Application of an Interactive Whiteboard in the Realization of Entomological Programme Contents

Abstract

In this paper an analysis of the application of an interactive whiteboard (IWB) in the biology teaching was presented. The types of interactive whiteboards, their advantages and disadvantages, the contextual factors on which the application depends, the positive and negative effects in teaching and learning and pedagogical aspects and strategies for applying interactive whiteboard are described. Also, an example is given how the IWB was applied in the realization of entomological programme content. The role and importance of insects in nature has been shown. It is very important that students understand the role of insect (especially insect pollinators) and their importance in nature. With the help of an IWB, this biology programme content was presented in the form of the concept maps. This allowed students to understand the significance of different entomological concepts and relations among them. Also, an overview of the researches about the uses of an IWB in biology teaching in the realization of various biological programme content was given. It was shown that the IWB contributed to the improving of processes of teaching and learning. It was concluded that IWB are determined as positive teaching tools, and researches show that they could have a positive impact on the motivation, perception, attention, behavior of students and their achievements in teaching biology. Application of IWB can be easily accomplished with little additional training (for teachers and students). In the future, training of teaching staff for the using of IWB in teaching biology is planned.