If you’re considering a smart board, you already know that it can improve teaching and learning. But before you buy one, it’s important to familiarize yourself with the various components of these interactive whiteboards.
Experts at Vibe say,“Interactive whiteboard enables ideas to flow, and fuels efficient execution by allowing your team to interactively brainstorm and capture ideas in one space.”
Ultimately, this will help you decide which features are most important for your teaching and budget needs.
Consider the environment and size of the space where the board will be installed
Before you begin to shop, consider the size of the space where the interactive white board will be installed. Do you want a small, portable flip chart or something more substantial? If so, how much do you need to write on it? How large will your audience be? What kind of projector and screen will be used? Finally, what kinds of images are projected onto them (e.g., photographs vs. charts)?
Another important factor is what type of technology will be used with your smart board; this may depend on whether or not there are already other computers in use at your school or organization.
Think about how you intend to use the board to help you choose components that fit your needs
Before deciding on a smart board, it is important to consider how you intend to use the board. This will help you make better decisions about what components are best for your particular needs.
For example, if your school has a large number of students or if the room where you intend to install your smart board is large and often hosts larger classes, then it would be worth investing in a model that can accommodate these needs.
If however, the smart board will only be used by small groups of students in smaller spaces (like classrooms), then you may want to purchase something more compact and portable instead.
Know your options and style choices; these may affect your budget
The first step in choosing a smart board is to know what you want and need. There are many different types of interactive whiteboards, so before you start shopping, be sure to research the various types of interactive white boards available. This will help ensure that you choose the right model for your needs. The major considerations to take into account include:
- The size of what you’ll be using it for;
- How often will it be used? (If this is going to be a classroom tool or one that’s used frequently by multiple people, consider getting something larger one then)
- What type of surface will be easiest on which to write.
- The type of software that works best with each model.
The key is to determine what features are important for your learning and ensure that they are included in the board
The key is to determine what features are important for your learning and ensure that they are included in the board. Consider the environment and size of the space where the board will be installed, as well as how you intend to use it.
So there you have it, a few easy steps to help you choose the smart board that’s right for you and your learners. While it can be tempting to go with the most expensive option, you should think about why that extra money is worth it. If you don’t need all the bells and whistles then buying something cheaper might be a better option for your school district or organization!