Interactive whiteboard: types and types

New technologies began their offensive in such a seemingly conservative area as training. Increasingly, in various educational institutions one can see a technique that represents the embodiment of innovative technologies. One such innovation is an interactive whiteboard. It is a complex, which consists of a large-sized touch panel, a projector and a computer. On the touch panel screen, information is displayed from the computer desktop using the projector.

By the way the projector is placed, the direct and reverse projection settings are distinguished. The simplest ones are straight, but they have a number of drawbacks: when using them, you have to stand sideways to the screen, choosing the position so as not to block the light flux from the projector. The interactive back projection board lacks such drawbacks, and the light from the projector does not interfere with the lecturer (teacher), but the lack of such a system is its high price.

Today, there are stationary or mobile models of these devices, but their weight is not called small (about 200 kilograms, with the weight of an ordinary board around 40 kg).

By way of determining the position of the marker, the interactive whiteboard can be:

• Infrared;
• Ultrasound;
• Optical;
• Sensory resistive;
• Electromagnetic.

Ultrasonic and infrared technology works only with a certain marker that, when in contact with the board, emits signals (ultrasonic or infrared), which are determined by the detector frame of the board. Based on these signals, the location of the marker is calculated.

The optical method of detection allows you to work with any object: what is brought close to the surface of the board is "see" the infrared sensors, determining the coordinates that are transmitted to the computer.

Sensory resistive technology also works with any subject. Screens of this type consist of two layers, between which there are special sensors. When pressed, the sensors operate and determine the coordinates of the touch.

Electromagnetic technology allows you to work only with a special marker, the position of which is determined by surface sensors.

Each of these technologies has its advantages and disadvantages. To properly choose the type of board, you need to determine its basic functions. If you need to write on this board not only in the off state, but also edit the displayed materials, then you should buy an electromagnetic board that has a hard coating. By the way, they allow you to connect various graphic programs and editors, for example, the PAINT program. Equally important is the availability of instructions in Russian, ease of management, the availability of repair points or service (warranty) workshops in your city.

Any interactive whiteboard is provided with software. But its volume can be very different: some contain only basic utilities, others can have libraries, teaching and developing programs, encyclopedias, ready-made lessons, etc. Such interactive whiteboard in the school or institute will become an indispensable assistant. Work with the interactive whiteboard should be comfortable and convenient. Information on all the additional features of various models can be obtained on official websites of manufacturers.