An interactive whiteboard for a class is needed and choosing can be an uphill task for a teacher as they are quite uncomfortable using technology in the classroom. Teachers tend to feel too overwhelmed, and sometimes, even disconnected from the students as they try their hands at the multi-faceted, interactive whiteboards that are available these days. But to be honest, it doesn’t matter what type of board is chosen, as long as the students learn consistently throughout the years using the same model. The teacher, however, has to be mindful of not changing the system once the students get comfortable using the technology. It’s only when students are comfortable with the chosen system that they can take advantage of its uses and benefits.
Interactive whiteboards make for great educational tools because they can benefit a variety of learners. However, before choosing a whiteboard for your classroom, it’s essential to carry out a proper analysis of its features. It is also very important that you are comfortable using the board and your students get a chance to interact with the board and train their peers and classmates themselves. As digital natives, students learn through an immersive experience and if they are not allowed to engage with the board and its accessories, they may be too lost or mesmerised by the actual technology and miss out on the content the technology is producing.
Let’s check out the possible considerations for selecting an interactive whiteboard for your classroom:
1.Type of Whiteboard
The first and foremost question you should be asking is if you want to install a physical interactive whiteboard or you want to upgrade your existing dry-erase whiteboard or wall into an interactive board? There are all types of interactive solutions available in the market.
2. Size and space it occupies
How much space is available for the board is another critical factor to consider. With multiple players offering customised solutions, you will never be out of options. While some companies have different size boards for small spaces, you can also consider a system that transforms a regular wall into an interactive one with the help of a projector.
3. Accompanying Software
These days, most interactive whiteboards come with a pre-installed software. There are many companies that offer a complete educational suite for schools but it entirely depends on your requirement. From curated educational content to automated attendance tracking and student engagement analysis, this software come with state-of-the-art features. For example: Newline interactive whiteboard solution is inbuilt with interactive software.
4. Accessories
Depending on your requirements, you can select from a range of accessories that come along with an IWB. Besides a stylus, interactive whiteboard companies also provide speakers, microphones, a student-response system, and high-resolution cameras along with the IWBs.
5. Flexibility
If you’re looking for a permanent solution for your classroom you can opt for a physical whiteboard. However, there are other boards available where height can be adjusted and ones that can be moved from classroom to classroom.
6. Installation, Technical Support, and Training
Some interactive whiteboard companies sell to all markets, while some only to educational institutions so the level of training you receive from them may be influenced by this. All IWB companies have trained professionals to guide teachers and students through the setup. So it’s best to choose a technology that’s not too sophisticated and requires frequent training sessions.
