INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARDS
they have changed the face of teaching. Over recent years, the product has certainly challenged the assumptions on the role of technology in learning. Effective use of an IWB encompasses and extends a range of teaching and learning styles. Touch has become the way that we all
intuitively engage with content. Satellite navigation systems, ticket machines and iPhones, to name just a few. We are therefore seeing an increasing number of IWB manufacturers adding touch technology to their product range, although some manufacturers offer other ways of engaging with the displayed content as well.
Exhibitors at BETT
Panasonic (stand D102) One manufacturer offering multi-touch technology is Panasonic, with its Panaboard UB-T880. Up to three pupils can work together and multiple points can be used to manipulate objects through finger touch. The new Panaboard has a large screen for high impact lessons with up to an 83-inch diagonal display area, built-in stereo speakers and two USB ports.
Xiamen Interactive Technology (stand L46) Visitors to BETT can meet Xiamen Interactive Technology (INTECH) for the
SecEd • 5to7 Educator
Interact, explore, discover I
We are seeing an increase in touch technology in interactive whiteboards. Here we look at some of the latest products that will be on display at BETT 2011
t was in 1991 that the very first interactive whiteboards (IWBs) started to appear in classrooms. Since this time,
first time. INTECH, from Xiamen in China, develops IWBs (infrared, electromagnetic and CCD types) and LCD touch screens, all combined with software that provides easy-to-use learning solutions. All series of INTECH products can be designed with customised specifications.
Ontec (stand L8) The ONfinity CM2 MAX transforms any standard whiteboard, flat surface (such as a wall) or projection screen into an IWB. Using a stylus pointer and e-pen, it requires no signal receiver or device to be attached to the projection screen surface making it portable between rooms. The system can also be used with a plasma screen by using the video- output of your PC.
Promethean (stand B30) For more about Promethean’s new launch at BETT 2011, see page 16.
SMART Technologies (stand B50) The new SMART Board 800 series IWB will have its first global showing at BETT 2011. The new class of IWB supports multi-user writing and common multi-touch gestures currently recognised in Microsoft Windows 7 and Mac Snow Leopard. Using SMART Notebook collaborative learning software version 10.7 (expected March 2011), users will be able to take advantage of gestures within SMART Notebook lesson
activities. The new software will enable freestyle interaction, where two students can work together on the same interactive lesson activity and perform different tasks simultaneously on the IWB surface.
Epson (stand L40) Epson’s range of interactive projectors offer a different proposition to the usual IWB. Visitors can see how it is the projector itself that is interactive, not the surface projected onto. Epson’s package includes a projector, digital pen and wall-mount.With no need for a separate screen or IWB, this solution approaches interactive learning in a different way. Although the technology does not offer interaction by touch, notes, diagrams and additions are created with the digital pen, and can be saved in the normal way to share following the lesson.
IWB content
A wealth of content providers are at BETT 2011 and many manufacturers offer free online access to learning resources. Promethean Planet is a teaching, sharing
and support community offering access to 22,000 free lesson plans, CPD resources, ActivLearning courses, and forums. The online community supports learners and teachers (stand B30). SMART offers free access to the SMART Exchange online community providing over 40,000 education resources. The website provides local standards-correlated resources, organised by country so that teachers can easily access relevant digital content.
Further information
www.prometheanplanet.com www.exchange.smarttech.com
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