Classroom Presentation Technology
By: Alfred N. Basilicato
Interactive whiteboard technology is more popular than ever in education, both here in the United States and around the world. It's not hard to see why, as interactive whiteboards offer a flexible, powerful multimedia solution that allows teachers to develop exciting, computer-generated lessons that entertain, captivate, and inform students.
When choosing to purchase interactive whiteboards, many schools and school districts are enticed by the promise and potential of the boards, but they do not take into account the practical issues and costs associated with bringing this technology into the classroom.
Getting Started
It's important to make sure that interactive whiteboard technology is right for your school. In theory, an interactive whiteboard is an asset to every classroom, but schools need to consider practicality, personnel, and affordability.
Practicality is a major factor. Every school has a different technology setup. Your school may have made significant past investments in technology, or maybe it is a little behind the curve. You need to consider what your school has, the grade levels and subjects being taught, and how interactive whiteboard technology will fit into your existing system. Most interactive whiteboard manufacturers offer a wide range of other options, such as portable or LCD tablet systems. Your internal evaluation may show that these systems might work better with your current setup.
Personnel issues are crucial. Schools that have not previously been technologically inclined may also face resistance from longtime staff and teachers. Veteran educators often have a hard time accepting new technology, and they may not truly embrace it or use it in the classroom. It is a more common problem than you think; there are horror stories of schools that made major whiteboard acquisitions, only to see the units collecting dust in closets because teachers did not want to use them. Make sure your staff is accepting of new technology and is prepared to integrate it into their lessons.
Affordability is a major concern for many schools, especially if yours has already spent a significant amount on other technological products. Keep in mind that the major manufacturers are eager to get their products into schools, so they often offer quantity discounts or education grants that can dramatically reduce the price. The acquisition cost is about $1,400 to $1,600, depending on the size and accessories ordered. If price is still a prohibitive issue, you can consider using the portable and LCD tablet systems mentioned above as less expensive options.
Once you have established a need, it's time to study the major whiteboard manufacturers. Education trade shows are a great way to view and test products, but you can also use this magazine, Internet search engines, company Web sites, sales representatives, and product literature. You need to find out as much as you can about the available companies and products in order to see what will be best for your school.
Technology
There are two principal competing technologies available today: Electromagnetic (or pen-centric) and Analog Resistive (or touch).
With Electromagnetic technology, boards are constructed using a wire grid and are operated with an electronic pen. The pen acts as an antenna, emitting signals that activate the wire grid underneath. Interactive whiteboards with electromagnetic technology have a high resolution (1,000 lines per inch) and a fast, precise and lag-free response time. Electromagnetic technology also allows the boards to be built with hard, durable surfaces, making them well-suited for classroom use.
With Analog Resistive technology, the board surface is made of two resistive layers separated by a gap. Pressing on the board surface closes the layers together, registering your coordinates. This technology is notable because you can operate the board with your finger (although they usually offer a variety of pens as well). But, because resistive technology necessitates a softer surface, it can be prone to accidental contact and damaging.
Hardware
Regardless of the interactive whiteboard you choose, there are several issues to keep in mind where hardware is concerned.
1. Quality
Since a whiteboard is first and foremost a visual product, the image quality should be of the highest caliber. A soft matte finish will help eliminate glare and hot spots, which are distracting and hard on the eyes.
2. Durability
In a classroom setting, it is important for a whiteboard to withstand the punishment that kids often dish out. The board's surface should not be easily damaged or marred, and it should still be able to function even if minor injury occurs. Also, if your classroom uses dry-erase markers, make certain the surface is washable or erasable. Students tend to use them on any whiteboard surface without thinking.
3. Support
Who will you turn to if the product breaks down? Remember to factor the warranty into the total cost of the whiteboard. Warranties can vary widely, so know the period and the terms and conditions. Don't forget to ask about shipping and setup costs.
Software
It is easy to overlook the software aspect of interactive whiteboards, but the included programming can make or break your adoption of this technology.
1. Programs Offered
Education content-such as clip art, lesson plans and reference materials-is essential to getting the most out of your interactive whiteboard and should not be ignored. Each major manufacturer offers a different suite of education content, so make sure you factor that into your purchasing decision.
2. Platform
The platform you use may determine the product you choose, as the major manufacturers may offer different levels of support for Mac and Windows. Make certain your platform is fully supported and fully compatible.
3. Ease of Use
Your user interface should be natural, effortless and intuitive. Nothing spoils the potential of an interactive whiteboard like a difficult control system. If you use a Windows platform, you should make certain you have the ability to right-click, which is essential for certain menus and toolbars. Also, keep in mind the setup and calibration, which requires mapping the screen to the projector. Any time the whiteboard is moved, this function must be repeated, so the process should also be quick and easy, and available regardless of what other programs are running.
4. Keeping Current
It's important to stay current with the latest software advances. See if upgrades are free, or if they constitute an extra cost. Having to pay for upgrades may compromise your ability to stay current, or force you into budgetary problems. Also, how are upgrades achieved?
Training is also a critical ingredient of interactive whiteboard adoption, since teachers can't integrate them into their lessons if they don't know how to use them. On-site training is a great method, but it is also very expensive, as companies will charge for their on-site work. Many manufacturers now offer Web-based training, allowing users to get the extra support and instruction they need right from their own computer. Web-based training is very effective, and it is especially valuable if the manufacturer offers free and unlimited sessions.
A final consideration is software licensing, which takes numerous forms, including specific-computer (single computer) and network licenses. Since strict licensing restricts the use of a product and drives up the price, you should try, where possible, to get software content that is provided without it. License-free software benefits the school and the school district, as it permits everyone to share the software at no extra cost.
Buying an interactive whiteboard can be a daunting task, but by following these suggestions, you can ensure that you end up with a product that is right for your school, your classroom, and, most importantly, your students.
Alfred N. Basilicato is the chairman and chief executive officer of Numonics Corporation, www.interactivewhiteboards.com.
