Using An Interactive Whiteboard (IWB) to Increase Students' Engagement in English and Science Classes: The Case of Creativity Private School in Kingdom of Bahrain

Interactive Whiteboards (IWB) are a relatively simple new type of Technology that teachers can use in the classroom as instructional aides which improve the learning environment by engaging students in the instruction. Accordingly, the Ministry of Education in Kingdom of Bahrain started applying this Technology in some schools and they are in their way to apply it in other schools. However, IWB impact on students' engagement is not measured empirically so that it can be applied in other schools. Therefore, the current study aims to investigate the impact of Interactive Whiteboard use on students' engagement in classroom. Thirty three students at two different classes in private schools were observed during the second semester of the school year. Data were collected using an at-task checklist, and students completed an attitude survey regarding their perception of their own engagement with Interactive whiteboard use. Significant differences were noted in student behavior between instruction without Interactive Whiteboard use and instruction with Interactive Whiteboard use. No significant correlations were found between the variables gender. Results indicate that use of the Interactive Whiteboard as an instructional tool has a beneficial effect on students' engagement in classroom lessons and leads to improve students' behavior. Suggestions for further research are incorporated as part of the study results.