Interactive+whiteboard

As a Visual Arts teacher I was asked to be involved with the National Gallery of Victoria's Multi-Media and Education Departments development of the online resource program called, **[|Tradition and Transformation'.]**

The entire project connects with 'identity' and how family, community and country help shape who we are, our interest and values. The discussion of these issues was explored through examining aspects of indigenious culture and art. The teaching and learning was framed around the incredibly rich resource material provided on the site.

The interactive whiteboard was a pivotal part in developing the program. Groups of students used the interactive whiteboard to create a collaborative artwork based on 'places' which the students had some personal connection with. I must acknowledge the incredibly kind donation of the interactive whiteboard and the support provided by: Kate Cooper Interactive Technologies Specialist Sales, Installation, Training & Support Mobile: 0402 848 364 Phone: 1300 857 492 Fax: 03 9486 3240  [] The interactive whiteboard is now consistently used to enhance the delivery of lessons by making them more interactive and engaging. While some of the lessons using the interactive whiteboard are quite structured, at other times it is used more informally. I have set up learning outcomes utilising the interactive whiteboard involving both the entire class and small groups. Using the interactive whiteboard can create greater flexibility in the delivery of learning outcomes as tasks can be established that allow for multiple tasks to be going on in the class room at the same time.

This task was set up for year 8 students to be involved in small group work.
 * Each group would work on the task while the remaining class members were involved with a range of other activities.
 * It was structured in a manner which would encourage a great deal of discussion and debate between members of the group.
 * The focus of the task was for students to build on their ability to understand and use the art vocabulary.

The interactive whiteboard has been invaluable in engaging students of all levels in art appreciation tasks. The use of the interactive whiteboard has enabled greater flexibility in the teaching of this area of Art and provided a format which has created a more 'hands on' approach to tasks which have engaged students and provided a format for students to be able to increase their understanding of the art vocabulary which is critical for the area.