Electronic boards, also known as Interactive Whiteboards or Smart Boards, have been gaining popularity in educational settings worldwide. They supplement the traditional white boards in learning. They are digital displays that allow teachers and learners to interact with content in ways that are not possible with traditional whiteboards or chalkboards.
Since there is evolution in different learning patterns, tools and gadgets, there is need for schools to embrace the usefulness of Electronic Boards to tally with the rise in educational technology and to lure the attention of learners to stay engaged during lessons.
Primary schools in Nigeria make limited use of Electronic Boards because the technology is relatively new but there is potential for them to enhance learning experiences for learners through this medium.
This article will explore some potential benefits as well as the considerations that may limit the use of Electronic Boards for schools in Nigeria.
BENEFITS OF ELECTRONIC BOARDS
Engaging Visual Aids
One of the primary benefits of electronic boards is that they can display a wide range of visual aids, including images, videos, and interactive applications. This can help to make lessons more engaging and help learners to understand concepts better. Instead of simply describing a concept or process, teachers can use visual aids to demonstrate it in real-time, making it easier for learners to grasp and retain information.
Increased Collaboration
Electronic Boards also allow multiple learners to interact with the same content simultaneously, which can facilitate group work and collaborative learning. Learners can work together to solve problems or complete tasks, and teachers can use the board to track and display their progress in real-time. This can help learners to feel more engaged in the learning process and encourage them to work together more effectively.
Improved Accessibility
Another benefit of Electronic Boards is that they can be used to display materials in larger font sizes, making them more accessible for learners with visual impairments or learning disabilities. This can help to ensure that all learners are able to engage with the content and participate in classroom activities.
Enhanced Teacher Flexibility
Electronic Boards can allow teachers to prepare and modify lesson materials more easily, providing greater flexibility in their teaching approach. They can easily add or remove content, modify existing content, or create new content to suit the needs of their students. This can help teachers to be more responsive to their learners’ needs and provide a more customized learning experience.
Enhanced Creativity
Some learners especially dyslexic ones are more active in digital learning. Interactive Whiteboards make learning exciting and fun for them. It also enhances their participation in class activities and increases their interest in learning. Learners who find it difficult to process information get to do better with multiple senses, like sight, sound and touch which are major components of Electronic Boards.
Having stated these, there are challenges that may limit the use of Electronic Boards in Nigeria. These include;
Cost
One of the primary considerations for using Electronic Boards is their cost. Electronic Boards can be expensive, and schools may need to allocate resources to purchase and maintain them. Though the benefits are numerous and a worthwhile investment, schools especially low cost private schools may have the challenge of funding this. This is a major impediment especially private schools that have zero financial support from government.
Training
Teachers will need to be trained on how to use Electronic Boards effectively in the classroom. This includes learning how to create and modify content, how to use the board to enhance learning experiences, and how to troubleshoot any technical issues that may arise. Schools may need to invest in training programs to ensure that teachers are prepared to use Electronic Boards effectively.
Integration with Existing Curriculum
Another consideration is how to integrate Electronic Boards with the school’s existing curriculum and teaching practices. Schools will need to determine how to incorporate Electronic Boards into their lesson plans and how to use them to enhance learning experiences. This may require significant planning and coordination to ensure that Electronic Boards are used effectively and consistently across classrooms.
Potential Distraction
Finally, Electronic Boards may become a distraction for learners if they are not used effectively or if they are used to display content that is not relevant to the lesson. Teachers will need to ensure that Electronic Boards are used appropriately and that they are not a source of distraction to learners.
In summary, Electronic Boards can be a useful tool in classrooms especially primary schools in Nigeria but careful consideration should be given to their cost, training requirements, integration with the curriculum, and potential for distraction. If these considerations are properly addressed, Electronic Board are powerful tools needed to increase learners engagement, make learning interesting which in turn will improve learners progressive learning process. No doubt, It transforms the classroom and brings lessons to live!
Amara Ann Unachukwu
