MattSacks
I'm in the process of writing an article for a National Teacher magazine in Australia on the Wiimote Interactive Whiteboard. I felt I could add some of my deep thought to this discussion.
The main focus of my article is that the Wiimote IWB does not require the uptake of any new technology skills. Unlike Smartboard et al with requires the user to learn new key strokes, gestures, menu structures and the Human Interface Device itself. The Wiimote IWB only requires the learning of the HID which is very intuitive if the user has a sound knowledge of their operating system. The Wiimote IWB is just windows with a new HID. In windows if I want to open a file, I move my mouse to place my cursor over the 'Open' button and then I click, rather with the Wiimote IWB I move my arm to place my pen over the 'Open' button and then I click.
I agree with Undcon the Wiimote IWB is superior on many levels:-
- Cost ($55 versus $4000)
- Potentially reduced wasted revenue (in the case of a failed uptake. There are many Smartboards et al being written on with Whiteboard markers because the teacher doesn't want to use an IWB)
- Accessibility (I have several students using Wiimote IWB's at home, enhancing their gaming experience. In the process they learnt about electronics/maths/physics/programming/technology but don't tell them

. I wonder how many schools have students installing Smartboards et al into their bedrooms)
- Transferability (I don't have a home room, but I can use a IWB in every lesson I want too, if I did have a home room and another teacher needed to use it, I still get to deliver the IWB based lesson I planned)
- My existing technology skills are applied not rewritten or replaced
Even if you feel the Smartboards et al are better the Wiimote IWB is the perfect stepping stone allowing for a staggered progression. Teachers can develop their IWB craft on the Wiimote IWB and when they upgrade to the Smartboard et al the Wiimote IWB can simply be passed to the next teacher/classroom/student/school/country. Most importantly this facilities a significant focal shift away from developing technology skills towards the heart of teaching and learning, pedagogy!
Benpaddlejones