Forget chalkboards or even whiteboards. Interactive whiteboards are here to stay as part of classroom technology in our schools, college, and universities. Not only do they serve as displays for information and videos, but they also let teachers and instructors send notes and lessons to mobile devices, interact with photos and videos, and allow students to interact with lessons.
Interactive whiteboards are perfect for visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners. As such, look at our answers to frequently asked questions about interactive whiteboards in today’s blog.
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What is an interactive whiteboard?
This classroom technology allows people to input information directly or through remote devices. It generally sits at the front of the classroom where all students can see it.
What does an interactive whiteboard do?
Also known as a smartboard or electronic whiteboard, it can display images on a classroom board for everyone to see using a digital projector. Teachers and students can manipulate images shown on the screen, such as making them larger, smaller, or inverted by using a finger, stylus, or specially designed tool.
Teachers and instructors can put lessons on the screen from a laptop, desktop, or mobile device. Then, they can move through the lesson in order while starting and stopping the instruction when needed to explain concepts or answer questions.
What is the difference between an interactive whiteboard and a smartboard?
A smart board is a computer screen projected onto a larger screen for everyone in the room to view. An interactive whiteboard is a large computer screen that allows people to move visuals and information around through touch or devices. Think of an interactive whiteboard as a digital chalkboard or a traditional whiteboard using markers.
Why does my classroom need an interactive whiteboard?
An interactive whiteboard offers a way for students to learn with the technology they’re already used to through the whiteboard’s technology that sends lessons to their laptops, mobile devices, or tablets. This allows students to take assignments home while providing a way for teachers to customize lessons for each individual student.
How does an interactive whiteboard help students?
This classroom technology helps pupils in several ways, such as:
- Supporting existing curricula with video, audio, and computer software to go along with traditional texts.
- Customization for each student. For example, the teacher has a lesson about animals. Each student can choose an animal to do a report based on their favorite type of animal, from lions, tigers, and bears to fish, turtles, and frogs.
- Accountability because teachers can monitor student performance by interacting with assignments, taking assessments, and reading text. This accountability goes up the food chain with test scores and reporting to the district.
- Favors individuals who need one-on-one assistance in a communal setting. Interactive whiteboards provide a way for students to give one-on-one assistance to students while maintaining the communal aspect of learning.
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Who can install interactive whiteboards and classroom technology in my school?
American Sound, with offices in Cincinnati, Louisville, Phoenix, and Indianapolis, can install classroom technology and interactive whiteboards at your school, district, lecture hall, or campus.
Call (859) 261-9024 for more information on what our team can do for you.