Interactive Whiteboards (IWBs) are beginning to appear in many schools and education centres throughout Ireland. IWBs work in conjunction with a computer or laptop and a data projector. The first board of its kind in Ireland was the SMART Board in 1991 but only in the past 5 years or so have they become widely popular in educational presentations.

How are they implemented?

There are three physical components in any IWB system: the Data Projector, the Board and a Computer, while the key ingredient is the software that will drive them all. The boards work by sending information to and from a computer, typically via USB or BlueTooth. The 'input device' is usually a stylus or in some cases even your finger-tip. The changing data is displayed back on the Board via the Data Projector. The system will work without the Board being turned on - but your interaction will be via the computer's mouse: the Board in this case will be an expensive projection screen.

Many IWB systems now come with optional tablets that can be passed around a classroom for students to use and from which the information on the Board can be manipulated. Recent developments include a 'one touch' power-on button, to start all three hardware components. Other developments include rear-projection and portable units (where the data projector is housed inside a large trolley, and uses a mirror system to shine through the front-mounted board), and indeed boards which are 'hardware only' (they come only with basic OS drivers) which allow you (subject to licensing of course) to use other-board software.

Already have a whiteboard?

There are solutions available to schools which already have invested in a computer and data projector for use with their existing classroom whiteboards. Attachments can be bought which add a high level of interactivity to the system.

More Information on our Interactive Whiteboards

Full specifications and all your questions answered by contacting us on 087 1230380 or be sending an email to joe@bellcom.ie

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