INTRODUCTION TO INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARDS

 JASON KALIMBO

STUDENT NUMBER 180029886

https://jasonkalimbo.blogspot.com

INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARDS

Interactive whiteboards (IWBs) are large, touch-sensitive displays that connect to a computer and projector. They allow users to control the computer by touching the board directly, either with a finger, stylus, or other tools. IWBs have transformed classrooms and business settings, providing a dynamic way to engage audiences and deliver content.

Projectors have improved greatly since the 1990s, but there is no getting around issues with shadows and brightness. As projectors use light reflected off of other surfaces, they can never match the brightness of interactive flat panels, which are backlit with brilliant LED technology. LEDs are the most advanced form of lighting on the market, partly because they retain their brightness even as they age. LED displays are estimated for around 50,000 hours of performance, with no loss of image quality. Projectors, though, use metal halide fixtures that fade as they age and are rated for less than 10,000 hours of performance. Since interactive flat panels are backlit, they are also unaffected by shadows. That’s one less distraction for students and meeting members. Finally, because LED panels are brighter, they appear more vivid and are more interesting for people to look at.

Present Day - Interactive Displays

   - Modern IWBs are often referred to as interactive flat panels (IFPs), replacing older projector-based systems with high-definition LCD/LED displays.
   - These displays offer better clarity, touch precision, and do not suffer from issues like projector bulb replacement.
   - They integrate with cloud services, AI-driven tools, and can support hybrid learning environments.
   - IWBs now facilitate real-time collaboration between classrooms or remote participants, making them vital in education and corporate settings.
IWBs have shifted traditional learning and presentation methods from static to interactive, encouraging participation and engagement. Their evolution reflects technological advancements and the growing need for digital and collaborative tools in educational and professional environments. 

The comparison between traditional whiteboards and interactive whiteboards (IWBs) highlights their distinct features, advantages, and uses in educational and professional settings.

features	Traditional whiteboards	interactive whiteboards
functionality	manual	digital
user interaction	hand drawn visuals	support videos and pictures
visual and multimedia
collaboration	one person at the time	multi users
cost	cheap	expensive
efficiency	manual erasing	save, share and revisit
maintenance	minimal	software upkeep

Traditional Whiteboard

A traditional whiteboard is a large white surface that is used for writing and drawing in the classroom. Educators use chalks or markers for writing on this whiteboard. These traditional boards come in 2 types: black boards and whiteboards. The blackboards are the black large surface and whiteboards are the white in surface. Educators can write using colorful or white chalks on blackboard and use duster to rub the board. On the other hand the educators use black markers on whiteboards for writing and can use a dry cloth or duster for rubbing the board. These traditional whiteboards or blackboards have too many limitations as compared to interactive whiteboards. 

Interactive Whiteboard

An interactive whiteboard (IWB), also known as an interactive board or smart board, is a large display board resembling a whiteboard. We can also say that it is an electronic touch screen display that can help to enhance the education and classroom experience. It can function independently as a touchscreen computer, allowing users to interact with content using touch gestures or physical interactive pens. Interactive Whiteboard enhances collaboration, Multisensory Learning, Environmentally Friendly. Educators can use interactive whiteboards the same as traditional boards. They can write, draw or present something on the screen by touch on the panel. This interactive whiteboard has many other advanced features available like educators can use 3d shapes, they can use the internet, educators can access the digital notes at any time. This interactive whiteboard or smart board comes in many different sizes. Educators can choose the size according to their classroom dimensions. 

References

            Interactive boards. (n.d.). The Whiteboard Shop. https://whiteboardshop.co.za/collections/interactive-whiteboards?srsltid=AfmBOoq5NwkuYUwCi9kTwmS5e0E2xCFwhXv6G0_mlT_yKGEfhR1Clius