New technologies have begun their offensive in such a seemingly conservative area as education. Increasingly, in various educational institutions you can see equipment that is the embodiment of innovative technologies. One such innovation is the interactive whiteboard. It is a complex, which consists of a large touch panel, a projector and a computer. The screen - touch panel - displays information from the computer desktop using a projector.
According to the way the projector is placed, a distinction is made between front and rear projection settings. The simplest ones are straight, but they have a number of disadvantages: when using them, you have to stand sideways to the screen, choosing a position so as not to block the light flux from the projector. The rear projection interactive whiteboard does not have such drawbacks, and the light from the projector does not interfere with the lecturer (teacher), but the disadvantage of such a system is its high price.
Today there are stationary or mobile models of these devices, but their weight cannot be called small (about 200 kilograms, with a weighta regular board in the region of 40 kg).
According to the method of determining the position of the marker, the interactive whiteboard can be:
- infrared;
- ultrasonic;
- optical;
- touch resistive;
- electromagnetic.
Ultrasonic and infrared technology works only with a certain marker, which, when in contact with the board, emits signals (ultrasonic or infrared), which are determined by the detector frames of the board. Based on these signals, the location of the marker is calculated.
The optical detection method allows you to work with any object: infrared sensors “see” what is brought close to the surface of the board, determining the coordinates that are transmitted to the computer.
Resistive touch technology also allows you to work with any object. Screens of this type consist of two layers, between which there are special sensors. When pressed, the sensors are triggered and determine the coordinates of the touch.
Electromagnetic technology only allows you to work with a special marker, the position of which is determined by surface sensors.
Each of these technologies has its advantages and disadvantages. To choose the right type of board, you need to decide on its main functions. If you need to write on this board not only in the off state, but also edit the materials displayed on the screen, then it is worth purchasingelectromagnetic board having a hard coating. By the way, they allow you to connect various graphics programs and editors, for example, the PAINT program. An important role is played by the availability of instructions in Russian, ease of operation, the availability of repair points or service (warranty) workshops in your city.
All interactive whiteboards come with software. But its volume can vary greatly: some contain only basic utilities, others may have libraries, training and development programs, encyclopedias, ready-made lessons, etc. Such an interactive whiteboard at a school or institute will become an indispensable assistant. Working with an interactive whiteboard should be comfortable and convenient. Information about all the additional features of various models can be obtained on the official websites of manufacturers.
