The interactive whiteboard becomes the most used ICT element in the classroom

Teachers recognize that both the interactive whiteboard and the large-format touchscreen bring four vital elements to education: interactivity, bi-directional collaboration, access to almost unlimited digital content and an approach to the digital universe.

The interactive whiteboard (Pdi) is an ICT element that is increasingly present in schools, as highlighted in the latest annual report 'The Network Society' carried out by the National Observatory of Telecommunications and Information Society (Ontsi). the 85% of Spanish classrooms of regulated education is equipped with at least one PDI, percentage that reaches the 90% in primary and 78% in secondary school.

In addition to classroom equipment, the study shows that a very high percentage of Spanish teachers integrate ICT in the daily didactic programming and up to a 75% use it at least once a week.

For Stephen Bernard, responsible for the brand Legamaster in Spain: "Classroom equipment is already a mandatory tool in twenty-first century classrooms. nevertheless, the methodological change to get the most out of the new technologies in the centers remains to be resolved. Teachers are increasingly aware of the benefits that ICT brings to education and, to this day, most recognize that both the Interactive Whiteboard and the large format touch screen have provided four vital elements: interactivity, bi-directional collaboration, access to almost unlimited digital content and an approach to the digital universe that today's students live".

The study reveals that the 83% of teachers believe that students show greater interest and feel more motivated if ICT is used in class. The vision of the students is very similar. the 93% believes that learning through new technologies is much more interesting and a 72% believes that the acquisition of knowledge is easier for them thanks to ICT.

In relation to the difficulty of its use, almost entirely ensure that its handling is simple. Among the most carried out activities with the PDI, highlight the exercises and group work, the explanations of the didactic units and the search for educational resources.

"These data show the change in teachers' attitudes regarding the use of ICTs in education.. Although they are very positive figures, it is necessary that the education sector continues to evolve at the pace that technology itself does.. From Legamaster we propose to go one step further and integrate interactive multi-touch displays, that multiply the learning possibilities with respect to other technologies such as PDIs that are becoming obsolete”, explains Bernard.

Legamaster ETX displays recognize the touch of several students working simultaneously which favors collaborative work and the realization of group exercises on the screen. In addition, include Android system 5.0 integrated which makes it possible to operate without the need for a computer. Bernard assures that his handling “is even simpler and more intuitive than previous technologies”.

Obstacles to incorporating ICT into classrooms

Although the data are encouraging in terms of the evolution of ICT in the education sector, the report also points out the main obstacles that teachers face when incorporating new technologies into the classroom..

More than 50% of teachers demand greater training in ICT since, although they feel prepared in the subject they are going to teach, only one 15% ensures that you have the necessary flus ease to use it in the classroom in front of the students.

"Most teachers say they need more training in ICT skills that allow them to be more effective in front of students.. It is essential to improve the general computer skills of teachers from the university. If we want the integration of technology in the classroom to be a reality and, therefore, to achieve a useful education in accordance with today's world", concludes Bernard.

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