The Hindu : Kerala / Thiruvananthapuram News : Why students love a whiteboard

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 11, 2007
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Kerala

Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram

Why students love a whiteboard

Sangeeth Kurian

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The introduction of whiteboards in select Government Lower Primary Schools by the city Corporation has helped boost the interest of children in studies, according to teachers.

Introduced as a part of the ‘Goodbye blackboard’ project last year, whiteboards were introduced in lower primary schools at Thycaud, Vattiyoorkavu and Anayara.

One of the main advantages of the whiteboard, according to teachers, is ‘freedom from dust.’

“Earlier dust allergy from chalk powder was a common problem faced by both students and teachers,” says J. Stanley, Headmaster, Government Lower Primary School, Thycaud.

Another advantage is that unlike blackboards, whiteboards do not require frequent erasing.

“Since whiteboards installed in classrooms are nearly twice the size of a conventional blackboard, children can take down the notes at their convenient,” says Mr. Stanley.

Convenient positioning of the board on the wall also makes it accessible to students.

“It is an entirely different experience for them,” he says. The school has six whiteboards for over 100 students from nursery to class IV.

“The move is aimed at ensuring the latest educational facilities for children studying in Government schools on a par with their private school counterparts,” says G.R. Anil, chairman, Corporation health standing committee. “Whiteboards also provide the much-needed image makeover for Government schools, which were often looked upon as noon-meal centres by the public,” says Mr. Anil.

However, whiteboards are not entirely hassle-free. Teachers point out that the markers used to write on the boards hardly last for a week.

With the markers priced at Rs.25 a piece, using a new one every week can turn out to be an expensive affair. “Refilling the pens is not always an effective option,” added Mr. Stanley.

The Corporation will adopt and provide necessary assistance to 100 meritorious students hailing from financially backward families.

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