| Technology Driven Classrooms |
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Networked computers and interrelated technology such as interactive whiteboards, document cameras, and desktop management software can extend the capabilities and reach of a traditional classroom interactively to multiple locations.
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Interactive Whiteboards
Utilizing a PC or Macintosh and a projector,
the whiteboard can be used to present and collaborate interactively. Interactive
technology enables controls of computer and course content. A computer
workstation will need to be connected
to an LCD projector as well as to the whiteboard itself. The most common projectors used with
interactive whiteboards are front projection, with the projector placed about 10
feet in front of the board. This necessitates having wires running along the classroom
floor to the whiteboard. Some whiteboards have wireless access: RF or Bluetooth.
There are
whiteboards with rear projection; and short-throw projectors that are mounted on
an arm atop the whiteboard. Interactive whiteboards can be as small as 2 feet by 3 feet to more than 8 feet wide
and can be freestanding or wall-mounted.
| Capability | Explanation |
| Output device | Connected to a computer and LCD projector, whiteboards allow images on the computer screen - text, photographs, drawings charts, diagrams, and video - to be shown. New projects and edits to existing materials can be saved for future use. |
| Input device | Allows a whiteboard to be written on. The combination of input and output through a single device is a mashup. Instructors and students can make annotations, draw, take notes, and highlight important information. |
| Finger as a Mouse Control | With a computer workstation connected to the white board, the instructor's finger becomes the mouse. This provides the capability to scroll through pages, access menus, and run programs while standing at the board. |
| Save and Print | Whiteboards can be enabled to provide the same options as a computer; printing and saving as a graphic file, PDF, or MS Word file. |
| Record It | An entire sequence of events in a video can be saved. A lesson can be recorded for review or utilized by absent students. |
| Dukane | Dukane LeaderBoard 77H and Learner Board 77S | http://www.dukcorp.com |
| Hitachi | Hitachi StarBoard FX-Duo-77 | http://starboard.hitachi-soft.com |
| Interwrite | Learning Interwrite Board and Interwrite Workspace | http://www.interwritelearning.com |
| Numonics | Numonics Intelliboard Pl-1500 LCD Tablet Monitor | http://www.numonics.com |
| PolyVision | Walk-and-Talk boards | http://www.polyvision.com |
| Promothean | Activarena upgradeActivboard | http://www.prometheanworld.com |
| Smart Technologies 600 series | Senteo interactive response system | http://www.smarttech.com |
Adding Interactivity to an Existing Whiteboard
| Mimio www.mimio.com |
Add-ons provide interactivity to an existing whiteboard. It is a device which can be used with or without a projector. |
| Luidia www.luidia.com |
EBeam Projection transforms a wall or other flat surface into an interactive whiteboard. |
Interactive Document Camera
Enables instructors to share live
document camera demonstrations with other classrooms throughout
the local area network. This allows other rooms to watch or take part in a
lesson. Document camera functions such as annotation, image capture, video
recording, and zoom can also be controlled by each classroom accessing the
demonstration on the network.
Desktop Management Software
Desktop management software can coexist
with Remote Desktop and smart-card support. There are products which
offer significant improvements in the areas of security,
scripting, and multi-monitor support. This provides the instructor with the
capability to deliver hands-on remote
support or interactive training.
