We're proud to have interactive whiteboards at Asquith Day Nurseries - and the children are thrilled to use them. It's yet another way we ensure they are stimulated, active and learning through play.

So what is an interactive whiteboard?
It's a large wall-mounted white smartboard, linked to a computer. What is written, drawn and created on the board appears simultaneously on the computer, where it can be saved and printed. Likewise, graphics, video, colour palettes or games run on the computer appear simultaneously on the board, big enough for a whole group of children to be involved. We use whiteboards for making patterns, drawing and writing, technology skills, singing songs, games and much more. The benefits are enormous. Children collaborate more, swap ideas, help each other and enhance their language skills. We've found:

• Children are inspired and delighted by using the whiteboard
• They love to touch it and make things happen
• There is dynamic interaction with the whole group
• They develop IT skills without the isolation of working alone
• Everyone can easily see what has been created
• Writing with fingers helps them feel the shape of each letter

Aren't whiteboards just 'computers too early' for little ones who should really be scampering around?
Not at all. At Asquith we believe in play - real games, real people, real learning. Digging, splashing, hopping, building. Whiteboards bring the children a whole new realm of experience and achievement.

Curriculum for Excellence Early Level
Outcome for Technology:
"I enjoy playing with and exploring technologies to discover what they can do and how they can help us"

touch-screen computers can be used to support many aspects of Curriculum for Excellence:

• Curiosity and problem-solving skills
• Planning and organisational skills
• Creativity and innovation
• Skills in using tools, equipment, software and materials
• Critical thinking through exploration and discovery
• Searching and retrieving information
• Making connections between specialist skills

What the experts say...
Researchers:
"The children are absorbed and empowered. The whiteboard focuses their attention in a multi-sensory way."
Cooper 2003

"Teaching with interactive whiteboards is more fun, more engaging, more exciting and impacts on the enjoyment, speed and depth of learning."
Lee & Boyle 2003

Children:
"I like it because I can talk to my friends about the pictures. I can draw pictures on it. It's fun. Better than paper."
"My finger is magic!"

Asquith staff:
"Technology such as computers and whiteboards will be used to support first-hand experiences but not replace them. Children will be given time to freely play and explore technology, developing skills such as problem solving, working collaboratively and creativity. They will find out how things work and discover new ways of doing things."