Interactive whiteboards have evolved from conventional whiteboards and conventional whiteboards have evolved from traditional chalkboards. Initially chalkboards were simply slates (a dark metamorphic rock) of square size and framed with wood around the corners to protect them from breaking.The chalk was used instead of a marker. Slates were invented to cut down the cost of papers, as papers were very expensive in the early 19th century.



Earlier teachers had to write lessons or problems on a single slate and then had to show it to the entire class. This was very time consuming method of teaching. Then one day a teacher in scotland, thought of putting the slate on a wall so that all students can see it simulatenously. From here came the idea of chalkboards which were the bigger version of the slates. Now the entire class can easily see and read what the teacher is teaching. Chalkboards are commonly known as the blackboards also.Soon education service providers realized the health risks and allergies associated with chalk dust. And therfore in the 1990s, the traditional chalkboards were started getting replaced by the whiteboards. Now a days schools and colleges use either whiteboards or interactive whiteboards instead of the conventional chalkboards.




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Interactive Whiteboard Evolution