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Active boards, commonly referred to as interactive whiteboards, are employed in various settings, particularly in educational institutions and corporate environments. Here is a rundown of the types:
These boards are touch-sensitive and allow users to write, draw, and interact with the displayed content. They can connect to a computer and, through projection, allow presentation of the computer's content. Users can also save handwritten notes directly onto the computer for future reference. Their interactivity has found great adoption in classrooms and meeting rooms alike.
Also referred to as graphic tablets or digital styluses, these boards are mainly suited to artists and designers. The boards, as a result, create an avenue for drawing, sketching, or designing digitally. Users can create their work and use an accompanying stylus. What sets this apart is that most emit no digital ink and, therefore, communicate not visually but rather through digital mediums. Their portability makes them a reliable option for on-the-go users.
Unlike conventional active boards that have to be plugged in, wireless ones offer flexibility and convenience due to their wireless functionality. Most have built-in batteries for power, making them portable. Active boards with wires are primarily designed for long-term use in offices or classrooms.
However, due to their wireless nature, they can be used for short presentations in multiple locations. Some also have cellular connectivity that allows real-time interaction with participants not in the same space.
These are a relatively new active board type that employs AR technology to create interactive experiences. When combined and integrated with digital content, users can see 3D holograms and other interactive elements superimposed on the real world. These boards show potential in areas like medical training, architectural visualization, and interactive games. While not in large quantities as the other types, the immersive experience they provide is transformative to learning and training.
The activity board has various supplies and materials, which can take different forms depending on the board's kind and the applications it works with. They include:
Traditional dry-erase boards have simple erasable markers as their standby writing instruments. These markers are readily available in most work or school environments and are used for writing on whiteboards. However, interactive boards use specialized pens or styluses for their surface. These have been designed for touch sensitivity to enhance accurate interaction.
Whiteboards require maintenance because, over time, markers leave behind residue if not cleaned. Whiteboard cleaners are specifically made to clear this residue and others effectively without damaging the board surface. Active boards themselves come with clean features, so maintenance and care for them don't have to be purchased separately.
Some active boards, such as smart boards, need projectors to function. Projectors are used to display content from a connected computer onto the board. It is vital to ensure that the projector used is compatible with the board for clarity in display and enhanced interactivity. Active boards can function as display devices themselves with built-in screens or connectivity options without needing projectors.
Interactive whiteboards have software that supports their functionality and interactivity. This software varies in feature sets and complexity, depending on the board type and intended use. Active boards, for instance, have accompanying apps that enable users to store their work, share it, and create various visual aids.
Using an active board regularly can lead to wear and tear of the surface over time, whether a smart board or an interactive display. Screen protectors are, therefore, a practical addition for safeguarding these surfaces against scratches, fingerprints, and other forms of damage. Additionally, some screen protectors have filters that reduce glare and eye strain, a valuable feature when the board is in prolonged use.
Digital drawing boards depend on styluses for precise input. These styluses come in varying nib hardness to give the board user various line densities. For boards integrating with other devices, such as a wireless active board, ensuring the right adapters and connectors will be integral in seamless functionality.
Active boards are gradually becoming a common feature in modern classrooms and corporate learning hubs due to their interactivity. There are certain aspects, though, that when observed, a buyer should enhance the board's functionality and longevity further:
The surface material of the board determines its sensitivity level, transparency, and even compatibility with different styluses or markers. While more advanced boards, such as capacitive boards, offer pinpoint accuracy, others retain that low-tech charm, opting for a basic whiteboard-like interface. This will primarily be based on how you intend to use the board.
Classroom and office settings may demand more durable interactive boards, while a content creator may be looking for a board that offers the kind of artistic experience they are after. Note the kind of wear and tear that will occur and select materials that match their needs.
Many cheap active boards have smart technology that enables them to communicate with different digital devices. Therefore, one should check for compatibility with these devices. For example, consider whether the board will work with your laptop or tablet OS, such as Windows, macOS, or iOS. Also, check to see if it has the application or software integration that you require, which is essential when using the board for work-related tasks or educational activities.
Active boards have differing levels of interactivity integration. Some have basic features like touch sensitivity, whereas others have advanced functionality, such as two-way interaction, augmented reality capabilities, or integrated audio systems. Think of the other features the board comes with beyond interactivity. Some may come with extra capabilities, like video conferencing.
Functional boards can serve more than just a writing surface and will enable a richer learning experience. Consider the amount of interactivity needed for an effective learning session and pick a board with the corresponding functionality level.
Wireless active boards depend heavily on battery life for their usability; a board with poor battery life can severely limit its mobility. Also, look for boards that have fast charging features so they can quickly pick up and continue when the battery is low. Consider using a board with additional charging options, such as charging via USB or using an external battery pack, to give it the maximum possible use. This makes it convenient for emergency uses.
Active boards are expensive depending on various factors, including their type, material, and added features. The more advanced the technology, the costlier it is likely to be. Functional requirements are crucial: Consider what the board is meant for and how frequently it will be used. If the board will be used daily for long-term projects, it will be more beneficial to invest in a quality and durable model rather than a cheap one. If it's occasional use, a more affordable model will suffice.
A: Though they might look similar, the functionality each offers varies considerably. An active board goes beyond being a simple writing surface by adding interactivity. Using touch or stylus, users can interact with content displayed on the board. Simple whiteboards can only be written on and cleared.
A: There is no standard figure for the longevity of an active board. Several factors contribute to this, including the type of technology used (e.g., capacitive, resistive), the frequency of use, and the conditions under which the board is used. If properly maintained and cared for, active boards can last from 5–10 years in classrooms and offices.
A: The surface it uses, combined with the type of stylus or markers used, determine the accuracy degree. Go for boards with capacitive technology; they tend to have the most accuracy since they can detect the slightest pressure levels on fingers or styluses. Additionally, using a stylus with fine tips ensures precise input.
A: Yes, active boards are designed to be versatile and can, therefore, be used outside the classroom. They are beneficial in business settings for interactive presentations and workshops. They are also widely used in training sessions and professional development workshops. Additionally, they are commonly found in conference rooms, enabling teams to visualize concepts during brainstorming sessions with enhanced collaboration capabilities.
Active boards are taking the educational and corporate training worlds by storm due to their interactivity. Some benefits that they offer include:
Active boards have been designed to elicit interaction from users while facilitating the learning or training processes. Using touch, users can write, draw, and move objects right on the board, making the learning experience more engaging. This interactivity promotes participation, helping concepts stick better and resulting in improved information retention.
Due to their interactivity, they promote collaboration in the classroom and the workplace. Students can work as a group on a single board, and teams can use the boards while presenting or brainstorming ideas. Many active boards allow several users to interact simultaneously, accommodating a teamwork approach. This fosters social and communicative skills in students and workplace teams alike emphasizing the more collaborative learning model.
Active boards come with various applications, which extend to all grade levels and types of instruction, whether teaching, training, or presenting. They can display anything, from simple educational games and simulations to intricate design projects and professional workshops. This adaptability allows one board to meet varying pedagogical or training requirements, reducing the need for supplementary equipment in these diverse environments.
Static teaching may lessen retention in any setting. Interactive boards aid in visual presentation through maps, graphs, or videos, creating a more engaging experience. The information is better remembered than that given through traditional lecturing methods.
With the constant advancement of technology, today's active boards are built for durability and require no maintenance. Active boards are constructed to be more durable than analogue boards, which suffer from scratches and damage with regular use. Consequently, they are sturdy enough to withstand constant daily use.
They also do not require any supplies like chalk or tape. They also come with surfaces easy to clean and care for, ensuring their professional look and good function for as long as possible.
This feature cuts across many newer models where users can link their smartphones, tablets, and laptops to the board. This functionality enables users to share content directly, store lesson or meeting notes, and even interact with online resources.
Learners still living in the digital age will connect better with the learning experience that utilizes devices they already own. The beauty of this integration is that it allows the board to become more than just a standalone piece of equipment.