An interactive whiteboard is a screen that is sensitive to touch or the presence of an electromagnetic pen, allowing the user to control a computer directly from the whiteboard image. This technology requires a computer, data projector and the whiteboard itself. The computer is connected to the projector and whiteboard, and the projector displays the computer screen image on the board. As you point at active elements on the board, using your finger or an electronic 'pen', the action is transmitted to the computer.
There are essentially four types of interactive whiteboard: Resistive technology: A touch- sensitive sandwich construction enables the whiteboard to be used without the need for any special pens - you can use your fingers or a dummy pen. SMART boards have some excellent free educational software available on their website.
Solid state technology: Solid state boards such as Promethean have an impact-resistant surface operated using an electronic pen. These may require batteries or recharging and are quite expensive to replace.
Rear projection: This is a self-contained cabinet incorporating the projector and screen. It provides full interactivity using a touch-sensitive surface without the shadows cast by front projection systems.
Convert existing whiteboard to become interactive: This hardware attaches to your existing whiteboard while a receiver picks up signals transmitted from special penholders.
Costs vary depending on the size and type of board. Prices start from about 250 for the Mimio type attachments, while true interactive whiteboards start from about 700 for a 48in board. Rear projection units cost in excess of 7,500.
