Smart boards (interactive whiteboards) are an important educational tool that helped many teachers keep remote students engaged through active learning during the pandemic. Now, they continue to be an important technology to serve in-person, hybrid and remote classrooms. They even help sales teams connect with customers all over the world and make presentations of all kinds more powerful.
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As students returned to classrooms, the need for smart boards didn’t go away. In fact, this type of smart technology might be more essential than ever. How does a smart board work and what are the benefits?
Article at a glance:
What Is a Smart Board?
Smart boards — sometimes called interactive whiteboards or electronic whiteboards — are large display devices that are often wall mounted or attached to mobile carts. The devices allow users to interact, collaborate and manipulate data by touching the board or with a simple mouse click.
A smart board is an interactive tool for teachers and students that allows users to edit and annotate directly on the screen with a stylus or their finger. Users also have the capability to communicate, edit and interact with devices such as smartphones, tablets, Chromebooks, and computer screens.
Smart Board Benefits for Educators and Students
Imagine capturing all the content on a traditional blackboard, dry-erase board or paper flip chart and digitizing it so it can be sent to the entire classroom or other teachers. Or, what if students — whether remote or in the classroom — could answer questions, draw their ideas or write out calculations that their classmates and teacher can see? Then, the information can be instantly saved and stored.
Smart boards help students with different learning styles. Visual learners love the sharp display and interactive functions, and auditory learners can listen to multimedia content. Those who are more hands-on can write with their finger or a stylus, and the functionality allows teachers to address an entire group or focus on one-on-one learning.
Interactive tools help students learn and keep them engaged. These are just a few of the major benefits of smart board technology for educational environments. Many of these benefits also translate to the corporate world.
How Does a Smart Board Work?
Like old-fashioned, dry-erase whiteboards, smart boards are used to share messages, capture information and facilitate brainstorming and team collaboration. They have the same basic conventional features, but leverage PC technology and connect to the internet to dramatically increase the range of functions.
Their large digital flat displays make the devices easy to use and interact with, using capacitive touch with up to 20 points of contact. Handwriting and character recognition are generally included, along with a stylus, digital pen, and sometimes keyboards depending upon the user environment. They can use multi-media like PowerPoint presentations and different software apps to give end users specialized learning tools to engage students or colleagues.
For video conferencing, the newest devices integrate with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Skype and Google apps. Remote students or workers can now collaborate and meet from anywhere. Onboard speakers are generally included, but the smart boards can also be equipped with optional audio output to enhance user experiences. You can even tie multiple units together to form a cohesive video messaging system or video wall — the ultimate digital projector.
The displays may include an optional full functioning PC controller. In addition, smart boards use many different types of inputs including USB, HDMI, DisplayPort Input, VGA, DVI-D, or direct connection to any network resource along with wireless functionality.
Considerations When Buying a Smart Board
Smart Board Size and Resolution
Choose the correct size for your room or application; the optimum viewing size and angle are important to reduce neck and eye strain. The most popular sizes range from 32 inches to 86 inches, but the environment determines which size is best. A classroom may require a board from 75 to 86 inches, while a smaller meeting room may only need a 55-inch board.
Smart Board Software
Software apps are an important aspect. If PC based, Windows and the Microsoft Suite are very versatile and extremely functional. Cloud services, educational or other industry-specific software that enhance functionality, connectivity, storage or performance are important items to consider. Be sure to research the software you need for your equipment, as software is crucial for providing superior functionality.
Smart Board Costs
The larger the smart board unit, the higher the acquisition cost. Consider the room and audience for your display before deciding. Resolution of 4k or better works well for nearly all education and business collaboration needs. A 55-inch board can be had for under $1,000, while a 98-inch board can cost more than $10,000.
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Make sure you know what software you will need for your interactive whiteboard, as it can equal or even exceed the price of the actual display board. Specialized applications and programs can cost from $0 to over $600 per instance depending on the app. Cloud services or other software that enhances connectivity, storage or performance can cost between $150 and $1,500 per month.
Accessories and other extras for your smart board also add to the cost of your interactive display solution. Pens, pen trays and erasers can range from $25 to over $200. Wall mounts and rolling stands can range from $250 to well over $1,500. Extra cameras or camera upgrades can cost from $100 to $250 depending on resolution and features.
What is the Best Smart Board?
Ask your Gordon Flesch Company (GFC) Account Executive about the models offered and which are the best solution for your needs and investment (GFC offers Ricoh Interactive White Boards because we believe them to be reliable and perform exceptionally well for the investment). Also consider leasing vs. buying as this technology will change over a 60-month period. GFC Leasing offers an array of flexible financing options to help you keep your technology up to the latest standards.
Our experienced team will help you find the correct device for your needs that will last for many years. GFC helps guide clients from research and acquisition through installation and configuration.
If you’d like to learn more about the latest in interactive whiteboard technology, talk to the technology experts at Gordon Flesch Company. We have a range of interactive smart board options and technology analysts who will make sure your new whiteboards easily integrate and enhance your existing presentation technology.
What is a Touchscreen?
A touchscreen is an input device used to receive user commands from finger or stylus input. It consists of a transparent layer that responds to the user’s touch by locating the positions of their fingers on the surface of the display. It is primarily used for controlling devices such as computers, smartphones, and other electronic devices.
What are the advantages of using a Touchscreen?
Touchscreens offer users many advantages over traditional input methods, such as mouse and keyboards. Some of these benefits include convenience, speed, and accuracy when entering data, as well as providing an intuitive user interface. Additionally, they often require less hardware, which results in cost savings and improved space efficiency. Touchscreens also provide access to applications that cannot be accessed using other methods.
Are all Touchscreens alike?
No, not all touchscreens are alike. Each type has its own characteristics based on its design and application: resistive touchscreens consist of two layers separated by an air gap; capacitive touchscreens use electrodes to create electrostatic fields that respond to contact with the user's skin; infrared touchscreens use infrared light-emitting diodes placed around edges of the screen; and optical imaging systems utilize cameras that detect movement on the surface. Each type has distinct advantages and disadvantages compared to others based on cost and application needs.
Which operating systems support Touchscreen displays?
Most major computer operating systems now support touchscreen displays including Windows 10, Sierra/High Sierra/Mojave/Catalina, Chrome OS, Android OS (4+) and Ubuntu Linux 18+. Users can take advantage of this technology either through a laptop-touchscreen hybrid device or add-on monitors that come with built-in touchscreen capabilities. In addition, some producers have developed software solutions designed specifically for use with their dedicated tablet PCs or other computing devices that allow users to interact directly with their device without needing additional hardware components.
Are there any drawbacks to using Touchscreen displays?
Yes, there are some drawbacks associated with using touchscreen displays including potential eye strain caused by long periods of focusing on small objects and difficulty in entering text due to lack of tactile feedback from a physical keyboard or mouse input device. Furthermore, if you have multiple windows open at once it can become difficult navigating between them quickly and efficiently with your fingers alone instead of relying upon keystroke commands like you would normally do with a standard mouse/keyboard setup. Additionally extreme cold temperatures could make it harder for your finger(s) to accurately register touches which could lead to frustration while attempting certain tasks in those environments.
Where can I get more information about Touchscreen displays?
online sellers like Lenovo have dedicated sections for purchasing both laptops and tablets capable of running various operating systems along with all necessary accessories like screens and stand accessories so you can start using your new setup right away! Additionally, many producer websites will contain detailed technical specifications and installation instructions you may need while considering different options available when shopping around for hardware upgrades and replacements. Plus, they may even offer helpful advice and troubleshooting tips if ever needed in case something wasn't working properly after purchase.
What types of tasks are best suited for Touchscreen displays?
Touchscreens are well-suited to a wide range of tasks, from text input and data entry to drawing and gaming. They offer more precise control over the interface than mice and keyboards, making them ideal for tasks that require higher levels of accuracy or precision. They also allow users to access applications and services with just their fingertips, so they are great for situations where there is limited physical space or mobility. Additionally, touchscreens provide an intuitive user experience that makes them particularly well-suited for use in educational settings as well as other leisure activities such as photo editing or web browsing.
What technologies are used to create a Touchscreen display?
Touchscreens use various technologies to detect and respond to user input, depending on their design. Resistive touchscreens use two thin layers of electrically conductive material separated by an air gap, while capacitive touchscreens rely on electrodes to sense contact with the user's skin. Infrared touchscreens use infrared LED lights around edges of the screen, and optical imaging systems employ cameras that can detect movement on the surface. All these technologies enable users to interact with their devices in ways not possible using traditional input methods such as keyboard and mouse.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Touchscreen displays?
The main advantage of touchscreen displays is their intuitive user experience, which makes them easy to use even for those with little or no technical knowledge. They also allow users to access applications and services with just their fingertips, so they are great for situations where there is limited physical space or mobility. Additionally, touchscreens can be used in educational settings as well as other leisure activities such as photo editing or web browsing.
On the downside, touchscreen technology can be expensive in comparison to traditional input methods such as keyboard and mouse, and errors made with a touchscreen are often more difficult to rectify than with a keyboard. Additionally, using a touchscreen for prolonged periods can cause fatigue in the user’s fingers due to the repetitive motion required when touching the screen multiple times.
What are some of the key trends in Touchscreen technology?
- One of the most important developments in touchscreen technology is multi-touch gestures, which enable users to interact with their device using two or more fingers. This has been popularized by smartphones and tablets but is now also being used for desktop computers and large-format displays.
- Another trend is the use of 3D touch capabilities. This enables users to interact with content on a deeper level and manipulate objects in a more tactile way. Many new smartphones come equipped with this feature.
- Finally, advancements in haptic feedback technology have improved the accuracy of touchscreen interactions by providing instantaneous tactile feedback to the user so they can detect if they’ve made a correct input or not.
What are the potential applications of Touchscreen technology?
Touchscreen technology has a wide range of potential applications:
- One area that has seen a huge increase in the use of touchscreen technology is in consumer electronics, such as smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches. This type of device allows users to control their devices with simple gestures instead of buttons or keys.
- Another popular application is in restaurants, where touchscreens are used for point-of-sale systems, self-service kiosks, order management systems, customer feedback terminals, and much more.
- Finally, touchscreen technology is being used increasingly in educational settings as a way to engage students and make learning more interactive. For example, interactive whiteboards allow teachers to create engaging presentations and interact with learners directly.
How is the future of touchscreen Technology looking?
The future of touchscreen technology looks very promising:
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- The current trend is towards larger, higher-resolution displays with more advanced features such as multi-touch and gesture recognition. This allows users to interact with their devices in more intuitive and efficient ways.
- In addition, advancements in artificial intelligence are allowing developers to create natural user interfaces (NUIs) that allow users to control their devices via voice or gestures.
- Finally, touchscreens are becoming increasingly prevalent in public spaces such as airports, shopping malls, and museums. This provides a convenient way for users to interact with digital content without needing to use traditional input methods such as keyboards and mice.
- Overall, the future of touchscreen technology looks very bright and it’s sure to revolutionize the way we interact with our devices in the years to come.