1. Will ElliS Defining an interoperability standard for educational content for interactive whiteboards

2. Background Interactive whiteboards are now common throughout UK schools. Teachers are still learning to make effective use of the technology The National Whiteboard Network is one of a number initiatives for sharing content

3. The problem Boards have there own authoring tools producing content that can not easily be used by others. Teachers can not easily share resources across formats. The National White Board Network has to produce content in each format Content providers can only produce for a range of boards at additional cost

4. The solution Becta has commissioned RM to carry out the consultation to produce an XML (SVG) based standard for defining content. Suppliers of boards and authoring tools will be encouraged to adopt the standard for content export/import. An open source file viewer will be produced to enable suppliers to adopt the standard within their authoring tools.

5. Challenges Technical and functionality challenges. Industry engagement challenges. Some providers may see this as threatening to their business.

6. European support Where are the growing markets for IWBs in Europe? Is this a recognised problem for other countries? What can other European countries do to support the process? Who are the key European contacts Becta can work with? will.ellis@becta.org.uk