Ever feel like you’re not getting the most from your interactive whiteboard? You’re not alone. It’s a relatively new technology and unless you’re as computer or Internet-savvy as your students, you may need some time to adjust. But once you do, rest assured that you have a whole new educational arsenal of graphics, software and other learning tools at your disposal. Scholastic.com asks several teachers about their secrets to success with interactive whiteboards, and they share some common-sense tips when it comes to classroom whiteboard implementation:

• Don’t live in the past: If you don’t own a chalkboard anymore, don’t act like you do. interactive whiteboards enable you to download videos off the web, play interactive games, access innovative software programs and much more. In other words, you have a lot more to work with than a piece of chalk and a chalkboard eraser, so don’t be afraid to experiment, even if you make mistakes along the way.
• When in doubt, ask your students: If you grew up in a world of dry erase whiteboards, blackboards and chalkboards, your students will probably feel more comfortable with digital technology than you do. Ask them to help you out if you have any issues with your interactive whiteboard and they may offer some insight that solves your problem. Also, get their input on how they like your lesson plans. After all, they’re the ones who listen and watch you teach all day, and their opinions and suggestions can give you ideas you probably never would’ve considered on your own.
• Prepare beforehand: If you’re planning to show videos on your interactive whiteboard, download them beforehand to save valuable class time. If you want to show some websites, bookmark the URLs for quick and easy access. It seems obvious, but keeping your media and lesson plan in order can help you keep you and your students on the same page.

Those are just a few simple ways you can make optimal use of your interactive whiteboard. Whatever you do, learn as much as you can about the digital technology in your classroom so you can take full advantage of what you have.