How to use Interactive Whiteboard?

Interactive Whiteboard is a smart class device, which has replaced the traditional black board, chalk and duster system. Nowadays, an instructor uses a smart board, using finger or a dummy pen, to teach. Besides  classroom book content, teachers have access to extended libraries as they can use internet in classrooms. Yes, technology has changed the entire process of teaching and learning.

But, there is a resistance among-st teachers that stop them to try smart boards. This resistance is nothing but lack of  training; they don't know how to use interactive whiteboard and hence they shirk to use it. Here is the video demonstrating smart board to help teachers understand the tools of a smart board.

Demonstration - Interactive Whiteboard

In case you have any doubt about smart class, feel free to ask us using comment box.

Which interactive whiteboard is better – infrared, electromagnetic or optical?

In a modern classroom various kinds of equipments are used for effective teaching. One such device is interactive whiteboard. Along with uses in classes, the device is also commonly used for meetings and conferences. There are different technologies on which these boards are based – electromagnetic, optical and infrared are the most common variants found. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a comparison of the three varieties:

·         Infrared Interactive whiteboard – In these whiteboards, infrared technology is used on the boards so that any kind of movements with the finger, pen or stylus can be tracked. With the pressing of the screen with the stylus or finger, the infrared light is perceived. The installed software manipulates the information so that the finger or stylus movements are located.

·         Optical Interactive whiteboard – In this kind of interactive whiteboard, infrared light is used along with a triangulation algorithm so that the location of the marker can be understood on the board. The main surface of the whiteboard can be made of any material in this case.

·         Electromagnetic Interactive whiteboard – There is a complete network of wires at the back of the interactive whiteboard and these are responsible for generating the electrical signals. For writing on this board, a special kind of marker with coil is used. Even when the marker is passive, there are changes in the electrical field for the coil. No false signal is therefore created on this whiteboard. 

On comparing the three common kinds of interactive whiteboards, it has been seen that the infrared interactive whiteboard seems to be the best of the lot. Though the lifespan of the whiteboard might not be as high as optical or electromagnetic whiteboards, the other features are highly attractive. Install an infrared interactive whiteboard for the class and see how interesting and interactive the class becomes.

Interactive Learning with Smart Classroom Equipment

Hello Everyone!

We are going to press our first blog today. As we start ahead, we would like to inform viewers that this blog is for everyone, who is associated with education industry. Follow the blog to explore the new innovative teaching techniques with us.

Starting here- 

What is a smart classroom?

Ways apart from traditional learning environments, today’s smart classrooms bring in technology to enhance the teaching process. It includes the equipment that facilitates both teachers and students to have a more collaborative communication in between. While the range of equipment installed in smart classroom varies, the general concept includes interactive whiteboards, visual presenters, computers and other audio visual equipment. 

Why smart classes? Know the advantages of smart classroom equipment-

• Makes teachings / presentations more enjoyable and lively
• Brings about academic excellence through a high degree of interaction and collaboration
• Facilitates better formative assessment
• Less stressful for the teacher
• Individual assessment for every member of the audience
• Lectures can be recorded, saved and reproduced multiple times
• Share lectures across digital mediums (through internet)

What are smart classroom equipments?

The technology based equipments installed in a classroom is referred to as smart classroom equipments. A typical smart classroom infrastructure consists of:

• Permanently installed digital podium or console
• High definition projector featuring high lumens
• HD document camera / visual presenters
• Computer for the instructor
• DVD/VCR/CD players
• High quality sound system throughout the hall / class
• Network and internet connection
• Interactive whiteboards
• Telephones

MAJOR SMART CLASSROOM EQUIPMENTS & THEIR SIGNIFICANCE

Interactive Whiteboards-

An interactive whiteboard allows the projector to display the content on the computer screen onto a larger board. This makes the content visible to every member of the audience. Even the last benchers will be able to benefit from an interactive whiteboard as it facilitates better understanding of the lecture. While visual content is becoming an important part of every lecture, interactive whiteboards make it easy for the presenter to explain the content through effective annotations, typing, highlighting, marking and sharing digital content. No more chalks are required, as it is workable through the swish of finger or a dummy pen.

Visual Presenter –

A visual presenter, also called the document camera is a cost effective, easy to use and time saving tool in classroom lectures. It allows teachers to display anything from bacterial cells (via microscope attachments) to a piano on the interactive whiteboard in its true color, shape, texture and size. The presenter can also zoom into individual parts of the object; get different angles of the object by rotating the camera and go into minute details without losing upon quality of image. This flexibility of the visual presenter makes it amazing smart classroom equipment, especially for classes that require practical exposure to elements.

Projector –

As the reader would already know, the projector is the medium to connect the smaller screen of the computer to the larger display of the interactive whiteboard.

Public Addressing Podium –

The public addressing podium makes it easier for the presenter/lecturer to reach out to every member of the audience without stressing himself/herself too much. In traditional classes, teachers had to shout loud to get the attention of the last benchers. In some cases, it also results in throat infections for teachers. However, a public addressing podium allows a teacher to speak naturally while being able to reach out to everyone.

Computer –

Modern classes are unbelievable without computers. Be it a small power point presentation or an animated explanation of the subject – computers have become irreplaceable.

Using smart classroom equipment, school management can beneficially boost the process of lesson creation, student assessment and classroom management. The infrastructure ensures that the lecture is easy to deliver and it reaches every member of the audience. With various smart classroom management equipments, one can look into every individual need of teachers and students regardless of big class environment and individual learning needs.

In case you have more points to add on to this topic, please feel free to add.