Interactive WhiteBoards (IWBs), like the SmartBoard, became commonplace in schools about a decade ago. Today, many sit idly or have been replaced by less expensive interactive (or non-interactive) projectors like the Epson. These newer projectors turn any surface into an interactive touch screen. Newer Smartboard products even include multi-touch surfaces.
IWB’s afford access to a variety of learning opportunities and can support inclusion according to Universal Design for Learning theory (Pellerin, 2013). They promise the ability to increase student engagement by providing a focal point for instruction, interactivity, gaming and animations. This increased focus and engagement can improve student learning (Troft and Tirotta, 2009). Of course, a real shift in engagement and interactivity comes from the ways in which we use technologies rather than from the technologies themselves. 
Consider: How are IWBs used in the classroom and to what effect? Are they simply a place to hang student work, a glorified projection screen or are they transformative tools?
Whether you create a lesson or find one on-line, be sure to engage in formative assessment and reflection as you go (Weston, 2004). Try asking yourself critical questions as you explore:
Does the lesson or interactivity:
1. Support and/or meet the learning targets, current curriculum or the needs of the students and/or the teacher?
2. Provide a transformative experience rather than simply replacing existing technology? i.e. is there some affordance you have with this technology/interactivity/lesson that you would not otherwise have?
3. Reflect the pedagogy of the classroom teacher and/or current educational philosophy?
• Does it encourage student-centered learning or personalization? Do students USE the IWB or simply watch it?
• Does it allow for active learning? student knowledge creation? small group work? hands-on interactivity?
Resources:
SMART Exchange (teacher created lessons organized by subject/grade level – http://exchange.smarttech.com/#tab=0
Scholastic – http://teacher.scholastic.com/whiteboards/learninggames.htm
Planning for Smartboards/IWB (a White paper by SMART Technologies) – http://bit.ly/1aLny0f
