If you’re in the market for an interactive whiteboard in your classroom, then there are several features you should consider when shopping. The newest whiteboards offer Internet connectivity, which is helpful for downloading content or connecting to current events. Does the board require special writing tools, or does it work with regular markers? Some features will be more appropriate with different grade levels than others.
Internet connectivity really expands the capabilities of your whiteboard. The real advancements occurring now are in the arena of online interactive whiteboard applications. Imagination Cubed is a tool offered by GE and is currently free. Whiteboard activities can be shared by sending a link and everything done on the board can be replayed with a mouse click. Another well-received application is Dabbleboard, which allows multiple users to participate in real time. This service has both free and paid plans.
Interactive whiteboard cost enough without have to constantly replenish special supplies and tools. The best option is to find a board that will work with standard whiteboard pens or, better yet, your fingers and hands. Some boards require special pens and erasers to work properly.
If you teach lower grades, you may want to pay special attention to the board’s durability. Classroom use can be brutal on sensitive surfaces. You should also find out the consequences of using the wrong kind of pen. No matter how careful you are, it eventually happens.
Evaluate the included software. Is it optimized for education, or does it seem to be designed for business presentations? Is it easy to use and will it run on the computer you already have? Finally, does it provide for automatic saves along the way? It would be a shame to give the perfect lecture only to forget to save it at the end.
Of course, a complete range of features will mean little if the board is too difficult to use. You should give a lot of weight to any interactive whiteboard that has a simple and intuitive interface.