Interactive Whiteboard Information

Interactive whiteboards can take many forms, but the most commonly used features are generally the following:

Ability to "capture" notes or drawings from the surface onto a computer or printout

Capability to project screen from a computer to the whiteboard surface

Control of a computer from the interactive whiteboard surface using proprietary software

These capabilities of interactive whiteboards are implemented in many different ways:

Infra-red touch

Resistive touch

Electromagnetic pen

Other: Wii-mote, IR/EM pen, etc

These types of boards lend themselves to education and can be found widely in classrooms and learning centers across the world. In addition to the ability to find use in a regular classroom there are many uses for online communication. With the capability of the teacher or presenter to move a "mouse" which can be seen by students viewing remotely, an entire course can be presented where the teacher's voice is broadcast while the student's computer screen shows what is actively happening on the interactive whiteboard.

Additional capabilities of interactive whiteboards are:

Create video files for use at a later time or online

Easier presentation of inherently graphical subjects (geography, 3D imaging, 3D+ mathematics)

Brainstorming

Diagramming

Group games

Google Earth

View and navigate the internet from the surface of the whiteboard

Watch movies

Group editing of documents

Newer boards support multi device input (resistive whiteboards)

With the large number of capabilities and amount of technology used in these interactive whiteboards there is a larger price to pay when compared to traditional whiteboards such as melamine, glass, or painted boards. Typical prices range in the $1000 to $3000 (U.S. dollar) range. There are also occasionally addition costs when purchasing an interactive whiteboard - a computer to run the software, a projector if not included to project the display of the computer onto the whiteboard surface, and various input devices.

Making the correct choice when purchasing an interactive whiteboard is very important due to this increased cost. Before making your decision you need to answer several questions:

Do I want to use my hands or a pen for input?

Will I be projecting onto this surface from a remote projector or do I want one incorporated into the board?

Will I be broadcasting online, and if so, do I need special software?

What is my spending limit for the whiteboard and accessories combined?

Answering these questions ahead of time will make your decision easier and ensure that you end up with a whiteboard that meets your needs.

Interested in more information and resources for large format whiteboards? Find out more at Large Whiteboards.