There has been a growing appreciation that presentation and interaction solely via the computer is often insufficient in achieving real learning outcomes and indeed can be a distraction. This has led to a re-emphasis on class and group interaction with the need for a new range of technologies to support presentation and group interaction whilst interfacing with that electronic content.

The audio visual industry has always been at the forefront of introducing technologies for group interaction and learning, including electronic whiteboards, pointing devices and conferencing systems. These are now being extended into... interactive whiteboards, tablets, remote keyboards and interactive response devices.

Improving learning outcomes

There is now broad agreement that interactive technologies can improve learning outcomes. Read here a summary of teacher's views, and the outcomes report of the NSW Easiteach Pilot undertaken by NSW DET's Centre for Learning Innovation (CLI site link).

The business case for interactive technologies

Whilst some schools are yet to start experimenting with interactive technologies, many schools are now coming towards the decision point of a more significant roll-out. This means a strategic decision for schools and a much wider consideration of IWB issues - the development of a business case. Read our whitepaper for a discussion on these issues.

ECAV's role

Firstly, we have been a key player in the evolution of the IWB industry in NSW:

• We provided the technical support for the NSW Easiteach Pilot (refer above)
• ECAV is a member of IWBNet - the premier educational consultancy and professional development organisation focussed on interactive technologies.

Secondly, we have helped many schools in the install and roll-out of their IWB programs including:

Association of Independent Schools	Monte Sant'Angelo Mercy College
Chatswood Public School	St George TAFE
Gordon East Public School	St Ives Primary School
Greta Public School	St Ives High School
Holy Family Primary, Emerton	St Mary's Primary School, Ermington
Kincoppal - Rose Bay	Tower Street Public School
Middle Harbour Public School	Wattawa Public School

Our approach to IWB solutions is an extension of our audio visual focus - this means we consider and advise on the following:

• AV equipment - Tools for display, sound & human interaction, plus their operation & control
• Environment - room size & layout, lighting level & ambient light, ambient sound, security
• Integration - with other AV and IT equipment
• OHS risk management - Projector glare, bending over, tripping over cables, power safety
• Aesthetics - the balance between function and form
• Installation - Construction and Cabling, Equipment location
• User training and support
• Maintenance and evolution
• Budget fit and Business Case

So we will advise that the display may be inadequate, and so may result in poor audience concentration and a less effective presentation. We will ask you to consider the implications of how your preferred software and computer will work with alternative IWBs, whether the time spent at the IWB justifies the expenditure on a short throw projector, and we will give you feedback as to others thinking as to what works and doesn't with their IWB implementation.

We provide training in how to operate your IWB and AV equipment, but we don't pretend to be teachers that dictate how to teach with an IWB, just like we don't teach our corporate customers to get their message across using PowerPoint.

Contact us at East Coast Audio Visual for information or a demonstration of any of the above technologies.