Interactive Whiteboards

I've spent the last 2 weeks researching and writing an article for my current study around the use of Interactive Whiteboards.(IWB's) From my work in schools lately IWB's seem to be the latest must have technology, and schools are outlaying a lot of money to equip their classrooms with the board and the technology including the ceiling mounted data projector.
In their haste to install the technology some schools have not actually discussed the implications for teaching and learning. Professional development and support for the teachers is not factored into the equation. In fairness organistions selling the technology do offer some PD to get teachers started. Then the teachers seem to be left to their own devices.
The question I ask is " how will this teschnology improve learning for students?" Its all about pedagogy, changing the way you teach and the way students lnteract, collaborate and learn. They aren't called interactive whiteboards for nothing! Sadly lots of the use is just replacing chalk and talk, to become chalk, talk and gwalk. All the research available clearly establishes that effective pedagogy is fundamental for teachers to be able to utilize IWB’s fully and effectively into their practice.
Steve Kennewell from University of Wales has written some interesting articles on IWB's and other ICT related topics.
Another really good research article by Heather Smith et al.

IWBs do support and foster collaborative constructivist pedagogy only when used well. Not all teachers like them, want them or use them, so why is the haste to install them in all classrooms? Perhaps start with the enthusiasts and gather momentum.In the meantime could the funding also be spent on children's learning in other areas?