Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved Denise N.

Fyffe 1
Topic: Teaching and Learning mathematics with an interactive whiteboard
Author: Denise Fyffe


Article Review
The aim of this article was to write about the use of whiteboards in changing mathematical
class situations. The author of this article, Barbara Bell, started her article by first highlighting
her enjoyment of teaching math and that if teachers had more time to prepare the lessons then
students would benefit more from the practice. She also stated the purpose of the article and how
beneficial it would be to the students in the classrooms.
Two articles were mentioned, written by other authors who were both classroom teachers.
They collectively spoke of utilising interactive whiteboards, the television, and the computer.
Barbara Bell, also stated her use of different systems eighteen years ago, throughout the early to
late 1980s, why she chose the programs; which was to assist in particular math ideas. In utilising
these systems she then had an individual computer now she has transitioned to a network of
computers and from the head of mathematics to the senior manager. Her attempts to utilise Excel
efficiently failed and she deduced that this particular software would not be of much use in
teaching her students Mathematics.
The memories of finding uses for Excel, not being able to access the favourite programs on
the new systems and the old BBC B computers failing, was triggered by the new Smart boards
and visiting classrooms where teachers utilised whiteboards. On one of Barbara Bells visit to
different schools she noted that the classrooms were outfitted with interactive whiteboards,
projectors and each teacher was given a laptop with a range of appropriate software. At another
institution, Dax Earles who has written a vast amount of materials was teaching on an Y9 top set.
Due to adequate preparation his presentation was professional and the system allowed giving
maximum concentration on the students. His programs were also effectively interactive.
The author, Barbara Bell then elaborated on another of Dax Earles lessons, which utilised
dices and in comparing it to the previous lesson stated a preference for the former. She also
visited another class that made use of the Y9 system. All the lessons she mentioned required a lot

Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved Denise N. Fyffe 2

of preparation and that other teachers could use the material again. In interviewing the pupils to
gage their feedback on the technology used various response was given. These responses
indicated that the technology allowed the student to enjoy the lesson and learn more from the
experience.
Barbara Bell concluded by sharing her views of the system, highlighting that one image is
shared in the classroom, the pace is increased, the teacher has control, and more attention is
given to the students. Also small programs can be bought to teach specific mathematics topics
and number, graphs etc. can be changed quickly. Finally she proposed to ATM how their
contribution in producing CD of whiteboard classroom activities, rewriting and upgrading other
program; can prove to be a exciting new development.
Applicability to Jamaica
Certain aspects of this whiteboard technology can be implemented in Jamaica; however, with
the economic constraints and the training of users this may prove a challenge to implement. The
idea of the interactive whiteboard may not be new but it is surely a good idea. This would
definitely purport the era of technology in the schools. One however has to consider at what level
to implement. Do we start at the tertiary level, secondary, or primary level? Do we start with one
class? Should CXC students first experience this system and also analyse if the grades or passes
are better? Who manages this process and does the training? All these issues have to be sorted
and ironed out for the interactive whiteboard to influence the education system in Jamaica
positively.
I think it is possible. I think it may need a couple years to be done correctly similarly to the
rose program in our schools. But it can be accomplished. The most important factor at the end of
the day is the care of the resources and that it wont be stolen or misappropriated somewhere like
all the supposed funding done by Members of Parliament. The allocation should be as clear as
the West Indies cricket dilemma and made known to the Jamaican public to prevent any
varying amount of corruption.
The teaching and learning of any educational area using modern or new technology must be
carefully planned and all aspects, advantages, disadvantages, and outcomes considered. This

Copyright 2014 All Rights Reserved Denise N. Fyffe 3

should be so to ensure the best possible implementation process and successful replies like that
of the students in this article.

1.
Bell, B., (Spring 2003). Micromath 19 no1 4-7 Spr 2003. Teaching and Learning mathematics with an interactive whiteboard.
Retrieved on March 4, 2005 from http://0-vnweb.hwwilsonweb.com.novacat.nova.edu/hww/results_single.jhtml?nn