What Are Interactive Whiteboards?

In the modern world, new and improved technologies are emerging all the time, with innovative devices that capture the imagination and have excellent uses being on almost constant release. Perhaps one of the most exciting pieces of electronic equipment to be brought out for general sale in the last decade or so are Interactive whiteboards, which allow for a one-of-a-kind, hands-on user experience that you'd struggle to replicate elsewhere.

IWBs are large, wall-mounted boards equipped with touch-sensitive screens that allow human interaction. Special pens (stored in the pen tray) usually come with the boards, or else you can use your finger to navigate around the display, which normally measures at least 10 to 15 feet diagonally. By linking the system up to a projector attached to the ceiling, and then conjoining this to a computer or laptop, the device acts as a larger scale monitor - perfect for interactive activities that engage a whole class or congregation of people.

By accessing online presentations or exercises, students can be educated in a way that is enjoyable and more action-packed than simply staring at a textbook. Interactive math sites offer a range of unique games to test different areas of the subject. Pupils can then be called up to the front individually to participate, or the whole group can contribute should the teacher or a selected pupil represent their decisions.

As well as math, a range of other subjects are open for exploration with the help of a digital whiteboard. You can create lesson plans using the computer attached to the board, and then use these to deliver exciting sessions on new concepts. The beauty of these screens is that learning is brought to life, and pupils have an increased motivation and desire to get involved in the lessons - building skills and confidence.

An added benefit is that most Interactive whiteboards have a mode that enables you to write on a blank screen, which is perfect if people at the back of the class struggle to see instructions or learning objectives on the normal board.

Other features include on-screen QWERTY keyboards, the ability to save your work for use later on, highlighting and erasing capacities, and integration for widely-used software such as Microsoft Office and graphics programs.

But don't think that it's only schools who can take advantage of all these features; interactive whiteboards are in demand amongst many businesses, too. Presentations can be saved on the computer or whiteboard itself, and then loaded up for use in meetings. The white screen provides a sharper, clearer display than can be accessed by shining a projector on a blank wall space, and it is easily possible to move through slides by lightly tapping the board.

Modern advancements in such whiteboard technology have even allowed for wireless set ups - meaning that straggling wires are no longer a health and safety hazard in your classroom or lecture hall. When it comes to Interactive whiteboards, there really are an endless list of possibilities to be explored. Who knows? It could help you, the teacher or presenter, in getting your point across.