Electronic Whiteboards – Leading-Edge Technology
“Electronic whiteboards” is a broad term describing a range of different devices with different functionality, features, and software systems. The term covers SMART boards, the brand name of the pioneers of interactive whiteboard technology, as well as a number of generic interactive whiteboards or projectors. Electronic whiteboards allow educators to be more creative and interactions between meeting participants to be more collaborative.
A SMART board functions like a very large, touch screen tablet, which users can write on remotely. They don’t usually have a projector or projector access. Interactive whiteboards can be drawn or written on with a pen or marker or from another remote device, and whatever is inscribed on the device can be saved and printed. The projector senses where the pen moves and records whatever is written or drawn. Touch control is the core component of both the technologies, but the way that touch is handled on interactive whiteboards makes the experience particularly special for users.
Must-Have Features
Screen recording is a required feature. Electronic whiteboards that have screen-recording technology allow all participants, whether in the classroom or boardroom, to access training sessions or meetings on later occasions.
At the very least, basic voice control and speech recognition should be possible. Voice control should allow commands, such as opening applications, searching the internet, and drawing shapes, among others.
Electronic whiteboards should support most of the commonly encountered platforms and access should be intuitive and simple, whichever of the leading platforms is being used.
Cloud teaching is an important feature. Access to lectures or meeting notes from a remote device, wherever a participant may be and at any time that suits them, should be easily achievable.
Maximise The Benefit of Electronic Whiteboards
Prepare for a lesson or meeting by sketching out the area available to work on. Draw your board on your lesson plan or meeting agenda. What do you want the finished picture to look like? A lot of time is spent at electronic whiteboards, so stick lesson plans or meeting agendas on or close to them.
Keep the content neat. If you think something isn’t clear enough, rub it out and write it again. Walk to the back of the venue once or twice and check that what has been written or drawn is clear. Use marker colours consistently. For example, always write new concepts in black, instructions in blue, and so on.
At the start of a session, draw a “What I’ve Learnt” section on the board, in the bottom corner of the surface, for instance. Participants can populate this area at the end of the session. Draw on the creativity of all the participants to use the collaborative power of these boards and make lessons and meetings as engaging and productive as possible.
Try Before You Buy
These boards are relatively new forms of technology, so it is prudent to do your homework and then engage with a company with expertise and a range of the leading brands and products. At Raydian, we will ensure that you get what you need for your specific environment, and ensure that you avoid making expensive mistakes. Contact us for more information on electronic whiteboards and our extensive range of office automation equipment.