What exactly is an Interactive Whiteboard?

Interactive whiteboards combine the power of your computer and projector into a useful multimedia tool for presenting, training and collaborating.

There are two types of boards, a hard interactive whiteboard which has a hard magnetic surface behind the screen and requires special pens to write on them or a soft interactive whiteboard which has a tough membrane on the surface of the board which can be written on with special pens or your finger. The majority of interactive whiteboards come supplied with specific software tools designed for use with the board.

The whiteboard works by projecting the computer image onto a large touch-sensitive board. Then you can use your finger on the board just as you would use a mouse at your desktop to move between spreadsheets, word-processing documents, presentation software, CD ROMs or Web sites. If any changes are made to the projected information during the use of the board, these changes are transferred back to the computer and can be saved for future presentations or lessons. Everything that can be displayed on a computer screen can be displayed on the interactive whiteboard and then modified and/or controlled from the board itself. If the computer is connected to the internet, then the board too can be used to call up websites instantly to further enchance your presentations or lessons. Similarly if the computer is connected to multimedia accessories such as speakers then the board can incorporate the use of these too.

Are they difficult to use?

The simple answer is no. Anything that works or is diplayed on the computer will work and can be displayed on the interactive whiteboard. To take full advantage of the interactive whiteboard, certain features will require additional interactive whiteboard accessories.

To get up and running you need three pieces of equipment :

1. An interactive whiteboard
2. A digital data projector
3. A computer (with the supplied software that came with the interactive whiteboard installled)

To take full advantage of the interactive whiteboard in addition to the above perhaps consider also :

1. Speakers
2. DVD player
3. Wireless keyboard and mouse ( to allow for freedom movement during your presentation or lesson )
4. Internet connection for your computer ( to provide access to the internet via the interactive whiteboard )

So what exactly can i do with an interactive whiteboard?

In an educational environment, an interactive whiteboard is a invaluable tool for whole class teaching and participation. Its the best visual resource available to teachers and provides them with the means to present lessons in engaing and lively ways. A wide range of resources can be brought together in one place on the board an then annotated over by the teacher to highlight or clarify a point for understanding by the pupils. Teachers can quickly and simply change what appears on the board or easily move items around on the board.

Is there anythingelse i need to know?

The special pens used on the interactive whiteboard can be relatively expensive to replace - when not in use consider keeping them locked away safely in drawer cupboard. Similarly the lamp on the projector can be expensive to replace. To prolong the life of the lamp always power down the projector rather than just switching off at the mains. If the projector has a filter on it ensure this is cleaned every 3 months - more fequently if the projector is constantly used on a daily basis. Perhaps consider buying a spare lamp at the same time you buy the projector so you have a back up should the lamp in the projector fail during a presentation or lesson.

Interactive Whiteboard Demonstration Videos - Click on the video clips below to see just how easy interactive whiteboards are to use!

Interactive Whiteboard Demonstration Videos - click on one of the links below to see a comprehensive video clip, showing the many uses and tools associated with SMART interactive whiteboards.
- Windows media player broadband
- Windows media player modem
Key Features
Control Windows or Macintosh applications by simply touching the board. Using the pens or your finger write notes and draw diagrams Highlight key points with electronic ink. Drag and drop, resize and delete handwritten or typed notes with your finger!
** Please contact us for a brochure/CD-Rom on interactive whiteboards **
Interactive Whiteboard prices
SMART Board Website