IWBs - # 3 -  Details from commercial sites and teacher support

The following text is a useful background to the whole 'nuts & bolts' of IWBs and gives a balanced picture of what is available.  The embedded links will take you to sections of the commercial website:

Basically, there are two types of interactive whiteboard - one you use finger touch (resistive) and one you use with a special pen (electromagnetic).   Primary schools often prefer finger interactive whiteboards as its easier for younger children to learn to use the boards. Secondary school pupils, who are used to writing with a pen, may find that they prefer the electromagnetic digital whiteboards.   Some manufacturers make both pen and finger whiteboards, so that school campus with both types, need only learn one set of software.  For a general overview on interactive whiteboards please click here.    Interactive whiteboard guide website.

An interactive whiteboard lets you write, draw, edit, annotate over spreadsheets, documents and internet web pages, (using finger or pen), and most come with software and templates. Some manufacturers software is designed for educational use, primary or secondary, others use a more generic software for corporate and business.    If you do not already have an LCD projector then you will also need to purchase one as well.  Projector prices start at under £1000+VAT.  Click here for more information on projectors.

Interactive whiteboard systems - there are also devices on the market that work with standard whiteboards to give interactivity, offering portable interactive solution for businesses. Software can include different options, for instance, eBeam interactive, offers a net meeting facility so you can share your annotations etc. over the Internet.   These whiteboard system devices attach by suckers to any standard whiteboard, or even a plain white wall, and when used with a projector, become an interactive whiteboard, capturing up to 8-feet by 4-feet. Some models can be used without a projector, which effectively turns a standard whiteboard into a copyboard.

For comparison chart and more information please click here.

For the complete Wedgewood AV site click here.

For the Promethean website click here

For the SMART board website click here.

An Australian site but still an excellent resource - nothing quite like it in the UK - Join for their monthly e-zine and resources - full of useful ideas!   'IWBNet Pty Ltd is an educational consultancy and teacher professional development company committed to providing direction and support globally to schools and systems wanting to make wise educational use of interactive teaching and learning programs. '   Mal Lee, one of the Directors, is well-aware of the world-scene and is probably one of the top IWB authorities in the world!

'Promethean Planet has been developed to provide valuable resources & information on how to make the most of your Activclassroom experience. Become part of a user forum with over 54,000 members! Download free lesson flipcharts; Browse the Knowledgebase for product support; Take our free on-line tutorials; Get great ideas for the classroom from other teachers like yourself; Registration is free and only takes a few minutes! '

To Return to essay on the IWB click below:

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