Publications and Research
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
Winter 2-2018
Abstract
Determined to keep up with the ever-changing instructional trends, academic libraries have been quick to adopt emerging teaching and learning technologies. Recent literature features many examples of technologies that have found a place in libraries’ instructional programs: learning management systems, clickers, online tutorials, reference chats, and mobile devices, to mention the most popular ones. Curiously enough, despite their popularity in business and K-12 contexts, interactive whiteboards (IWBs) are rarely discussed in the context of academic libraries’ efforts to embrace innovative teaching methods. This article addresses this omission. Present-day IWBs have evolved to include features that accommodate a variety of teaching strategies, including those appropriate for distance learners, providing a tool to encourage student engagement and participation. This case study shows how IWBs meet the varied needs of library instruction while offering librarians an opportunity to reshape and expand their teaching methods. By providing sample lesson plans and activities developed to incorporate the interactive features of IWBs, this article illustrates the versatility of this underutilized technology. To further encourage academic librarians to consider working with IWBs, we argue that incorporating IWBs, and thus fostering active learning strategies, into classes and workshops has allowed our library to meet new institutional priorities that emphasize effective teaching and student engagement.
Comments
Originally published in Practical Academic Librarianship: The International Journal of the SLA Academic Division, [S.l.], v. 8, n. 1, p. 1-27, feb. 2018.