Interactive Whiteboard Technology
By: Alfred N. Basilicato
Interactive whiteboards produce a “wow factor” that is hard to dispute. Interactive whiteboard technology allows a teacher to develop and deliver a computer-generated lesson, stimulating student collaboration and increasing retention. Interactive whiteboards connect easily to a data projector, creating a large interactive projection screen that becomes the control center for the presentation and the focal point for the students.
If you are considering bringing interactive whiteboards into your school, here is what you need to know to make an intelligent purchasing decision.
Affordability
If your school has made an investment in computers and data projectors, adding an interactive whiteboard is an economical decision, as these boards cost less than the other two components. And since the major manufacturers have a keen interest in populating the education landscape with their products, they offer education grants that lower the retail price dramatically. The acquisition cost is about $1,400 to $1,600 depending on the size and accessories ordered.
Getting Started
As with any important purchasing matter, you should do your homework before making a recommendation or decision. You should do as much research as possible on the current interactive whiteboard companies and the products they offer. Education trade shows offer the most cost-effective way to view the available products, but you can also get started by visiting company Web sites, calling representatives, and studying product literature. An Internet search of interactive whiteboard companies is also a great way to begin.
There are two principal competing technologies available today, represented by a small number of manufacturers: Electromagnetic (or pen-centric) and Analog Resistive (or touch). The right product for you may depend not on the company but on the board technology itself.
Let’s take a closer look at both technologies:
Electromagnetic
Electromagnetic technology is one of the most common whiteboard technologies available. Boards are constructed using a wire grid and are operated using an electronic pen or stylus. When in use, the pen acts like an antenna, emitting signals that “charge” the wire grid underneath. Electromagnetic technology has many advantages. Since the electromagnetic signal passes through any non-metallic material, these boards can be constructed with very hard surfaces, making them “classroom tough” and well-suited for any school environment. Also, the electromagnetic technology allows for a high resolution (1,000 lines per inch) and a fast response time with no perceptible lag. Since the pen is an integral component, it is important not to misplace it.
Analog Resistive
With analog resistive technology, the board surface is comprised of two resistive layers with a gap in between. Pressing on the board surface closes the layers together, registering coordinates on the computer. This technology is notable because you can operate the board with your finger (although they usually offer a variety of pens as well). The resistive nature of the technology renders it susceptible to accidental contact (“brushing up against the board”). There can also be concerns that the softer surface is more likely to be scratched or damaged in a busy school environment.
Next, interactive whiteboards should be evaluated on both their hardware and software components.
Hardware
1. Is the board surface durable and stable?
Examine the surface to see if it is easily damaged, scratched or marred. Also, is it vulnerable to temperature and humidity fluctuations in the classroom? Will the board still work if the surface material is damaged?
2. Carefully examine the image quality of the screen.
Glare or hot spots are very hard on the eyes and distracting to students. A soft matte finish produces a good image, as opposed to a shiny surface.
3. Can you use dry erase markers on the surface material?
If dry erase markers are a part of the classroom, students tend to use them on any whiteboard surface without thinking. To avoid a problem, make sure the surface of the whiteboard is erasable.
4. Understand the period and terms of the warranty.
The total cost of the product includes the warranty period and the terms and conditions. Warranties can vary widely, and, in the event of a failure, repair could be both time-consuming and costly. Of course, the longer the warranty period the better, and don't forget to ask about shipping costs.
Software
1. The user interface needs to be natural and effortless.
A reasonable user interface will allow you to use the product in an intuitive manner, rather than spending countless hours struggling with manuals. Examine the toolbars and menus for clarity and logic.
2. Is there a virtual whiteboard function?
If you need to take notes or make a drawing, you will want the ability to switch easily from the Windows environment to one that permits drawings. The images should be saved automatically so they can be retrieved and sent out electronically or printed locally.
3. A right-mouse-click function is crucial.
Windows programs demand the ability to access a right mouse click so you can access pull-down menus and toolbars. Right-mouse access should be natural and easy.
4. Setup and calibration should easy and fast.
The initial setup of the interactive whiteboard requires mapping the screen to the computer, called calibration. If the projector or the interactive whiteboard is moved during a presentation, the calibration function must be repeated. The calibration function should be available regardless of what programs are actively running, and it should be quick and straightforward.
5. Software upgrades should be free.
If the software upgrades are not free, you will either be unable to stay current with the latest advances made by the manufacturer or you will have to use part of next year's budget to stay current. A download from the Web is the easiest and most desirable way to stay up-to-date.
Training
While on-site training is a very desirable method, it is also very expensive—companies tend to charge a fee for on-site work. Good user’s manuals, tutorials, and online help files are a solid standby for everyone. Some manufacturers offer Web-based training, allowing whiteboard users to reap the benefits of extra support and instruction without having to leave the building. This technology-driven option is the latest (and perhaps best) training methodology. It should be seriously considered where possible, especially if the manufacturer pays for the connect time. In some cases, free and unlimited Web-based training may be offered, which makes it easy and cost-effective to stay abreast of the latest software and techniques.
Licensing
There are many forms of licensing, ranging from a specific-computer license, which limits use to a single computer, to a network license, which limits use to a network, to a site license. Many vendors price their product according to the license you purchase, thereby restricting the use of the product and increasing the acquisition cost.
However, some vendors provide their product without licensing restrictions and additional fees. This arrangement permits everyone in the school or district to copy the software onto their systems at school or at home at no charge. The major benefit is that software (class assignments or lessons) can be shared by everyone, either by using the Internet or by swapping CDs or diskettes.
Of course, the final test should be made in person to insure that you are comfortable with the total product. In this case the old adage is really true: Try it before you buy it!
Alfred N. Basilicato is the chairman and CEO of Numonics Corporation, www.interactivewhiteboards.com.
Sidebar
Smart Rooms
A Look at Modern Presentation Tools in Schools
By Matt Montagne
Several years ago, our school installed sophisticated presentation/teaching tools in our middle school classrooms: “smart rooms.”
These tools included a ceiling-mounted projector with the ability to handle feeds from multiple devices. These projectors currently are able to display a computer signal, DVD/VCR materials, laser disc resources, etc. With the flip of a few switches, the teachers in these rooms are able to display a variety of engaging media material to students.
Up until the installation of these devices in the science rooms, mounted projectors had typically been located in common rooms such as a computer lab. By mounting these resources in the classroom environment, teachers have full-time access to quality presentation resources that are able to be used in the many spontaneous circumstances that come up in a given teaching day.
Again, what separates these rooms from traditional presentation areas is that these resources are deployed in the regular classroom on a permanent basis.
Pros of Smart Rooms
* Allows for spontaneous use of equipment
* Teachers have the opportunity to truly master the use of these sometimes tricky and complicated tools
* Cables, cords and devices are neatly mounted and out of the way.
* Mounting the projector on the ceiling creates more teachable space compared to a projector on a traditional AV cart
* The equipment can be turned on and used quickly (very little set-up time required)
* Allows for the clear sharing of video streaming content via the Web
Why Smart Rooms?
1. Teachers are more likely to become highly skilled in the use of modern presentation tools when they have dependable and regular access to these materials.
2. Teachers enjoy teaching with these tools. Many teachers who use these resources say that they make the tools help create a highly engaging learning experience for the students.
3. Highly motivating and interesting educational content can be easily shared with students. These rooms are quite appealing to our visual learners.
4. All students are able to see and hear lectures, demonstrations, movie clips, etc. Projectors display on a large screen and audio quality through the book shelf speakers is outstanding.
5. The cost of this equipment is dropping.
6. Students in these classrooms regularly have the opportunity to present with these materials.
Matt Montagne is the school technology coordinator for the University School of Milwaukee.
