What do language teachers expect of IWBs?
Researching languageteachers' expectations of IWB use.
About 60% of the teachers who had registered for the workshop 'IWBs in language teaching' in the LT Conference 2008, completed a questionnaire on their experiences and expectations regarding the use of digiboards (n = 32). Generally the respondents were experienced teachers with more than 10 years of experience (75%).
Six languages were represented with English, French and German and Spanish. English was best represented. Approximately half of the respondents appeared to have (limited) experience with digiboards. The top 3 of the other popular media in use consisted of:
- the traditional chalk and / or whiteboard,
- the analog audio and methodology related ICT equipment.
Most popular uses of the chalk and / or whiteboard were:
* Explanation of grammar
* Instruction
* Expanding vocabulary
* To support voice and / or listening tasks
* Spelling
Other relatively popular (35% - 50%), applications are Web sites, vocabulary programs, VLEs, PowerPoint and Web-and LanguageQuests.
The main added value expected of IWBs were when used for:
- Access to Internet language material sites
- Topicality of lesson content
- Organisation of Watching and listening activities
- Semantisation of vocabulary
- Improved visualisation (notes / diagrams )
In addition, certain teachers also showed concern that IWB would really add value vs 'Traditional' projection with a beamer.
Finally, on request, 12 teachers reported interest in becoming a member of the network 'Digiborden in Language Teaching' at Surfgroups.

