This discussion paper highlights a number of themes emerging from contemporary research into teaching with whole-class interactive technologies. Focusing particularly on the contributions to this special issue, the paper considers the significance of whole-class interactive technologies (primarily interactive whiteboards) with respect to the use of multimodal resources and enabling a more interactive style of whole-class teaching. Recognising that as technologies change and develop, teachers also need support, time and space to explore the associated implications for their pedagogy and practice, the paper also considers the implications for the professional development of teachers.