The wall-sized electronic whiteboard has been a familiar technology tool in many schools across the country. (If you don’t know what an interactive whiteboard is, check out this link:   http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interactive_whiteboard )

Although interactive whiteboards have experienced  limited traction in BVSD schools, they have remained the glossy ‘bandwagon’ educational technology of the last decade. Now, after lackluster research related to effectiveness, a lengthy learning curve, the lack of use in many schools that already own them, and some new developments in the field, their presence is not likely to grow. But don’t feel badly. Although it will not prove to be an enduring investment, the Interactive whiteboard (IWB) has been a very worthwhile pioneering investment.

There are seven reasons why this venerable technology will soon go the way of the triceratops, the beta max, and the rotary dial phone:

1. The per-classroom cost remains high and largely unattainable

2. The durability / replacement issue is always a concern

3. The learning curve is high (2 years for teachers to use before effectiveness is reached, based on the research)

4. It lends itself more to secondary, more directive teaching styles

5. Industry insiders and technology mavens confidentially agree that the wall-sized IWB is nearing end of life; it won’t last. Still, companies need to meet waning demand and clear existing inventories.

6. The wall-sized IWB lacks the flexibility of movement and adaptability

7. New technologies are looming:  the larger IWBs are positioned to be replaced by smaller, personal tablets, like the Mobi.  More people can use them (up to 7-8 in a class), and students/teachers can use them at their seats or anywhere in the room. Also, instead of students taking turns up front, this smaller device permits students and teachers to explore varied uses, including cooperative groupings. This smaller tablet does everything that its older, larger brother does, at 1/5th the price and without losing precious K-12 real-estate--wall space.

In short—sustainability issues, instructional limitedness, and a new replacement technology—will soon usher the larger IWB into the halls of forgotten technologies. Every major IWB company is now making this shift, as can be seen from the picture below:

And a hot new update.... you heard it here first.... the next generation beyond the tablet IWB is being shown in private meetings now. And it isn't in the whiteboard--and it isn't in the tablet--and it isn't in the computer--it's in the projector! Our new BVSD projectors have a built-in 3d capability that will enable a special pen to run any software like a smartboard--- but using the 3d chip and receivers in the projector. That may be a year or less away, but the implications are significant. IWB capability built into the projector. The many IWB companies will likely survive by licensing this technology and promoting their IWB software instead.

Any thoughts?