An interactive whiteboard is a piece of hardware that looks similar to a standard dry erase (with very sophisticated circuitry and hardware embedded into it) that connects to a computer using a USB cable or Bluetooth wireless USB device.   The computer is then connected to a short throw projector to project the computer onto the whiteboard screen.  When connected, the interactive whiteboard becomes a giant, touch-sensitive version of the computer screen.

Instead of using the mouse, you can control your computer through the interactive whiteboard screen just by touching it- or with touch sensitive types of boards- like COACHBOARD™, you can use your finger. Anything that can be accessed from your computer can be accessed and displayed on the interactive whiteboard, for example video analysis, playbooks, existing software, Microsoft Applications, images, websites or online materials.  

Using special software included with the interactive whiteboard, you can also interact with images and text projected on the board: rearranging them, changing their size, color, or telestration/annotation over images to be saved, sent, or printed. This offers a much more interactive experience than using a standard dry erase board or using a  projector alone.

Interactive Whiteboard technology is currently used in educational/classroom, corporate, military and other training related applications. It's use and implementation is spreading across the world and is used in over 100 countries. Its acceptance in the classroom continues to grow due to its ease of use and implementation as well as its ability to provide superior teaching/educational functionality & flexibility.   Various studies have been conducted which also reveal improved retention and more engaged students. 

SEE IMAGE BELOW FOR DETAIL OF HOW THE IWB WORKS