Practise what you preach: the Interactive Whiteboard in preschool mathematics education

The Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) is now a common technological artefact in Swedish preschools and schools. This study examines preschool teachers’ thinking behind the embedding of IWB in the early years’ mathematics classroom and how preschool teachers structure their mathematical activities when using IWB. Two complementary empirical studies, that is, interviews and video observations, were conducted with four preschool teachers. The findings demonstrate that (just) having a positive attitude to technological artefacts like IWB is less likely to enrich the learning environment and lead to pedagogical change. This suggests that teachers’ IWB use is mostly informed by their pedagogical knowledge.

"The findings from the conducted interviews reveal that all the interviewed preschool teachers highlight the importance and significance of embedding technological artefacts, that is, IWB, in the preschool.... The mere fact of having or using IWB does not create a dynamic and rewarding learning environment in the preschool. Preschool teachers’ pedagogical and technological knowledge shapes the ways in which they embed IWB in preschool pedagogical practices." (Authors, 1829)