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Turn Your Wall into Interactive White Board

December 9, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Turn Your Wall into Interactive White Board
The Interactive White Boards (IWBs) are devices that gain more and more popularity in education and business structures. They are easy to use in classes and during the business meetings. Interactive Boards help to process and understand information more quickly. The Epson announced a release of a new project in the IWB market this year. They introduced a new Interactive White Board Module IU-01. This module is a new solution of add on devices. IU-01 Module can transform any wall or projection surface into an interactive white board. Epson’s module can be used with any computer or any video projector. The trademark of this Module will be Epson BrightLink Solo Interactive Module.
The BrightLink Solo Interactive Module works as a computer or projector add on device and can turn any wall or projection screen into an interactive surface. The device is easy to use and very easy transportable. When the device is used, the particular wall or projection screen is turned into a touch screen. The computer can be controlled by touching the wall with special pen (stylus). Technological principals are similar to WiiMote Whiteboard. Many similar projects can be found on the Internet as DIY interactive white boards. Many tips for making low budget white board can be found.
This is a perfect solution which is supposed to bring new waves into IWBs market. Unfortunately, Epson did not release any specifications for upcoming product. This leads to various discussions and guesses. Despite that, all information and discussions about this new product are positive. It seems that the only disadvantage of BrightLink Solo will be the lack of interactive presentation creation software. Epson has a lot of experience in creating cheap and easy to use products oriented to education and presentations. It is believed that this product will be oriented to the same market.

Filed Under: Modern Education, Online Learning Tagged With: , , ,

Challenge yourself for making Interactive White Boards -IWB

December 7, 2010 by Leave a Comment

Challenge yourself for making IWB
There are many manufacturers on the market that provide huge variety of Interactive White Boards (IWBs). The IWBs are new technological devices that can be used in education or business conferences. Basically, an IWB is a device that can project an image on large surface. The image or technically speaking the display has a touch screen option, so the computer can be controlled by hand. The main advantage of the IWB is that audience can interact with the information on the board.
There are low cost IWBs on the market but despite that, not every consumer can afford it. The consumers that are very curious can find many low cost DIY tips or projects that allow making IWB on an extremely small budget. There is a group of projects that explains how to make an IWB using the remote control from Nintendo game system. This project is approximately $100 cost.
The parts you need to make an IWB are following: 2 WiiMote remote controls, infrared pen or wand, Bluetooth capable laptop or desktop computer and, of course, the WiiMote whiteboard software. All parts that are needed can be bought in local electronics shops or on the Internet. WiiMote whiteboard software is free to download. It is possible to download the product from the Internet. In case free software does not fit your needs, SmoothBoard software can be purchased for $30. This solution depends on individual needs.
There are many videos that explain IWB’s installation and usage procedures step by step. Every user that is familiar with computer can handle such a challenge. The main thing needed to finish WiiMote board challenge is not the money or technical background but self confidence. On the other hand it is fun to make and try DIY interactive white board. Maybe it is a little bit geek, but such projects give deeper knowledge about new technologies.

Filed Under: Modern Education, Online Learning Tagged With: , , ,

Tips to Make Your Classroom Interactive with Whiteboards

December 4, 2010 by Leave a Comment

With the increase in integration of technological aids in classrooms, the implementation of Smart Boards is also rising. The topmost reason for this is the interactivity of its applications that enables complete student involvement, thereby enriching the learning process. Hence, teachers find this kind of a latest educational technology really useful.
The Smart Board is part of an interactive whiteboard that also comprises an interactive board, computer with notebook program and a projector. Initially developed for businesses, these systems have entered the educational circle, helping learning advance with the progress in technology. Due to the undue advantages provided by the Smart Board, students can study in a more interactive way.
Benefits of Using a Whiteboard
A Whiteboard provides support for instruction to special students, as it can adapt to a variety of learning styles. It offers learning experiences through each of the senses to learners with various kinds of impairments.
A Smart Board is also useful in classrooms with a single computer. It becomes the tool for manifesting information, giving students an interactive learning atmosphere.
However, not all classrooms are able to take advantage of this system, often due to tight budgets.
Whiteboards as Tools of Professional Development
Following a basic level of assessment, teachers are required to chart the professional development plan of their students. Addressing the strengths and weaknesses of the students, this plan can be demonstrated very well through the use of whiteboards. Different from a formal, written document, a whiteboard representation of a professional development plan can be both comprehensive and constructive.
Smart Board and its Implementation
If well-implemented, the Smart Boards can certainly become a method of teaching that is educative, while it is exciting mainly for both teachers and students. Encompassing the wide range of Web 2.0 tools, this system makes use of the best online tools and technologies to give education a whole new outlook.

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The SmartBoard 680 from Installation to Use

December 3, 2010 by Leave a Comment
Picture of a Smartboard
Image via Wikipedia

Classrooms and businesses across the globe are gradually increasing the use of Smart Boards and other interactive whiteboards (IWBs). Opening vistas of opportunity for educators, whiteboards, with their large, sensitive touch-screens, promise an educative and interactive medium of communication with students and clients. Growing in popularity is the Smart Board model 680 (SB680) that has a 77-inch diagonal IWB and is priced at $1000. Using the room’s existing video projector, it transforms into an interactive tool for media presentation.
Installing the SB680
The SB680 has a mounting bracket at the back that fits into the cork hanging strip with metal edges of whiteboards in many schools. This is an easy and convenient method of mounting the Smart Board.
Once mounted, the board is connected to the computer with the help of a long USB cable. Special installations can be dealt with by using special active USB extension cables and add-on Bluetooth connection kits. The process of installation also requires the 700MB download data of the Notebook Essential resources.
Installing Drivers and Using Touch
The Smart Board becomes a perfectly working device once the drivers are installed. Use of its stylus pens adds to the precision of the touch recognition. For a new user, it is easy to remember to use the stylus pen carefully, and not as one would on paper, as well as use only the tip when using one’s finger, for accuracy.
Powering your SB680
An integral component of the entire setup is the software that accompanies the device, making the Smart Board fast and user-friendly. The range of software-based tools is wide and covers almost every possible requirement of a user.
With the SB680, educators and any other presenters can smoothly integrate quizzes, games, images or any other items to enhance their presentation.
Though priced rather steep, the SB680 is definitely worth its cost, if used effectively in a classroom or company.

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