The process of education has evolved a lot in the last few years in the Singapore compared to what it was previously.Nowadays the focus is on making learning as easy as possible for the students. Lessons need to be disseminated in such a way that the students can remember them without any problems whatsoever. A great method by which this particular aim can be achieved is through interactivity. When we say interactive, we imply the participation of students in the learning process – not the passive participation that was the norm of yesteryears but the active participation that students enjoy these days.
Staying informed
An important part of education is staying informed. It is the reason why educational institutions such as schools and colleges are looking at options like interactive whiteboards to make it even more worthwhile for the students. These are advanced alternatives to the educational tools of the yore. Such devices are capable of catering to the various needs of the different entities that use them on a regular basis nowadays.
What are interactive whiteboards?
Whiteboards, also known as digital whiteboards and smart boards, are basically devices that can be connected to projectors, computers, and the like in order to provide the students an interactive experience that makes learning more fun and enjoyable. Whiteboards are controlled with multimedia pens known as stylus. However, in case of advanced versions of the same gestures and fingers can be used as well. Under normal circumstances, these boards are hung on walls or placed on floor stands. It is normally upon the user to decide how the display board will be placed. These boards use software that is normally used in our computers as well thus making it easy for the boards to be hooked up with such devices as and when the need arises.
Accessories needed for operation
Interactive whiteboards need several other devices for purposes of operation such as wireless pens, USB extended cables, wall mounting parts, erasers, and stands to name a few. Normally, these will be provided along with the whiteboard when you are buying one. However, they are available separately as well.
Reasons for popularity
There are several reasons as to why the interactive whiteboards are so popular. To start with, they are highly user friendly. Normally, when you buy a digital whiteboard all the software and manuals needed to operate them are provided alongwith the primary product. These boards also have several applications and functions that can significantly reduce the load of the presenter thus making things easier and better.
In most cases companies that make the boards make the manuals for the ease of their customers. These whiteboards are also blessed with smooth surfaces. They are made by using the best available material and the latest technology to make sure that they can be operated easily and they produce an optimum level of performance every single time. What further helps in making these devices popular is the low maintenance cost.
These smart boards are designed in such a way that they are very tough and can operate durably for a long period of time. The finish is also perfect. As has been said already they are fairly easy to operate. These smart boards can be found in the market in various sizes and dimensions, offering something for all classes of consumers. The manuals also make it easy – even for the uninitiated – to operate these devices without any problem. Yet another advantage of these boards is that there are a whole lot of options available in the market by virtue of the fact that there are plenty of service providers in this domain.
Apart from size there are a lot of factors where people can make their choice with regards to the digital whiteboards. Some of them may be enumerated as below:
- dimensions
- specifications
- prices
As has been said already, these devices are of great help when it comes to increasing interactivity with the students. These days technology is progressing at the speed of light and these interactive whiteboards are not to be left behind when it comes to technological development. As it is, when it comes to the educational sector, these happen to be the latest developments from a technological perspective.
These devices have easily contributed to teaching become a diametrically-opposite experience to the days gone by.
Where are they used?
There are so many areas where the smart boards can be used. Some of them may be enumerated as below:
- classrooms (Read “6 Ways to Teach Students Effectively with Interactive Whiteboard”)
- presentation halls
- boardrooms
- training rooms
One can choose any of the following forms of interaction in order to present the matter on these whiteboards:
- touch-based boards
- infrared scan technology
- electromagnetic pens and associated software
- resistive technology