Written By Eva Wen On 14th April 2023
Interactive whiteboards are the new buzzword in schools, businesses and offices. These boards use computer tablets or mobile devices with touch screens to display images, graphs, diagrams and other visual elements. The technology allows users to interact with digital content using two-dimensional and three-dimensional tools. If you have heard of an interactive whiteboard before but are not sure if it is correct to call it a touch screen or not, read this article for all the facts!
What is an Interactive Whiteboard?
Interactive whiteboards are digital devices that allow you to draw on them just like you would on paper. These devices use a special type of screen that can sense how hard you are pressing it. This enables computers to track how you are using the device and adjust the images accordingly. The most common type of interactive whiteboard is known as an electronic whiteboard. These boards use a digital screen and a special projector to display the images you draw on them. An electronic whiteboard is also called a remote whiteboard. Electronic whiteboards can be used for a variety of purposes. You can use them for collaboration and presentations, for training employees, for marketing and advertising campaigns and for testing different ideas. The images drawn on the electronic whiteboards can be saved and reused as needed.
Types of Interactive Whiteboards
- Interactive whiteboards come in a variety of different sizes and shapes. There are rectangular and panel-style models for convenient placement anywhere in a conference room, office or classroom. There are also models that operate as wall-mounted computers.
- Interactive whiteboards can be used for different purposes. There are models that are designed for collaborative work sessions, others that come with a presentation mode and even a few that can be used as a digital whiteboard.
- There are two types of interactive whiteboards used in schools: electronic and projection.
- Electronic interactive whiteboards are similar to regular computers and allow you to draw images on them just like you would on paper. They can be used by both teachers and students.
- Projection interactive whiteboards project images on a flat surface and are great for creating diagrams, graphs and drawings. You can also use them for presentations, in training sessions and for testing ideas.
Advantages of Using Interactive Whiteboards
- Interactive whiteboards are convenient. Instead of cramming your employees into a conference room to learn something new, you can provide them with an interactive whiteboard to learn at their own pace. This is especially helpful for remote workers who have to travel for work. A remote whiteboard is an interactive whiteboard that is connected to the Internet and can be used from anywhere. With a remote white board, you can provide employees with training on a variety of topics, including marketing and sales training, computer literacy, safety training, and more.
- Interactive whiteboards are effective. They allow you to create visually compelling content that attracts attention and communicates your message effectively. - Interactive whiteboards are durable. These devices are designed to withstand everyday use, so they are a durable choice for businesses that use them frequently. This is especially useful for companies that need to present regularly and want to present high-quality content.
- Interactive whiteboards are portable. You can take them from place to place and use them in a variety of settings. This is especially convenient for businesses that need to travel frequently or for companies that conduct training sessions at other companies’ locations.
- Interactive whiteboards are cost-effective. These devices are relatively inexpensive, so they are a good choice for businesses that want to get started with a new technology but don’t have a large budget. - Interactive whiteboards are versatile. You can use them for a variety of purposes, so they are a good choice for businesses that need to conduct training on a variety of topics.
Disadvantages of Using Interactive Whiteboards
- Interactive whiteboards are costly. This is a major disadvantage for businesses with limited budgets who want to get started with an interactive whiteboard.
- Interactive whiteboards aren’t as durable as projection models. This is a minor disadvantage, since projection boards are less durable.
- Interactive whiteboards are difficult to maintain. This is a major disadvantage, since they will require cleaning and maintenance.
- Interactive whiteboards are noisy. This is a minor disadvantage, since projection boards are generally quieter.
- Interactive whiteboards aren’t as accurate as projection models. This is a minor disadvantage, since they are less accurate. - Interactive whiteboards can be distracting. This is a major disadvantage, since they can be distracting when you are trying to work.
How to Choose the Right Interactive Whiteboard for You?
When you are shopping for an interactive whiteboard, there are a few things you should keep in mind to ensure you make the best decision. First, decide on the purpose of the board. Are you looking to use it for collaboration, for training or for presenting? Once you have determined this, you can narrow down your search to specific models.
Some other things you should keep in mind include the size of the board, how many concurrent users it can support and how durable it is. When you are looking at different models, make sure you are also considering how they are used and how convenient they are. Lastly, consider where you will use the board. Will it be in the office, in the classroom or in the conference room? Also, is there a wall nearby you can use for projection?
With the exponential growth of technology, it is easy to forget the importance of traditional methods of communication. Interactive whiteboards are exactly that - a digital medium that incorporates the blend of both traditional and new media. These devices are great for bringing together teams from different locations and different disciplines, creating digital content and offering interactive training. In short, they become a one-stop shop for communication and collaboration. Now, with the help from this article, you won’t have any issues in choosing the best interactive whiteboard for your business.
Eva Wen
Eva Wen is the Digital Marketing Executive at CY Digital Signage.