subject: What Is A Whiteboard? [print this page] A Whiteboard could be described as a low tech invention that has got a blank white area that you can write on with special pens, similar to its predecessor the black board that you wrote on with chalk. This type of whiteboard has replaced the blackboard in classrooms all across the UK. The whiteboard is used in a similar way to the black board, ie you write and draw on the board itself and for this you use specifically created pens. You can erase what ever you have drawn or written on the board with a cloth or specific eraser that often comes with the pen set you purchase.
Just like the old blackboard you can write on the whiteboards and the writing can be erased. This type of whiteboards you can get in all sizes. So you can get the right size for your room, be it a small classroom, medium sized meeting room or large classrooms or boardrooms.
Instead of using chalk, the user has to use specially developed pens that you can easily write and erase your writing. The Whiteboard pens has also the additional advantage if you compare to chalk that it does not give out any dust and does therefore not cause any problems with allergies or breathing. The only con that I have noticed is that the whiteboard pens does have a specific smell that can put some people off.
But there is a higher tech version of the whiteboard which is connected to a computer or laptop so that the user can interact using the board. This is the interactive whiteboard of which there are many brands and sizes available. The most commonly heard of would be the SMART Board and the Promethean Activ Board. But these are only two of the brands of interactive white boards available on the market. There are many and to be honest I do not believe that any specific model is better than the other, it is as with many other things you tend to purchase what you have heard of before although it comes at a higher cost because of the brand name.
The Interactive Whiteboard allow you to connect to a computer and assist the user in easily interact and they are more and more widely used in primary, secondary and higher schools, colleges and universities. But also many businesses these days have adapted this technology to suit their needs. Many meetings for large corporations use the interactive white board as a tool.
This technology has had a great impact on both how children learn at school as well as how meetings are run at large corporations.
Interactive Whiteboards
The Interactive White board is a large screen which is connected to a computer and this replaces the traditional whiteboards, ie not interactive. There are many manufacturers of these boards, most well known are probably SMART Technologies. The computer is connected to a projector which shines onto the whiteboard. You do not use a mouse instead you use your fingers or specific Interactive whiteboard pens. When you lift up the pen the board automatically starts the drawing interface so that you can draw/write in the program you are currently using. There is also a button on the board if you press this you can use a keyboard to type.
An Interactive whiteboard does not only have a blank white area / surface that you can write on with specific whiteboards pens, but the users can also interact with the whiteboard through simply pointing at the board.
The interactive whiteboard does need a computer, specialised software and digital projector to make the whiteboard interactive. When all components are in place, the interaction can start!
Internet Whiteboard
Internet whiteboards can be seen as a tool for people to communicate and use the drawing / writing part as per other types of whiteboards. Online participants in the internet Whiteboard session can draw and write on the screen and everybody who has joined the session can see what other people has written or drawn as well as write and draw yourself.
All communication happens on the users computer with one open window in the application. You can copy and paste pictures and text from other programs which makes this application highly convenient and useful.
Standard chat programs such as MSN messenger and Yahoo messenger has got the internet whiteboard capacity built in the application.
Common denominator for all three types of Whiteboards
All three types of whiteboards allows the user to show previously created or prepared information/drawings etc to more than one person.
All three types of whiteboard can be used by purely write or draw information on the blank area and share with others.
Cost of Whiteboards
Internet whiteboards can be accessed for free from software such as Yahoo Messenger or MSN Messenger.
Whiteboard (not interactive) starts with reasonable low prices but goes up with the size of the board.
Interactive Whiteboards are the most expensive amongst the lot, but there are also a big variation within this category, certain brands are a lot more expensive than other less well known.
You can also get a lot of accessories for the Interactive Whiteboards from speakers to pointers and pens. These also vary a lot in price depending upon the brand. You do not have to get a brand name as this will increase the cost of the interactive white board, however it in some cases it may well be worth spending that little bit extra on a well known brand as you then know you can get the support you may require if something goes wrong.
You can get the interactive white board with projector and boom/bracket. These bundles are often cheaper than purchasing the equipment individually.
