Although many people use these terms interchangeably, they are not the same things. Corporate educators and training institutions from schools to universities are looking to the latest technology to improve the learning experience for their learners. SMART boards and interactive whiteboards are the two technologies that are top of the list to achieve this objective. Administrators often question whether the investment in these technologies is necessary and are unsure of what the differences between these devices are and whether one is better than the other. Are they simply digital versions of the old, analogue, overhead projector or do they add the value that the hype around them would lead one to believe?
What Is a SMART Board?
The term SMART board comes from a Canadian technology company called SMART Technology, who pioneered the technology. It was the first interactive device that was able to provide touch controls in the same way as a computer via a technology SMART developed, which they called DViT (Digital Vision Touch).
A SMART board typically enables more than one person to use the device from different locations. They can be imagined as large, interactive tablets that allow users to write on them remotely. A SMART board doesn’t usually have a projector or projector access. Users can, however, connect to apps and cast from external devices. SMART board is a brand name whose device falls into the category of interactive whiteboards. A SMART board is in essence a computer screen that can be blown up via a projector, whereas interactive whiteboards are whiteboards or projectors with touch functionality. A SMART board basically being a computer screen allows access to the internet and employs a system that supports many entertaining and useful features.
What Constitutes an Interactive Whiteboard?
“Interactive whiteboards” is a broad term for many different devices with different functionality and software systems. They are whiteboards or projectors that enable a more hands-on learning experience for learners. Some overlap exists between the functions of the two devices. One can draw on these whiteboards with a pen or marker or from another remote device, and whatever is written can be saved. The projector senses where the pen moves and easily records whatever is written. This makes learning more engaging for learners and educators alike.
Interactive whiteboard systems have several advantages, the primary one being that educators can turn any flat surface into an interactive whiteboard. They are compact enough to allow educators to take them to different venues and use them on any standard conventional whiteboard. Touch control is a component of both the technologies, but the way that touch is handled on these whiteboards makes the experience special for the learner and educator. Some interactive whiteboards are relatively limited in terms of the content the system can handle but this depends very much on the type you get and what the system software allows for.
Which One for You?
Projectors and interactive projectors work best for classrooms, whereas SMART boards might be better for an office room.
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