Promoting Interactive Whiteboard Use in Language and Vocational Education: a Tale of iTILT and SmartVET EU Projects

Abstract

In this study we provide an overview of the strategies and instruments developed through two European projects to support teacher training and to promote effective use of interactive whiteboards in a variety of subject areas and educational sectors. The two European projects, both funded through the Lifelong Learning Programme of the European Commission, are: Interactive Technologies in Language Teaching (iTILT) and Supporting Continuous Professional Development of Vocational Education and Training (VET) teachers in the use of Interactive Whiteboards (SmartVET). We will outline both projects and report in detail on the outcomes and recommendations resulting from the needs analysis on which both projects based the design of their training models and material. Other results reported include the training practices and resources that were developed, including 1) online training through more than 250 video clips of IWB practice in classrooms in six European countries, some 30 instructional video clips together with additional resources, 2) training handbooks with realistic model materials. We conclude by summarizing the project related research and discussing evaluative data provided by the teachers and the reflections of the trainers / researchers.