher the imaginative drawings and guess the correct answers. Get ready for an uproarious time filled with laughter and artistic surprises!

Hangman Challenge:

Hangman is another classic whiteboard game that kids adore. Select words appropriate for their age group and difficulty level, and draw the hangman scaffold on the board. One child thinks of a word and writes a series of dashes representing the letters on the whiteboard. The other kids take turns guessing one letter at a time. If a guessed letter is correct, the child in charge fills in the corresponding dashes. However, for every incorrect guess, they add a body part to the hangman. The game continues until the word is guessed correctly or the hangman is complete. This game enhances vocabulary and spelling skills while being thrillingly suspenseful.

DIY Whiteboard Art Contest:

Unleash the budding artists in the group by hosting a DIY whiteboard art contest. Supply the children with whiteboard markers and let their creativity run wild. Assign a theme or let them choose their subject freely. Set a time limit for their masterpieces, and once the time is up, have them present their artwork to the rest of the group. Encourage positive feedback and applause for each participant. To add an element of fun, consider awarding prizes for “Most Colorful,” “Most Imaginative,” “Most Humorous,” and “Best Overall” artworks. This activity not only nurtures artistic expression but also boosts self-confidence and public speaking skills as the kids proudly showcase their creations. Related: 20 Vibrant and Inspiring Team Names for Kids

Spelling Relay Race:

Boost spelling proficiency with the “Spelling Relay Race” whiteboard game. Divide the kids into teams and create a list of words suited to their grade level. One player from each team runs up to the whiteboard, writes the spelling of a word, and tags the next teammate to continue. The race continues until all the words are spelled correctly. This game makes spelling practice exciting and competitive, motivating kids to improve their spelling skills in a friendly and engaging environment. Source: wvsdae.com

Geography Trivia Challenge:

Take them on a geographical journey with the “Geography Trivia Challenge” on the whiteboard. Write down a series of questions about countries, capitals, landmarks, and geographical facts. The kids take turns answering the questions, and you can award points for each correct answer. This game not only enhances their geography knowledge but also instills a sense of wonder about the diverse world we live in. Source: edsys.in

Animal Habitat Match-up:

Explore the wonders of the animal kingdom with the “Animal Habitat Match-up” on the whiteboard. Draw or write the names of various animals on one side of the board and their corresponding habitats on the other side. The kids must match each animal to its correct habitat by drawing lines connecting them. This game not only introduces children to different animal species but also educates them about the diverse environments these creatures call home. Source: twinkl.com.pk

Science Experiment Sketches:

Unleash the budding scientists within with “Science Experiment Sketches” on the whiteboard. Describe a simple science experiment to the kids, and they must draw the setup and steps on the board. For example, a volcano eruption with baking soda and vinegar or a plant growth experiment. This activity fosters scientific thinking, and observation skills, and encourages kids to hypothesize and experiment creatively. Source: thoughtco.com Related: 20 Terrific Blindfold Games for Kids

Word Association Challenge:

Enhance language skills and word associations with the “Word Association Challenge” on the whiteboard. Write down a word, and the children must take turns calling out words related to it. For example, if the word is “fruit,” they might say “apple,” “banana,” “orange,” and so on. This game sharpens their vocabulary and cognitive flexibility as they make connections between words. Source: teachingexpertise.com

Art Gallery Showcase:

Celebrate the kids’ artistic talents with an “Art Gallery Showcase” on the whiteboard. Each child takes turns drawing their favorite scenes, objects, or characters on the board, and they get to briefly describe their artwork. The other kids can ask questions or share compliments afterward. This activity boosts self-confidence, public speaking, and appreciation for each other’s creativity. Source: momjunction.com

Time’s Up! History Edition:

Travel back in time with the “Time’s Up! History Edition” game on the whiteboard. Write down various historical events or famous figures and divide the kids into teams. One player from each team comes up to the board, and their team members must guess the event or figure they are trying to depict through drawings or simple sketches. This game makes history fun and memorable while reinforcing their knowledge of significant historical moments. Source: benq.com

Guess the Riddle:

Challenge their critical thinking with the “Guess the Riddle” whiteboard game. Write down a series of riddles or brain teasers on the board, and the kids take turns reading them aloud and attempting to solve them. Encourage them to discuss their thought process and collaborate with their peers to find the answers. This game not only sharpens their problem-solving skills but also promotes teamwork and creative thinking. Source: icebreakerideas.com

Language Race Against Time:

Boost language fluency with the “Language Race Against Time” game on the whiteboard. Write down a set of words, sentences, or tongue twisters, and challenge the kids to read them as quickly and accurately as possible. Use a timer to add an exciting element of competition. As they race against time, their reading skills and confidence will soar! Source: livingtongues.org

Science Sketchup:

Spark their interest in science with the “Science Sketchup” whiteboard game. Present them with a scientific concept, and they must draw and explain it on the board to the best of their understanding. This game encourages kids to visualize and communicate scientific ideas, making complex concepts more accessible and enjoyable. Source: myteachingcupboard.com

Math Mastermind:

Stimulate their problem-solving prowess with the “Math Mastermind” whiteboard game. Write down a sequence of numbers or a mathematical pattern on the board, and the kids must figure out the rule behind it and predict the next number. As they decipher the patterns, they strengthen their logical reasoning and analytical skills. Source: betterprogramming.pub

Sight Word Slam Dunk:

Make sight word recognition a slam dunk with the “Sight Word Slam Dunk” game on the whiteboard. Write down a series of sight words on the board, and provide small balls or beanbags. The kids take turns tossing the balls at the sight words while reading them aloud. This physically interactive game not only reinforces sight word recognition but also adds a touch of fun and movement to the learning process. Source: thekindergartenconnection.com

Artistic Memory Game:

Combine memory skills with artistic flair in the “Artistic Memory Game” on the whiteboard. Draw a series of simple pictures or symbols on the board, and give the kids a few minutes to observe and memorize them. Then, erase the drawings and ask the children to recreate the images from memory. This game sharpens their memory and observation abilities while allowing their creativity to shine as they recreate the artwork. Source: edutopia.org

Science Mystery Theater:

Ignite their curiosity with the “Science Mystery Theater” whiteboard game. Present a scientific mystery or phenomenon to the kids and encourage them to come up with possible explanations through drawings and descriptions. This game fosters their scientific inquiry and imaginative thinking, inspiring them to explore and question the world around them. Source: aphrogranger.wordpress.com

Word Mix and Match:

Expand vocabulary and spelling skills with the “Word Mix and Match” game on the whiteboard. Write down a selection of root words or word prefixes and suffixes. The kids can take turns combining these elements to form new words. This activity encourages them to experiment with language and discover the building blocks of vocabulary. Source: teachingexpertise.com

Math Equation Relay:

Turn math practice into a relay race with the “Math Equation Relay” on the whiteboard. Write down a series of math problems, one after the other, on the board. Divide the children into teams and have one player from each team solve a problem, then tag the next teammate to solve the next equation. This game reinforces math skills while adding an element of excitement and friendly competition. Source: theconversation.com

Storyboard Adventure:

Unleash their storytelling talents with the “Storyboard Adventure” on the whiteboard. Divide the whiteboard into sections, and ask each child to draw a different part of a story, such as the beginning, middle, and end. They can take turns explaining their part of the tale, and together, the children create a complete and imaginative narrative. This game enhances language skills, creative thinking, and cooperation as they weave their unique contributions into a cohesive story. Source: storyboardthat.com

Recommended:

• 24 Fun Small Group Activities for Preschoolers
• 22 Polar Bear Art & Craft for Preschoolers
• 25 Amazing Technology Activities for Preschoolers

Sohaib Hasan Shah

Sohaib's journey includes 10+ years of teaching and counseling experience at BCSS School in elementary and middle schools, coupled with a BBA (Hons) with a minor in Educational Psychology from Curtin University (Australia) . In his free time, he cherishes quality moments with his family, reveling in the joys and challenges of parenthood. His three daughters have not only enriched his personal life but also deepened his understanding of the importance of effective education and communication, spurring him to make a meaningful impact in the world of education.

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10 Fun and Educational Smartboard Games for Interactive Learning

Smartboards have revolutionized the way teachers engage their students in the classroom. These interactive whiteboards provide a platform for dynamic and engaging learning experiences. One of the most exciting features of smartboards is the wide range of educational games available. In this article, we will explore ten fun and educational smartboard games that can enhance student learning and make lessons more enjoyable.

1. Math Mania: Mastering Numbers

Math can be a challenging subject for many students, but with the help of smartboard games, it can become a fun and interactive learning experience. Math Mania is a game that helps students master numbers by engaging them in various mathematical activities. From basic addition and subtraction to more complex multiplication and division problems, this game offers a wide range of challenges to suit different grade levels.

2. Word Wizard: Building Vocabulary Skills

Building a strong vocabulary is essential for effective communication and comprehension. Word Wizard is a smartboard game that helps students expand their vocabulary in a fun and engaging way. The game presents students with different word puzzles, crossword puzzles, and word association activities that enhance their word recognition and comprehension skills.

3. Science Sleuth: Exploring the World of Science

Science Sleuth is an exciting smartboard game that takes students on a virtual adventure through the world of science. This game allows students to explore various scientific concepts and phenomena through interactive simulations and experiments. From understanding the laws of physics to exploring the wonders of the solar system, Science Sleuth makes science education both informative and entertaining.

4. Geography Challenge: Discovering the World

Geography Challenge is a smartboard game that helps students develop their geographical knowledge and map-reading skills. This game presents students with interactive maps and quizzes that test their knowledge of different countries, capitals, continents, and geographic features. By engaging in this game, students can enhance their understanding of the world and its diverse cultures.

5. Puzzle Quest: Enhancing Problem-Solving Skills

Puzzle Quest is a smartboard game that focuses on developing students' problem-solving and critical thinking skills. This game presents students with a variety of puzzles and challenges that require logical thinking and strategic planning. By engaging in Puzzle Quest, students can sharpen their problem-solving abilities while having fun at the same time.

6. History Heroes: Journey Through Time

History Heroes is a smartboard game that takes students on an exciting journey through different periods of history. This game presents historical events, figures, and civilizations in an interactive and engaging manner. By playing History Heroes, students can enhance their knowledge of history and develop a deeper understanding of the past.

7. Art Attack: Unleashing Creativity

Art Attack is a smartboard game that encourages students to explore their creative side. This game provides a virtual canvas for students to create, design, and experiment with different art forms. From painting and drawing to digital art and design, Art Attack offers a platform for students to express their creativity and develop their artistic skills.

8. Music Maestro: Discovering the World of Music

Music Maestro is a smartboard game that introduces students to the world of music and helps them develop an appreciation for different musical genres and instruments. This game allows students to explore various musical concepts, learn how to read sheet music, and even compose their own melodies. Music Maestro makes learning about music both educational and entertaining.

9. Language Land: Mastering Language Skills

Language Land is a smartboard game that focuses on improving students' language skills, including reading, writing, and grammar. This game offers a variety of language-based activities such as word recognition, sentence construction, and vocabulary building exercises. By engaging in Language Land, students can enhance their language abilities in a fun and interactive way.

10. Brain Teasers: Exercising the Mind

Brain Teasers is a smartboard game that challenges students' critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. This game presents students with mind-boggling puzzles and riddles that require them to think outside the box. By engaging in Brain Teasers, students can exercise their minds and develop their cognitive skills while enjoying a fun and challenging learning experience.

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8 Creative Ways to Use Interactive Whiteboards in Your School

by Pat Pharr - March 14, 2024

Interactive Whiteboard Use Cases

• Engaging multimedia lessons
• Interactive group activities
• Gamified learning
• Virtual field trips
• Real-time feedback and assessment
• Dynamic presentations and lectures
• Art and creative expression
• Remote and hybrid learning support

Interactive whiteboards take learning into the digital age. Also known as smart interactive whiteboards or digital whiteboards, these advanced teaching tools are quickly becoming the go-to choice for modern classrooms worldwide. 

As technology further integrates into schools, students and teachers will benefit in many different ways. Let’s explore creative ways teachers can leverage interactive digital whiteboards to improve learning outcomes and keep students engaged.

1. Engaging Multimedia Lessons

Around 73% of students see multimedia approaches to teaching as an effective tool for practical learning. Whether it’s video content, interactive assessments, or teaching modules that transcend the traditional classroom environment, these multimedia approaches cater to various learning styles and help make complex subjects more engaging and accessible.

To meet the diverse learning needs of students, from visual and auditory to kinesthetic and reading learners, teachers need to adopt these new models for engagement. Interactive whiteboards invite students to learn in their own way.

2. Interactive Group Activities

Group activities are essential to comprehensive learning, and interactive smart whiteboards are the ideal tool for fostering group collaboration in the classroom. While interactive whiteboards have many benefits , the hands-on approach of digital displays means more active participation and teamwork — both essential skills in modern education. 

These group activities can include:

• Collaborative problem-solving activities
• Interactive presentations
• Story or project planning
• Engaging games

3. Gamified Learning

Speaking of engaging games, gamifying education using interactive whiteboards adds an element of excitement and competition to the learning process. Compared to lecture-based education, challenge-based gamification is estimated to improve student performance by 89% . 

Teachers can incorporate built-in games and quizzes directly related to the curriculum, transforming traditional lessons into interactive and enjoyable experiences. This can make even the most complex and challenging subjects more approachable and enjoyable. 

4. Virtual Field Trips

Interactive digital whiteboards are more than a teaching tool; they’re windows into the world. Teachers can leverage them to take students on virtual field trips to explore far-off places, historical sites, or scientific laboratories.

Moreover, with the introduction of multimedia like video content, panoramic images, and live streams, these virtual field trips quickly become immersive educational experiences that transform the regular school day into something special. It’s a great way to introduce students to new ideas, cultures, and experiences without needing to leave the classroom, deal with access control systems , or risk student safety.

5. Real-Time Feedback and Assessment

Interactive whiteboards are valuable tools for real-time assessment. Teachers can use them for instant polling or quizzes during lessons, providing immediate feedback on students’ understanding. The software that powers interactive smart whiteboards does most of the heavy lifting, automating the grading process and giving teachers and students immediate feedback.

This instantaneous response helps teachers adjust the pace and content of the lesson based on students’ responses. This approach can also facilitate peer review and collaborative feedback sessions where students can critique and learn from each other in real time.

6. Dynamic Presentations and Lectures

As technology advances, it presents new opportunities for teachers to engage students in new and novel ways. Of course, leveraging multimedia using an interactive digital whiteboard presents an obvious opportunity, but much more can be done to improve presentations and lectures.

Teachers and students can interact with content on screen, using touchscreen capabilities or smart pencils, to annotate, highlight, and draw connections to different topics. Here are a few ways to build dynamic presentations using interactive whiteboards:

• Interactive science labs
• Mathematical modeling
• Literary analysis 
• Art and music integration

7. Art and Creative Expression

The touchscreen capabilities of an interactive display offer a unique platform for art and other types of creative expression. Students can digitally paint or draw directly on the board, using various colors and brush styles to create digital artwork.

Multiple students can contribute, making these activities both engaging and collaborative. This can make art lessons much more exciting and allow students to experience these lessons hands-on.

8. Remote and Hybrid Learning Support

Interactive digital whiteboards can enhance remote and hybrid learning environments. They serve as a central hub and can connect in-class and remote students seamlessly. Teachers can even broadcast live lessons and students can participate in real-time, contribute to the discussion, and engage in activities any place they have a reliable Internet connection.

With remote learning becoming a staple in schools across the world, interactive learning through digital whiteboards means students can work together on projects and solve problems as if they were in the room together. These whiteboards also support video conferencing and digital resource sharing, making the transition between in-person and remote learning smoother and more cohesive, ensuring that all students receive an equitable learning experience regardless of location.

Elevating Learning: The Power of Smart Interactive Whiteboards

Interactive whiteboards offer a versatile tool that can be utilized in a variety of ways beyond just traditional lectures and note-taking. They’re more than just a gimmicky teaching tool; they’re quickly becoming essential to modern teaching and learning.

From remote learning support to virtual field trips, smart interactive whiteboards bridge the gap between traditional and modern teaching methods, particularly in remote and hybrid learning scenarios. Teachers and school administrators looking to explore interactive digital whiteboards should connect with a dedicated IT equipment provider to learn more about their digital equipment options.

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5 ideas for interactive online whiteboard activities

How to turn the virtual classroom into a fun, stimulating and enriching environment where interesting things are happening all the time? The hands-on learning activities are among the most successful tools for improving students’ engagement, creativity and motivation to learn and be curious. The virtual classroom offers a great variety of features that can add a spark even to the most difficult and dry lessons.

Teachers have the possibilities to present content in different forms, like visuals, multimedia, text, music, games, discussions, quizzes and many more using the features in the virtual classroom, such as the online whiteboard , live chat, videoconferencing etc. These interactive learning exercises can make a big difference in every lesson with students of all age groups and interests.

What interactive online whiteboard activities can you incorporate in your lessons to make them more engaging and interesting?

Interactive activities are very beneficial for improving students’ decision making skills, teamwork and building community abilities, enrich their creativity and their ability to think outside-of-the-box, empathy, curiosity etc. They are great for strengthening knowledge from previous lessons and understanding more complicated concepts and issues. Last, but not least, interactive activities are fun. They are the easiest way to improve the mood in the classroom and redirect the focus of the students if they get distracted. The interactive online whiteboard activities can be incorporated in the lesson or used as break exercises in-between units. They make awesome icebreaker exercises as well, especially in the beginning of the school year.

This classic game is a well-known ice breaker that creates so much fun and excitement in everyone who participates. The rules are simple and the online whiteboard provides the perfect setting for playing together in real time. The game can be modified easily to include topics from lessons, etc. How to play Pictionary on the online whiteboard. The game can be played in teams or together with the whole class. The teacher chooses a word and sends it in a private message to one of the students. Their job is to describe the word by drawing on the online whiteboard. The rest of the students try to guess. They can either use the videoconferencing and microphones to make their guesses or write them in the chat. Pictionary is one of the simplest games that can be played for a short period of time or longer. It doesn’t require preparation and everyone can participate.

Brainstorming – solve a problem

One of the best ways to have a productive learning session is by working together on solving problems or mysteries. Brainstorming sessions are awesome interactive online whiteboard activities that boost students’ creativity and problem-solving skills. This exercise can be modified to become a great activity for strengthening knowledge from previous lessons by introducing a topic or a problem for students to think about. The online whiteboard becomes the instrument where students can share their thoughts and ideas by drawing, doodling, adding text and photos, etc. The topics can vary from fun and light subjects, like ideas for the summer holiday, to more serious topics, such as… “Imagine you land on Mars. What would you do first?”

Mind mapping is a version of the brainstorming sessions that is another great interactive activity. It is a wonderful exercise for independent work by every student to express their thoughts and ideas on a given topic. Mind mapping on the online whiteboard begins with one phrase or an image in the middle of the canvas related to the topic. The student adds connected boxes with associations, thoughts, ideas, questions and etc. that come to their mind using their own style with colors, shapes, content forms and many more.

Forbidden word

This game is without a doubt among the most entertaining activities to play in the virtual classroom. It is a wonderful interactive online whiteboard exercise that can be played in teams. The teacher divides the class into pairs. One student from one pair gets the word they need to describe as well as a forbidden word that should not be mentioned. The players use the online whiteboard to describe the correct word through typing and even doodling while their partner tries to guess what it is. Their turn ends if the partner guesses the word or if they say the forbidden word. Then the next pair takes turn to play.

Word association

Word association is a type of interactive game that has countless versions. The rules are very easy to follow. The teacher provides a word written in the middle of the online whiteboard and every student takes turns to write associations on the canvas. In different variations, this game can be played with additional rules – for example, the associations have to be part of the same topic (food, sports, plants etc.). The teacher might add a list with forbidden words or topics that students cannot use in the associations. This game provides a great opportunity for strengthening knowledge from previous lessons, learning new terms and descriptions and many more. And it is a lot of fun.

Two truths and a lie

This icebreaker game is one of the most engaging interactive online whiteboard activities you can include in the classroom. It is exciting and entertaining. How to play this game on the online whiteboard? The notes feature is great for creating cards with statements. Students take turns to write two true statements, one lie while the rest of the class tries to guess which one is the lie. Depending on the purpose of the game the student can write statements related to themselves or related to a topic from a lesson (history, literature etc.). It is an awesome activity for practicing what students have learned and strengthening their knowledge while having a lot of fun.

Teodora Kosturska

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The best, free Interactive Whiteboard Resources

Regularly updated to save you time.

Maths - Key Stage 2 (7-11 year olds)

Place value.

Place Value Basketball

Place Value Basketball is a fun, base ten blocks game which helps children aged 5 to 8 to know what each digit in a either a two or three digit number represents.

Place Value Charts

A brilliant resource for learning or teaching place value. Different levels of difficulty which include decimals.

Dienes and Coins

Useful place value teaching resources which cover hundreds, tens and units and also decimals. With some you will need to drag the Diennes blocks to represent the number you want.

Bead Numbers - Place Value

Bead Numbers is a place value investigation involving a tens and ones abacus. The game provides a good context for encouraging learners to think systematically.

Number Pieces

A great teaching resource which helps children to understand place value. It uses hundreds, tens and ones blocks. It's great for demonstrating decomposition as you can break apart the pieces.

Place Value Chart Decimals

A place value teaching tool which is useful for demonstrating the value of decimal placings on an interactive whiteboard. You can easily multiply and divide by 10.

ITP Place Value

This resource displays on-screen place value cards to construct and partition three-digit whole numbers.

Moving Digit Cards

An interactive whiteboard teaching aid for place value. It demonstrates the effect of multiplying and dividing whole or decimal numbers by 0.1, 10 or 100.

Millions Counter

This site from Mathszone can help you to read numbers from single digit numbers up to numbers with tens of millions.

Place Value Chart

A useful teaching tool to demonstrate place value in numbers up to millions. It includes an option for decimal numbers.

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The Ultimate Guide to Interactive Whiteboards in the Classroom

by Becca Patten | Jul 17, 2023

In today’s technology-driven world, traditional classroom settings are transforming into dynamic and interactive learning environments. One such innovation that has revolutionized teaching practices and learning in the classroom is the interactive whiteboard. Also referred to as a digital whiteboard, smartboard, or interactive display, this powerful tool combines the functionality of a regular whiteboard with the versatility of digital technology, offering educators and students a whole new level of engagement and interactivity. Interactive whiteboards have come a long way since they were first introduced, which is why we’ve put together the ultimate guide to interactive whiteboards in the classroom.

Keep reading below as we explore the key features, benefits interactive whiteboards in the classroom bring to students and teachers, and practical tips for using interactive whiteboards effectively in the classroom.

What is an Interactive Whiteboard?

Before we dive into our ultimate guide to interactive whiteboards in the classroom, let’s quickly go over what an interactive whiteboard actually is. Historically, interactive whiteboards began as a large display board that allowed users to interact with projected content using pens. However, as mentioned above, interactive whiteboard technology has come a long way since then.

The term interactive whiteboard is used interchangeably with interactive display or interactive flat panel, and in today’s world an interactive whiteboard is a large touchscreen display that allows users to interact with digital content using gestures, touch, or a stylus. It combines the functionality of a traditional whiteboard with advanced digital capabilities, enabling teachers to present multimedia content, engage students, and foster collaboration. Interactive displays offer an intuitive and interactive interface, making learning more engaging and effective.

Key Features of Interactive Whiteboards in the Classroom

Interactive whiteboards come equipped with a range of features and tools designed to fit any classroom environment and enhance classroom instruction. Here are some of the most common ones:

Screen Size: Most interactive whiteboards are offered in sizes ranging from 40” up to 86” or even 98”. However, for interactive whiteboards in the classroom, the most popular screen sizes tend to be either 65” or 75”, depending on the size of the classroom.

Mounting Options: There are a wide variety of mounting options to choose from, ranging from fixed wall mounts, to mobile carts that allow interactive displays to be shared among different classrooms, to motorized carts that can tilt the display up to 90° into a tabletop mode.

Annotation and Drawing Tools: Teachers can write, draw, and annotate directly on the display, making it easy to highlight important information, solve problems, or illustrate concepts.

Multimedia Integration: Interactive whiteboards allow seamless integration of multimedia elements into lessons, including videos, audio clips, and interactive websites, providing a more diverse and stimulating learning environment.

Touch-Based Interactivity: The touch-sensitive surface enables students to interact directly with the content, fostering hands-on learning experiences. They can drag, resize, and manipulate objects on the board, promoting active participation and critical thinking.

Screen Recording and Capture: Teachers can record their lessons or capture important moments during a presentation for later review, allowing students to revisit concepts or catch up on missed classes.

Collaboration and Sharing: Interactive whiteboards often support collaborative activities, allowing multiple students to interact simultaneously, work on group projects, or share their work with the class.

Advantages Interactive Whiteboards in the Classroom Bring to Teachers & Students

Interactive whiteboards for education offer many advantages to today’s modern classroom by helping to revolutionize traditional teaching methods and enhance the learning experience.

• Increased Engagement: Interactive displays capture students’ attention and create an engaging learning environment. The ability to interact directly with the content on the screen promotes active participation, making lessons more interactive and stimulating.
• Multisensory Learning: Interactive whiteboards integrate multimedia elements such as videos, images, and audio clips into lessons. By appealing to multiple senses, interactive displays cater to different learning styles, enhancing comprehension and retention of information.
• Hands-on Learning: Interactive whiteboards in the classroom allow students to manipulate objects on the screen using touch, gestures, or a stylus. This hands-on approach encourages exploration, experimentation, and problem-solving skills, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts.
• Collaboration and Communication: Interactive displays facilitate collaboration among students. Multiple users can interact with the screen simultaneously, enabling teamwork, discussion, and sharing of ideas. Collaborative activities promote communication skills, critical thinking, and peer learning.
• Customization and Personalization: Interactive whiteboards in the classroom offer flexibility and customization options. Teachers can adapt content to suit individual student needs, providing personalized learning experiences. Interactive displays also allow students to progress at their own pace, ensuring a tailored education.
• Access to Digital Resources: Interactive displays provide access to a vast array of digital resources and educational applications. Teachers can incorporate online libraries, interactive lessons, virtual simulations, and educational games into their teaching, enriching the learning experience and keeping content up-to-date.
• Immediate Feedback and Assessment: With interactive whiteboards in the classroom, teachers can provide instant feedback to students during activities or assessments. This immediate feedback helps students understand their progress, identify areas for improvement, and make corrections in real-time.
• Visual Representation of Complex Concepts: Interactive displays enable teachers to visually represent complex concepts more effectively. They can use diagrams, charts, and interactive visuals to simplify abstract ideas, enhancing students’ understanding and facilitating concept comprehension.
• Remote Learning and Collaboration: Interactive displays support remote learning and collaboration. With screen sharing and video conferencing capabilities, teachers and students can connect virtually, engage in interactive discussions, and collaborate on projects, regardless of their physical location.
• Digital Organization and Accessibility: Interactive whiteboards eliminate the need for physical materials like whiteboards, charts, and posters. Teachers can organize and access digital resources effortlessly, saving time and reducing clutter in the classroom. Interactive displays also provide accessibility features, accommodating students with different learning abilities.

Practical Tips for Effectively Using Interactive Whiteboards in the Classroom

Now that we’ve gone over key features of interactive whiteboards and the benefits they bring to the teaching and learning experience in the classroom, it’s important to go over a few tips to make sure that you’re getting the most out of your investment in interactive technology.

Plan Interactive Lessons: Create interactive lessons in advance, integrating multimedia elements and interactive activities to enhance student engagement.

Encourage Student Interaction: Encourage students to interact with the interactive display by allowing them to come to the front of the classroom, use the stylus, or collaborate on the screen. This fosters active participation and ownership of learning.

Utilize Educational Applications and Digital Whiteboarding Software: Explore educational applications and software specifically designed for interactive displays. These resources offer interactive quizzes, simulations, and educational games that can reinforce learning and make lessons more enjoyable. Many interactive displays also come with access to their own digital whiteboarding software which is designed to arm educators with powerful tools to maximize the interactive learning experience. For example, ViewSonic’s myViewBoard digital whiteboard software is made up of a comprehensive suite of apps designed to give teachers access to a wide variety of tools to support their teaching styles and help improve student learning.

Integrate with Other Classroom Technologies: Be sure to integrate interactive displays with other classroom technologies such as document cameras, video conferencing tools, or student response systems to create a comprehensive and versatile learning environment.

Provide Professional Development: One of the most important (and often overlooked) aspects when it comes to integrating interactive whiteboards in the classroom is providing sufficient training for educators. Be sure to offer professional development opportunities for teachers to familiarize themselves with the features and functionalities of interactive displays. Proper training and professional development sessions can empower educators to make the most of these tools, explore innovative teaching methods, and alleviate technology-related frustrations.

What are the Best Interactive Whiteboards for the Classroom?

With over 30 years of experience servicing education customers across the country, the team at Parmetech can help you with all your interactive whiteboard needs! Parmetech has chosen to partner with ViewSonic for our interactive whiteboard offerings for education because we truly believe they offer the best value overall – ViewSonic interactive whiteboards are top-of-the-line when it comes to features and functionality while still being affordable, reliable, robust, and easy to use.

Let us transform the way you teach! If you’re interested in learning more about how our ViewSonic displays can create a transformative classroom experience for students and teachers alike, give us a call at (800) 727-6383, send an email to [email protected] , connect with us online , or request to schedule a complimentary demo today!

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Introducing TeachCatalystAI

TeachCatalystAI is a professional teaching assistant tool designed to help teachers create lesson plan, teaching materials, and many more with ease. Our AI-powered tool will help you streamline your classroom management, making it easier to keep track of students, assignments, and behavior. Our AI-powered tools and templates are great and configured to make you effective in teaching.

Interactive Whiteboards In The Classroom: 25 Best Practices

It’s no secret that technology has transformed the way we learn. One key player in this revolution is the interactive whiteboard, a tool that’s making classrooms more engaging, collaborative, and dynamic.

But how do you get the most out of this game-changing tech? Whether you’re a seasoned pro or you’ve just unpacked your first board, you’re in the right place. This article will guide you through 25 best practices to help you leverage interactive whiteboards in your classroom.

We’ll explore everything from selecting captivating content and incorporating multimedia, to facilitating peer tutoring and adapting for special needs students. Don’t worry about keeping up with the latest software updates, we’ve got that covered too.

So, let’s dive in and start making the most of this exciting tool to enhance your students’ learning experience. With the right strategies, you’ll be able to turn your classroom into an interactive hub of learning.

Key Takeaways

Best practices for using interactive whiteboards in the classroom, 1. understanding the basics of digital boards.

Before you can fully integrate interactive whiteboards into your teaching, it’s crucial to grasp the fundamentals of digital boards. This includes understanding board customization, the installation process, dealing with potential connectivity issues, and maintenance tips.

First, let’s discuss board customization. Each interactive whiteboard has a unique way of working, and you can adapt its features to suit your teaching style. This could involve creating shortcuts for frequently used tools or designing custom backgrounds that help to engage your students .

You’ll also need to be prepared for potential connectivity issues. This could mean troubleshooting common problems or knowing when to call in professional help.

Training teachers to use these digital tools effectively is a critical component. With the right knowledge and skills, you’ll be well-equipped to make the most of these powerful teaching aids. So, dive in, learn the basics, and begin exploring the endless possibilities of interactive whiteboards.

2. Selecting Suitable Content for Display

While some may argue that all material is suitable for display, it’s essential to carefully pick content that enhances learning and engagement during lessons. The use of interactive whiteboards in the classroom has the potential to transform teaching and learning, but only when utilized with purpose and thought.

Cultural sensitivity is another crucial aspect. The content displayed should respect and acknowledge the diverse backgrounds of your students. It should promote inclusivity and mutual respect.

3. Incorporating Multimedia Elements

Incorporating multimedia elements isn’t just about adding flash to your lessons, it’s a strategic move that can significantly increase student engagement and understanding. It’s about understanding how different forms of media can boost learning outcomes and then strategically using these forms in your lessons.

For instance, using multimedia brainstorming activities on the interactive whiteboard allows students to share their ideas visually, promoting creativity and collaborative learning. Audio incorporation can play a pivotal role in helping auditory learners grasp concepts better. Video-based learning, on the other hand, can make complex theories more tangible, thereby enhancing comprehension.

4. Using Digital Boards for Collaboration

Harnessing the power of digital boards can unlock a whole new world of collaborative learning, but you’ll have to wait and see how. Interactive whiteboards offer amazing opportunities for classroom connectivity, where all parties can contribute to the learning process.

So, go ahead, take that leap of faith and transform your teaching and learning experience with the power of interactive whiteboards.

5. Enhancing Lessons with Real-Time Updates

Take advantage of online brainstorming sessions, where ideas are shared and refined in real-time. Use interactive textbooks that offer updated information at the click of a button, ensuring that your students have the most current and accurate information at their disposal. This not only keeps the learning materials fresh and relevant but also encourages active participation from your students.

Utilize live polling to gauge understanding and encourage participation. It’s a quick way to assess comprehension levels, and the instant feedback can inform your teaching strategy. You can adjust your lesson pace or revisit certain topics based on the results.

6. Implementing Student Feedback Channels

Putting pupils’ perspectives into practice presents a potent path to personalizing pedagogy. Integrating student feedback channels through interactive whiteboards is one way to truly understand the feedback importance in a classroom setting. It allows you to listen to your students’ voices, granting them the power to contribute to their learning journey.

Here’s a summary of how you can implement and analyze student feedback effectively:

It’s clear that real time responses can lead to feedback driven improvements. It’s not just about collecting feedback, but also making meaningful changes based on it. Harness the power of interactive whiteboards to make your classroom more inclusive, responsive, and engaging.

7. Promoting Active Learning

This way, your lessons become more than just lectures; they transform into lively, student-driven activities. Remember, an active mind is more likely to retain information and develop a deeper understanding of the subject matter. So, go ahead and infuse your teaching with these practices. You’ll not only foster active learning but also make your classroom a more exciting place for your students.

8. Creating Interactive Quizzes

Now imagine coupling these benefits with the interactive nature of whiteboards. A recipe for success, wouldn’t you say?

As an educator committed to serving your students, you’ll find the quiz customization feature particularly beneficial. This allows you to tailor questions to your students’ needs, offering various difficulty levels to challenge them appropriately. Time management becomes an easier task as you can set timers, helping students become more efficient thinkers and problem solvers.

9. Providing Instant Assessment

Having explored the fun and engagement of creating interactive quizzes, let’s now focus on a vital aspect that drives learning forward: providing instant assessment. It’s an essential practice in utilizing interactive whiteboards to their full potential.

When you deliver lessons using an interactive whiteboard, you have an opportunity to provide feedback instantly. This immediate feedback timing is a powerful tool in shaping your students’ learning experience. It allows you to correct misunderstandings in real time and reinforce correct responses, aiding in the retention of information.

Peer assessment is another technique you can employ. Students can learn a lot from evaluating each other’s work, fostering a sense of responsibility and critical thinking. Moreover, it encourages a collaborative learning environment.

10. Facilitating Group Discussions

To begin with, use your interactive whiteboard to structure your discussions. The board can display the discussion points, ensuring everyone stays on topic. This not only promotes group dynamics but also facilitates topic selection.

Remember to summarize the discussion at the end. You can use your interactive whiteboard to display key points, decisions made, and tasks assigned. This helps in reinforcing the learning and ensuring everyone is on the same page.

11. Offering Virtual Field Trips

Harnessing the capabilities of interactive whiteboards can make this digital tourism an exhilarating and educational adventure.

Remember, the key to successful virtual field trips is preparation and participation. Engage your students in discussions before, during, and after the journey. Encourage them to ask questions and make observations. By doing so, you’re not just taking them on a trip; you’re fostering a love for learning and cultivating their curiosity.

12. Encouraging Student Presentations

After embarking on lively virtual field trips with your students, using the interactive whiteboard in your classroom, it’s time to turn the spotlight on them. Let’s explore how you can encourage student presentations that not only demonstrate their knowledge and creativity but also foster confidence and critical thinking skills.

12. Exploring 3D Models and Simulations

One excellent practice to consider is incorporating 3D printing projects into your curriculum. These projects not only foster creativity but also promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. You might assign students to create a historical artifact or a geometric shape, for example.

For chemistry or physics classes, consider using molecular structure simulations. These can help students understand complex molecular interactions. And don’t forget about planetarium software use for astronomy lessons. It offers an immersive way to explore celestial bodies and phenomena.

As you integrate these practices, remember that the goal is to serve your students by making learning more engaging and meaningful. You’re not just teaching; you’re shaping future thinkers and leaders.

13. Integrating Cloud-Based Resources

14. utilizing multi-touch features.

Dipping your toes into the world of multi-touch features can completely transform your teaching experience, don’t you think?

The use of gesture recognition, for instance, allows you to interact with the whiteboard using simple movements. This feature not only enhances the learning process but also adds a touch of excitement to your teaching.

So, don’t hold back. Embrace the multi-touch features of your interactive whiteboard. Watch as it transforms your classroom into a dynamic, engaging, and fun learning environment. You’re not just teaching, you’re changing lives, and these tools are here to help you make a real difference.

15. Saving and Revisiting Lessons

Don’t you just love the idea of being able to save and revisit your lessons whenever necessary? Interactive whiteboards offer this remarkable advantage. By using the lesson archiving feature, you can store your lessons, creating an interactive recap for your students.

This interactive recap can serve as an adaptive revision tool for your students, catering to their individual learning needs. Moreover, these saved lessons can be shared with absent students or those needing extra assistance. It also provides an opportunity for peer teaching, further enhancing the sense of community in your classroom.

16. Introducing Coding Concepts

As you navigate this journey, you’ll quickly discover how the dynamic nature of interactive whiteboards can simplify complex coding concepts.

17. Inviting Remote Guest Speakers

It’s an enriching experience to invite remote guest speakers into your lessons, opening doors to a wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives that can enhance students’ learning. By using interactive whiteboards, you can cross geographical boundaries and allow your students to interact with experts in various fields.

Technology challenges can be a hurdle, but being prepared can help overcome these. Test your equipment beforehand to avoid technical glitches during the session. The interactive whiteboard should be fully functional with a stable internet connection to ensure seamless communication.

18. Supporting Different Learning Styles

Kinesthetic learners, those who learn best by doing, can benefit enormously from using interactive whiteboards. They can manipulate data, draw diagrams, and engage physically with the learning material. This hands-on approach can make learning more meaningful and enjoyable for them.

Interactive whiteboards are a powerful tool for differentiated instruction, enabling you to cater to the needs of all students, regardless of their learning style. It’s about making education a tailored, engaging experience for everyone in your classroom.

19. Engaging Parents with Virtual Tours

Parental engagement doesn’t have to end at the school gate. By integrating interactive whiteboards in your teaching and inviting parents on virtual tours, you can create a more inclusive, connected, and supportive learning community.

20. Streamlining Administrative Tasks

Imagine a world where attendance, grading, and other mundane tasks are automated. You no longer need to rummage through piles of paperwork. Instead, you can maintain a paperless classroom where everything is digital, organized, and easily accessible. Interactive whiteboards make this possible, allowing you to keep track of student records, assignments, and grades in one place.

21. Facilitating Peer Tutoring

Incorporating high-tech tools in the learning environment doesn’t just streamline administrative tasks; it also fosters a culture of peer tutoring, where students learn, grow, and thrive together. Interactive whiteboards can be a powerful tool, enabling peer assessment, promoting tutoring techniques, and fostering role play scenarios to deepen understanding.

Utilizing interactive whiteboards for peer tutoring creates a supportive learning environment. Students are empowered to take the reins of their education, fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual growth. The classroom becomes a dynamic space for active learning, where students not only learn from their teachers, but also from each other.

22. Adapting for Special Needs Students

As you strive to create an inclusive learning environment, it’s crucial to consider how interactive whiteboards can be adapted to meet the needs of your special needs students. When thoughtfully incorporated, this assistive technology can become an essential tool for differentiated instruction.

Adapting your teaching methods to include interactive whiteboards can lead to more accessible and engaging lessons for all students. Harness the power of this technology to create a classroom that truly celebrates diversity and inclusion.

23. Implementing Flipped Classroom Strategies

Homework integration is another key aspect of this strategy. Instead of traditional homework, students engage in active learning tasks during class time. With the whiteboard, you can display these tasks, give real-time feedback, and even facilitate group discussions.

Peer instruction methods also come to life with the help of whiteboards. Students can share their solutions, discuss different approaches, and learn from each other. The whiteboard becomes a platform for collaboration, fostering a sense of community in the learning process.

24. Staying Current with Software Updates

Don’t fall behind on tech trends, it’s crucial to stay up-to-date with software updates. Keeping your interactive whiteboard’s software current ensures maximum functionality, software compatibility, and security.

Develop a habit of update scheduling. Designate specific times to update your software. This way, you avoid disrupting lesson plans and you ensure your system is always up-to-date. Remember, staying current with software versions is a proactive measure to prevent potential issues.

You’ve made it through our guide on the best practices for using interactive whiteboards in classrooms. Remember, 65% of people are visual learners. So, don’t just tell, show them!

Stay current, adapt for all students, and watch as your lessons leap off the board and into their minds.

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Interactive whiteboard class activities for teachers

Published: July 21st, 2021

Teaching can be extremely difficult. Arming yourself and your teachers with the best possible tools to plan captivating lessons, deliver engaging classes and generally keep your students engaged is one of the simplest steps you can take to make it easier. An interactive whiteboard or smart panel is one of the best assets a teacher can have at their disposal. The opportunity these smart panels can unlock is endless, but that same opportunity can make things a little daunting.

With this in mind, and as experts in both educational software and interactive classroom technology, we’ve put together the ultimate guide on student activities for interactive smart panels and are here to help you find interactive class activities online.

The benefits of using interactive classroom activities

The benefits of technology in education are far reaching, and one of its biggest benefits is how it can enable interactive learning. Making your classroom interactive has a number of its own benefits too and many studies have been done that show the true benefit of interactive learning.

Not only do interactive classroom activities keep your students engaged, helping them not just stay awake but be involved, but they can help improve the learnings from a lesson and develop other important life skills.

These benefits allow teachers to be more effective in the classroom and out, and have been proven to help students of all ages and ability levels. Interactive lesson activities, like videos, quizzes, games, experiments or simulations can enhance a child’s ability to engage and learn.

We’re here to help you find a classroom activity for every age group, from early years all the way up to KS5. 

Give early years students the best-possible start

The earliest stages of development are some of the most important. It’s also a time when learning focuses on visual elements and play. In short, it’s a stage that’s crying out for interactive learning.

Interactive activities for children of these ages may not be as rigid, and you are highly likely to spend time away from a whiteboard. You’ll want activities like:

Sensory play – at these early stages of development playing in sand pits and other sensory play experiences can help develop key senses. Helping them develop their touch, smell, tastes and sight. While the majority of these activities involve physical touch, an interactive whiteboard can be used to enhance play with sights or sounds.

Character play – role play, whether it’s a farmer with their tractor or a princess in their tower, is a great way to help children develop social skills and their own imagination. Allowing younger kids to think creatively can help with problem-solving down the line. Interactive whiteboards come with scenarios, videos and other interactive elements that can enhance role playing even further.

Interactive games – this is where your smart panel may come into play, whether you’re simply playing many of the games available directly through either the educational software on your smart panel or the internet, there are a whole host of games for younger children available. If you want some downtime from the screen too you could challenge your students to create their own games.

Other options for this age group include scavenger hunts, drawing, painting, music and dance. Anything that encourages play, creativity and discovery is ideal for younger children.

Interactive classroom games for KS1 students

Key Stage 1 is the period when you’ll lay the groundwork for what students will expect from school. Providing engaging lessons with interactive activities is key to holding their attention but also developing important skills they’ll use throughout their lives. Many of the interactive activities aimed at these age groups are games.

These games offer a chance to learn through play and many smart panel offer applications designed to run these games for a whole classroom.

Why not try:

Hangman –  the classic spelling game can be used to help younger children learn simple words. Using a game app on an interactive whiteboard will allow children to play using trial and error, either right at the screen using touch or through a connected device.

Drag & drop games – using an interactive whiteboard, like the Promethean ActivPanel can improve students’ dexterity at the same time as learning. A drag and drop game, like caterpillar ordering, is a great option for this. Challenge students to use their hands to put strings of numbers in order, or arrange words into sentences. 

Pictionary – another memorable childhood game, Pictionary lends itself incredibly well to an interactive whiteboard. Invite children up to the board and they can have fun drawing using smart pens or their own hands. Alternatively, a teacher can use the board to draw for them, having students guess as they draw.

Learning activities for KS2 students

Key Stage 2 is all about preparing children for secondary school. They’ll build foundations in important subjects like maths, science and english and more. The key here is to take the skills they’ve developed at KS1 and use those to help inspire them. Group work is an important part of KS2, and can be implemented through interactive whiteboards and displays.

A number of key learning options for KS2 include:

Quizzes – quiz-based learning is a great way to both test where your students are at, but also help them learn. You can run quizzes through your smart panel and allow students to answer verbally or through their own apps and devices. Quizzes can work for almost any subject and there are a number of specially designed quiz apps for smart panels, so you can add one to your lesson plan easily.

Guided reading – as your students reading abilities are improving, you may well want to run a number of guided reading sessions. Doing so in conjunction with a smart panel can allow you to annotate text as you go, record pupils queries and responses and allow them to collaborate with each other.

Scattergories – the much-loved family game lends itself incredibly well to interactive displays. It’s an excellent way to teach kids new words in a fun manner. You can use your interactive whiteboard to simply display the categories and a timer while kids play either using their own device or pen & paper, or you can encourage children to play using the board themselves.

Interactive games –  a number of specialised games have been developed with children of this age group in mind. Why not try out the Science Museum’s ‘ Total Darkness ’ and get your students solving problems creatively.

Interactive teaching ideas for KS3 students

The first years of secondary school are an important time for many students. They may be exposed to a number of new subjects and experiences. It’s also a period where many children struggle with staying interested, and keeping them engaged with interactive classroom games or other activities can be important.

Videos – while playing video through your smart panels may be one of its most basic functions, adding videos to your lesson plans can be a great way to boost engagement. Rather than simply playing a video and letting it teach for you, you can use them to hit home important points during your lesson. The beauty of a smart panel is that you can annotate videos as they go, or draw over them if you need to. Use video to help tell a story.

Science experiments – not every class has access to the facilities to create real world science experiments. Many also don’t have the option to do so safely. There are a number of science specific smart panel tools that let you run experiments right there on the display. They’ll let you change settings and customise the experiment so it can simulate a number of variables. Whether you want to demonstrate static electricity by bending water or something a little more complex, you can do it without worrying about resources.

Annotate scientific diagrams – a number of apps and tools let you choose diagrams. These include things as complex as the human body, or as simple as a basic circuit for turning on an LED using a switch. Accessing these diagrams can allow students to create their own or else annotate key aspects of existing diagrams.

Enhance student learning in KS4

These years are about significantly more than just learning to pass exams. It’s when students can choose to take a subject they love even further. Giving students access to interactive learning and keeping lessons both exciting and enjoyable can inspire them to take it even further. A number of ways you could do this include:

Word games as an ice breaker – get the mind whirring and ready for other aspects of your lesson. Kick off with a word game, like Boggle or Scattergories, to wake up your students and get them thinking creatively.

Quizzes –  creating quizzes for key aspects of your learning can help reinforce important parts of a lesson. You could consider finishing each lesson with a quick interactive quiz that recaps the important takeaways from today’s class.

Role play – help students build confidence in drama or simply immerse them in important characters or scenes in english lessons. Role playing, with multiple interactive elements can help students with all of this. Using a ‘choose your own adventure’ method allows students to really make a character their own, or get inside the head of important characters from the books you’re reading.

Drive student engagement in KS5 with online classroom activities

By this point the students in your classrooms will have chosen their own subjects, and their participation should be easier to garner, but it’s still important to keep them engaged. Many people learn through doing, and interactive lessons can really help students understand important aspects that they just can’t get from course readings.

Try things like:

Quizzes – test your classes’ knowledge and ask students to either create the quizzes themselves for groups or answer a series of tough questions that you’ve put together. Creating leaderboards and allowing students to answer questions from their own devices will keep things competitive too.

Video –  using your interactive whiteboard to showcase important concepts through video or a particular case study can greatly enhance the learning experience. Letting a class draw, annotate or take notes directly on the video can add even more.

Experiments – showcasing experiments from other labs, or using an experiment tool to simulate one you can’t do in your own classroom can add a whole new dimension. See this as a classroom game for slightly older students. Allow them to customise variables themselves and see what happens.

Annotations & diagrams – You can annotate scientific diagrams yourself, or you can let your students come up to the front of the class and add their own annotations.

Get the most out of your class with interactive whiteboards and software

Whatever way you want to teach your students, keeping them involved in the process is important. When your students come to a classroom and feel like an active participant, it’s only going to help. Promethean creates world leading interactive whiteboards designed with the classroom in mind. Not only that, but we set the standard on educational software to help you get the most out of your smart technology.

Interested in learning more? Visit the virtual demo page to request a live demo of the Promethean ActivPanel interactive display.

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Using Interactive Whiteboards with Mathematics Teachers and Students

David Glassmeyer and Melissa Paurowski

Kennesaw State University 

In this blog post, we (1) describe the technological tool of interactive whiteboards, (2) summarize how interactive whiteboards can be used to teach mathematics in ways aligned with research, (3) overview the top free interactive whiteboard platforms available in Sept. 2021, and (4) explain how we have used digital whiteboards in our work with mathematics teachers and students.

1. What are interactive whiteboards?

Interactive whiteboards are digital environments with multimodal features (text, images, symbols, drawings) that provide a shared space between teacher and learners that is both accessible and directly manipulative (De Vita et al., 2018). Students can collaboratively edit a digital whiteboard to share ideas, solve problems, or reach a consensus in small groups. Interactive whiteboards can usually be saved and exported for continued work, sharing, and archiving. Figure 1 shows an example of how we used an interactive whiteboard with high school students solving the staggered pipe problem , and Figure 2 displays the teacher overview page to see our entire class of students’ work.

Figure 1: Example of collaborative work being completed on the interactive whiteboards platform Whiteboard.fi , with the teacher feedback options shown at the bottom.

Figure 2: The teacher view from Whiteboard.fi , displaying a class of students’ work.

2. What does research say about using whiteboards for teaching mathematics?

From research on traditional/physical interactive whiteboards (e.g. Smartboards), we know these tools can be used to support students’ academic achievement, positive attitudes, classroom management, knowledge construction, learner engagement and interactivity, motivation, and visual quality (Balta & Duran, 2015; Higgins, 2010; Holmes, 2009; İpek & Sözcü, 2016; Warwick et al. 2011). We also know traditional/physical interactive whiteboards can reinforce traditional, teacher-centered pedagogical styles, as often only teachers control the board and students begin focusing only on visual appeal rather than the content itself (Holmes, 2009; Smith et al., 2005, 2006; Torff & Tirotta, 2010). Just like other technological tools, the key in whiteboard effectiveness is about how teachers use the tool.

As for digital interactive whiteboards (e.g. Whiteboard.fi ), there are similar themes, though less research is available (Erdener & Kandemir, 2019). When used with active and collaborative pedagogical approaches, interactive digital whiteboards can help students to improve their cognitive learning across all currently available interdisciplinary research reports (Shi, et al., 2021). Like other technological tools, frequency of use impacts students’ perceived efficiency and perceived learning (Fuchs, 2021). Effective patterns for using interactive whiteboards in mathematics occur in ways supporting research-based practices, for example supporting problem-solving and for organizing mathematical work, reflections, and representations (De Vita et al., 2018; Kutluca et al., 2019; Kohen, 2019; Shi et al., 2018, 2021).

Incorporating interactive whiteboards in classroom instruction can align with research-based practices overviewed in the Mathematics Teaching Principles (NCTM, 2014). Teachers can provide students opportunities to engage in productive struggle as they collaboratively tackle mathematical ideas and problem solve on the whiteboards (De Vita et al., 2018). Teachers can elicit and use evidence of student thinking by saving, sharing, and reviewing student work completed on the whiteboard during instructional time or completed outside of class. The use of whiteboards can facilitate mathematical discourse by allowing students the opportunity to share and build upon ideas together by analyzing and comparing mathematical work in real time (Ball et al., 2018).

3. What is the best interactive whiteboard platform for teaching mathematics?

Several interactive whiteboard platforms currently exist. Table 1 overviews the pros and cons of several currently available digital whiteboards. Our evaluation was conducted in September 2021; given the rapid change of these technologies, the information might become outdated as features, pricing models, and websites come and go. Note we evaluated only the free version of each whiteboard platform and ranked our listing from the best to worst for working with mathematics teachers, and for mathematics teachers using the platform within professional learning contexts or using the platform to teach students mathematics. We also ran the list by 20 in-service mathematics teachers, who supported the ranking.

Table 1: Our top 5 interactive whiteboard platforms, ranked based on their free version’s ability to facilitate mathematics instruction.

Here are other interactive whiteboards we evaluated but did not make our top list:

• https://miro.com/online-whiteboard
• https://myviewboard.com/
• https://whiteboardfox.com/

4. How might you use interactive whiteboards within mathematics teacher education?

With students : As education is evolving, teachers continually seek to improve instructional strategies to reach all students. Learning to reach students both virtually and in-person has challenged us to pursue engaging ways to connect with our students. It is critical that teachers employ methods to formatively assess our students, and interactive whiteboards give us the opportunity to collaboratively work with students throughout a lesson to gain an understanding of their comprehension. These whiteboards allow us to individually reach out to students during a lesson to answer questions or make corrections to student work in real time. This can be particularly beneficial when teaching students virtually. We can see the students’ thought process as they work and help guide students back on track if they become puzzled while working or are unsure how to proceed on a particular problem. It brings the virtual student into a more “in-person” environment to get the one-on-one support from their teacher, while also engaging the students in the classroom. We encourage teachers to consider the many ways virtual whiteboards might be incorporated to allow students to collaboratively problem solve, such as solving equations, labeling geometric figures, notating mathematical proofs, working alongside helpful images and figures, and interacting with virtual manipulatives.

Within PLCs : Students are not the only ones who can benefit from these interactive whiteboards – they are excellent for collaboration among teachers working in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and consistency teams. Teachers meeting face-to-face or virtually can utilize the interactive whiteboards to review student work as a team, plan and execute upcoming lessons, review and analyze formative assessment data, and much more. Most of the whiteboard programs allow you to save and share work, which means teachers can continue their collaboration at each PLC meeting. Whether teachers are presenting professional development to their colleagues or leading a grade-level instructional planning meeting, interactive whiteboards can improve collaboration and encourage creative work spaces for us to improve our instruction as we strive to reach all students in our classrooms. 

Within professional development and coursework : Whether the coursework is for undergraduate pre-service teachers attaining initial certification, or in-service teachers attaining graduate degrees, interactive whiteboards have the ability to foster virtual collaboration on mathematical tasks and problems. We have used interactive whiteboards to facilitate problem solving within small groups during synchronous course meetings. In large or small group professional development sessions, interactive whiteboards are a strong tool to link teachers’ ideas together as they work collaboratively. Teachers have the ability to work, plan, and edit during the PD session, then save and continue their work when they get back to their PLC, all via the interactive whiteboard. Whiteboards can also be helpful in connecting instructors with learners during online coursework or professional development, as it gives the instructor the ability to watch as the learners work together and share ideas. Instructors can then adjust and/or pivot the training, real-time, to meet their learners where they are in the learning process.  

Ball, L., Drijvers, P., Ladel, S., Siller, H. S., Tabach, M., & Vale, C. (2018).  Uses of technology in primary and secondary mathematics education . Cham, Switzerland: Springer.

Balta, N., & Duran, M. (2015). Attitudes of students and teachers towards the use of interactive whiteboards in elementary and secondary school classrooms. TOJET: The Turkish Online Journal of Educational Technology, 14 (2), 15-23.

De Vita, M., Verschaffel, L., & Elen, J. (2018). The power of interactive whiteboards for secondary mathematics teaching: Two case studies.  Journal of Educational Technology Systems ,  47 (1), 50–78.

Erdener, K., & Kandemir, M. A. (2019). Investigation of the reasons for students’ attitudes towards the interactive whiteboard use in mathematics classrooms.  International Journal of Research in Education and Science ,  5 (1), 331–345.

Fuchs, K. (2021). Preparing students for success in a changing world: The role of virtual whiteboards in the modern classroom.  Education Quarterly Reviews ,  4 (1).

Higgins, S. (2010) The impact of interactive whiteboards on classroom interaction and learning in primary schools in the UK. In M. Thomas & E. C. Schmid (Eds.), Interactive Whiteboards for Education: Theory, Research and Practice (pp. 86-101). Hershey, PA: IGI Global.

Holmes, K. (2009). Planning to teach with digital tools: Introducing the interactive whiteboard to pre-service secondary mathematics teachers. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 25 (3), 351-365.

İpek, İ., & Sözcü, Ö. F. (2016). Preferences and attitudes for using interactive whiteboards in different courses and learning. European Journal of Contemporary Education, 15 (1), 173-184.

Kohen, Z. (2019). Informed integration of IWB technology, incorporated with exposure to varied mathematics problem-solving skills: its effect on students’ real-time emotions.  International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology ,  50 (8), 1128-1151.

Kutluca, T., Yalman, M., & Tum, A. (2019). Use of interactive whiteboard in teaching mathematics for sustainability and its effect on the role of teacher.  Discourse and Communication for Sustainable Education ,  10 (1), 113-132.

National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (2014). Principles to actions: Ensuring mathematical success for all . Reston, VA: NCTM.

Shi, Y., Peng, C., Yang, H. H., & MacLeod, J. (2018). Examining interactive whiteboard-based instruction on the academic self-efficacy, academic press and achievement of college students.  Open Learning: The Journal of Open, Distance and e-Learning ,  33 (2), 115-130.

Shi, Y., Zhang, J., Yang, H., & Yang, H. H. (2021). Effects of interactive whiteboard-based instruction on students’ cognitive learning outcomes: A meta-analysis.  Interactive Learning Environments ,  29 (2), 283-300.

Smith, H. J., Higgins, S., Wall, K. & Miller, J. (2005). Interactive whiteboards: Boon or bandwagon? A critical review of the literature. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 21 , 91- 101.

Smith, F., Hardman, F. & Higgins, S. (2006). The impact of interactive whiteboards on teacher-pupil interaction in the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies. British Educational Research Journal, 32 (3), 443-457.

Torff, B., & Tirotta, R. (2010). Interactive whiteboards produce small gains in elementary students’ self-reported motivation in mathematics.  Computers & Education ,  54 (2), 379-383.

Warwick, P., Hennessy, S., & Mercer, N. (2011). Promoting teacher and school development through co-enquiry: Developing interactive whiteboard use in a ‘dialogic classroom’. Teachers and Teaching: theory and practice, 17 (3), 303–324.

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Visual learning strategies using interactive whiteboards: an innovative approach

This article discusses various visual approaches to problem-solving and its potential application in digital classrooms. It emphasizes using interactive displays, multimedia, and collaborative tools to promote active visual learning and digital storytelling and cater to diverse learning styles.

Introduction

Albert Einstein never claimed to be the most intelligent person in the world, although he is often considered such. He claimed to be highly curious, questioning things everyone else took for granted or at face value. Like Leonardo da Vinci, he had an insatiable desire to understand the world around him and connect things in novel ways to find simple and elegant truths. Einstein was also noted as a bored student, and if the subject did not capture his interest, he typically only did what was required to pass a class. He didn't learn by rote and detested conventional teaching methods.

After he became one of the first contemporary celebrities, when asked about his nondescript education, he often remarked that standard education processes likely limited the discovery of people who could positively change the world with their minds. Many educators in the past 100 years have certainly had this in mind during their careers.

His oft-quoted critique about judging a fish by how well it flies has helped usher in visual learning as a tool for educators to successfully reach students with learning skills that may be outside the norm, whatever that is. 

Da Vinci – for whom the term "Renaissance Man" was coined – likewise followed tangents of thought in his learning that led him into mechanics, anatomy, physics, and math. All things that are not normally ascribed to the painter of the Mona Lisa. Many of his ground-breaking ideas, often hundreds of years ahead of their time, came from his imaginative doodling and comparing through drawing, ideas that went against conventional thinking and education.

Most educators have little expectation of having the next da Vinci or Einstein in their class, but they often see exceptionally bright students who may not learn the way others do. For those seeking to respond to that challenge, visual learning tools can be critical to their success, to say nothing about how these tools can improve learning for every student.

Einstein's Approach: how visualization can help student problem solving

Albert Einstein's unique approach to problem-solving has inspired scholars and researchers alike. Focused on the visualization of problems, Einstein constructed a mental image or a story around the issues he sought to understand. This imaginative method allowed him to examine the situation from unique perspectives, paving the way for groundbreaking discoveries, including his theory of relativity. This significant shift in perspective, driven by visualization, illustrates this strategy's profound potential to enhance problem-solving skills.

5 visual learning strategies for the digital classroom

Einstein's visualization approach offers valuable insights that can be incorporated into modern digital classrooms. Adapting to various learning styles is crucial for educators, and adopting visual learning strategies can aid in this process. Here are some strategies inspired by Einstein's problem-solving approach to the digital classroom:

• Interactive Visualizations and Problem Solving : Implement platforms or applications that allow students to visualize complex problems or concepts, akin to Einstein's approach to problem-solving. When coupled with interactive whiteboards, these platforms can provide a space for interactive problem-solving, especially for complex mathematical problems or scientific concepts.
• Multimedia Learning and Flipped Classroom Approach : Leverage the multimedia capabilities of IWBs to make abstract concepts more understandable. This could include videos, images, diagrams, or animations, which can be utilized in a flipped classroom approach. By providing visual lessons or tutorials that students can engage with outside the classroom, teachers free up class time for deeper exploration and discussion.
• Balanced Approach to Exploration and Memorization with Interactive Displays : Design digital activities that balance visual exploration and memorization, leveraging interactive displays. These displays can allow students to actively participate in their learning process, promoting understanding and recall through the visual organization of information.
• Collaborative Learning through Visual Interaction and Digital Storytelling : Facilitate collaborative activities using the interactive features of IWBs, promoting teamwork and understanding through visual interaction. Additionally, encourage students to create and share visual stories or presentations on digital platforms, fostering collaboration and mutual learning.
• Integrative Use of Technology for Enhanced Visual Learning : Encourage the utilization of various technological tools, such as interactive whiteboards by i3-Technologies, that stimulate visual learning. These tools can foster a different perspective, encouraging curiosity, critical thinking, and an active learning process.

Exploration vs. Memorization: The Current State of Modern Education and Visual Learning

Exploration and memorization are two main learning paths used in the education process. In contemporary teaching, a mix of the two is often the norm. We have centuries of experience in memorization brought to us by standardized textbook learning. Seeing how it is well documented that memorization skills do not lead to good test results, new technologies are widely available to support using visual learning, digital storytelling, and imagining problems as successful learning strategies. Facilitating exploration through visual learning can be a bit more challenging and, frankly, more demanding for the educator. The results seem to speak for themselves.

Every educator sees the difference in the quality of education when students are actively engaged in the learning process. Education can quickly become just a rite of passage or even something to be survived if the experience fails to connect with how each student engages with the world. While some respond well to memorizing tables of data and can then connect them with the real-world stories presented to them in the real world, many either fail to translate memorized information into real-world skills or disconnect from learning after failing the memorization task. In either case, it becomes difficult to blame the student for their path through the education process.

How Interactive Displays Facilitate Student Exploration and Digital Storytelling

Interactive displays continue gaining acceptance as a medium of excellence in learning. As educational tools, they can open doors to information and ideas, capture data, images, and insights, and bring them together in a visual format to determine relationships, conclusions, and knowledge. The technology can help inquisitive students assemble and tell stories in graphical form, allowing them to construct patterns and paths as they explore the world around them.

Of course, anyone can research topics, compose ideas and share content on a laptop, PC, or tablet. Interactive displays offer three key benefits: encouraging curiosity, promoting active learning, and supporting learning through digital storytelling. The first is the ability to whiteboard mixed mediums. Creating a content board of information, ideas, images, and documents helps students develop a visual storyboard structured according to how they process information. The second benefit is having a storyboard where two or more students can participate in the storytelling process. If two heads are better than one, interactive displays support multiple users and allow them to try numerous paths to creating the story before settling on one as the platform to complete their story.

Collaborative Learning with Interactive Displays

Stories created by students can be shared digitally on interactive displays with instructors or fellow students, where they can be easily viewed, reviewed, and explored. Adding new information, insight, or paths of inquiry is an organic experience that doesn't require starting with a fresh piece of paper.

Want to try a new approach to a story? Create a new whiteboard, share saved notes, annotations, images, or documents, and reorganize them in a different pattern. Want others to evaluate the work so far? Send them the QR code for the saved whiteboard and get their input.

Storytelling with interactive displays resembles gaming as much as anything. In gaming, multiple avenues are played out to determine which paths, resources, and partners are best to reach a chosen destination. Storytelling on an interactive display gives users the same formatting, creative and preparatory tools used in gaming to discover the best plot line for the story. Multiple apps are also available to support this process.

Students are used to storytelling; they may not be used to telling them in written form. When they can first visualize the story, it becomes easier to write it down, take the path in their head, and plot it on a whiteboard. The education process then focuses on ensuring students have the tools to succeed according to how their minds work and less on rote and ritual.

What impact does technology have on digital storytelling and visual learning?

Technology drives how we understand, interact with, and communicate with the world. It is how we structure our activities, our points of view, and how we access information and knowledge. For those in the educational system, it will be a greater influence on their lives than any of us could have imagined when we were in the system.

My 10-year-old granddaughter gets onto my i3-Technologies touchscreen and shows me the world from her perspective. It is how she thinks and operates. The process is intuitive to her as a digital native. When she was just five years old, she took a collection of wood building blocks we had and created a ten-foot square image of an online game on our floor, complete with menus, tool kits, and all the things she was used to seeing in a game. She knew very well what she needed to create a game, and she visualized it using wooden blocks and then took several minutes to explain it to us in some detail.

Of course, she also used the periodic table to design her "graduation" cap. How did she learn about that? You guessed it.

Each child is different. The connection each makes with the world around them is unique, so they speak different languages of learning. Educators are figuring out how to identify various learning styles and how to capitalize on them to help students learn at their pace and in their own ways. The days of "judging a fish by how well they can swim" – an Einstein original quote – are long gone.

Educators must be flexible and adaptable in recognizing the unique learning languages of each student. The days of "judging a fish by how well they can swim," to quote Einstein, are long gone. The strategies shared above for the digital classroom mark a promising path towards more inclusive, engaging, and effective education processes.

In this digital age, are you ready to embrace innovative visual learning strategies for your students? The future of education depends on our willingness to adapt and evolve.

Doug Gregory, Syntigration’s principal, is focused on creating integrated InterActive Spaces. A consultant and entrepreneur in the office furniture industry for over 20 years after stints at both HON and Steelcase, the novelty of learning how best to meet customer needs never gets old. The journey of these articles is to help identify how interactive technology supports contract dealer growth through meeting the complex needs of our mutual clients.

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