10. Use it everyday. You will never feel comfortable with this tool (or any other) unless you use it, so make a commitment to learn a little at a time and apply what you learn.
9. Give a little, take a little. Think about how you can use this tool and trade out a traditional approach for an interactive lesson using the board. That way, you're not creating more work, you're just substituting one way for another.
8. Let go and relax. You have to let go of some control - this is more difficult for some of us than others. Be willing to be flexible with your classroom set-up, your lessons, and your assessments.
7. It isn't about the stuff, it's about the learning - so focus on what the students need to learn, and then think about how the technology can support that process.
6. Be careful, they might learn something that isn't on the test - and that's the whole point. The interactive whiteboard will help you extend the lesson to include skills and ideas that surpass the "test".
5. They're not called "interactive" whiteboards for nothing. The students have to work with the boards to benefit from them. This is not a new kind of overhead where the teacher controls and directs the lessons and activities. The kids need to be out of their seats, and (heaven forbid) might even be a little noisy as they work with each other and the board.
4. Work with your peers. Be willing to plan with other teachers, create shared folders for units and resoureces, and support each other through on-going training and staff development. Research indicates that the most successful technology integration movements included some form of collaboration or mentoring.
3. Baby steps Don't try too much at the beginning. Choose one feature to master at a time, and practice it repeatedly. Work with your students and you can learn together.
2. Be constructive Try to approach technology integration from a constructivist point of view. Lessons should be learner-focused, related to the real world, require problem-solving and critical thinking, and be open to all learning styles.
1. Have fun! Enjoy the board with your students, get excited about the possibilities, and don't worry if you don't master it on the first day. Be patient with yourself, and be willing to ask for help.
The Top 10 list of things to consider when using an interactive whiteboard.