Interactive whiteboards, art and young children

This article presents the results of a small research project which examined how an interactive whiteboard (IWB) was used in a New Zealand kindergarten to support young children’s visual art learning experiences. The findings of the research indicated that when an IWB is integrated into a kindergarten visual art programme it can be a useful tool for motivating and assisting children with visual art learning experiences. The digital affordances of an IWB allow for some new art experiences to occur that are different from those of traditional art media. It was observed, however, that creative art ideas developed with an IWB can be translated into traditional art media and vice versa. Problems and issues identified in the study, in particular the need for appropriate professional development for teachers to help them maximise the potential of the IWB for early childhood teaching, are discussed. Some recommendations are made for best practice with an IWB for supporting young children’s visual art learning experiences.