Interactive Whiteboards Comparison
Interactive Whiteboards Comparison
Interactive Whiteboards – The Benefits Are Many
Interactive whiteboards are gaining popularity as one of the technologies that make instruction and learning more engaging. These systems allow educators to create enticing, interactive learning experiences and save everything that’s created to share via email and the web—and now, even via some mobile devices.
A list of the top five technology tools and trends that educators should be watching was recently reported in THE Journal, and interactive whiteboards were on that list. These solutions are gaining ground in the K-12 environment and it’s predicted that their use will continue to increase. According to Sheryl Abshire, chief technology officer for Calcasieu Parish Public Schools in Lake Charles, LA, “The buzzword for the 21st century is ‘engaged learning,’ and the whiteboards will serve as a catalyst for getting students out of their seats and up to the board to learn.” 1
An Overview of Offerings
Let’s take a closer look at how interactive whiteboard technology works, some of the solutions being offered currently, and the benefits of using it for teaching and learning.
Interactive whiteboards connect to a computer and a digital projector, allowing teachers to access computer applications or Internet resources by touching the board’s surface. Teachers and students can write on the board with digital pens and capture all of the work for later viewing. Think of it as a tool that combines the features of traditional whiteboards, flip charts, TV/DVD players, and LCD projectors. After capturing lessons using software, teachers can share them online and students can review these in-class materials anytime.
Accessories are also available, such as wireless slates that allow teachers to move around the classroom while writing on the board, and classroom response systems that function like handheld clickers for instant assessment.
Teachers have found that students are more engaged and stay on task more easily. Interactive whiteboards appeal to multiple intelligences, including students who are visual-spatial and bodily-kinesthetic learners. Also, the technology lets teachers reach students through different mediums, and helps them to create differentiated learning, especially for those with special needs.
Several models of interactive whiteboards are available. All of them involve the use of a computer, a projector, and software that provides nteractive tools such as electronic highlighters and pens, countdown clocks, calculators, rulers, and functions to link and embed other file types.
Here are a few of the current interactive whiteboard solutions on the market:
PolyVision êno™– the êno family of interactive classroom solutions, provides three-in-one technology: dry-erase marker, magnetic, and multimedia. No cords, cables, or electronics at the front of the room. Environmentally-certified.
SMART™ Technologies – products include SMART interactive whiteboards, Enteo™ interactive response systems, Sympodium® interactive pen displays, AirLiner™ wireless slates, and Actalyst™ interactive overlays. Also offers range of collaborative learning software products.
Promethean – the ActivClassroom brings together interactive display systems (ActivBoard), Learner Response Systems (ActiVote and ActivExpression), and a suite of specialized teaching software (ActivInspire). Also hosts Promethean Planet, an online community.
Luidia, Inc. – The eBeam Edge for Education includes a lightweight receiver device about the size of an eraser that transforms any existing whiteboard or flat surface into an interactive teaching space, for a fraction of the cost of traditional, fixed interactive whiteboard systems. Includes transmitter-equipped stylus and software. This is an attractive solution for educators on the go and for schools wanting flexibility to move the technology around to different classroom. Luidia’s eBeam software now allows users to send content directly to an Amazon Kindle or Kindle DX e-Book reader.
Interactive whiteboards have become one of the most useful and widely used new tools for engaging today’s technology-savvy students. Imagine being able to mark up web pages, images, and text as a class, or to pull up a virtual safari to Africa. The possibilities are unlimited.
1 McCrea, B. (2009). 5 K-12 Technology Trends for 2010. THE Journal. Retrieved on 12/17/10 from http://thejournal.com/articles/2009/12/10/5-k12-technology-trends-for-2010.aspx?sc_lang=en
Note: Other top technology trends? eBooks, more affordable netbooks, personal mobile devices, and the use of technology to enable tailored curricula.
Interactive Whiteboards Comparison