Interactive Technologies

What is an interactive whiteboard An Interactive Whiteboard is an electronic whiteboard writing surface which can capture writing electronically in group presentation situations such as teaching. Interactive whiteboards typically require a computer; however, some newer models have basic whiteboard functionality present within the interactive whiteboard. The interactive whiteboard is designed to allow interaction with a computer display. Interactive whiteboards are most commonly used in the classrooms or the workplaces such as in an conference room or on a factory floor. Interactive whiteboards are used in one of three ways: 1.    To capture notes written on the whiteboard surface 2.    To control or annotate a computer-generated image displayed on or behind the touch surface 3.    To operate any software that is loaded onto the connected PC, including access to the internet via a web browser   The most powerful interactive whiteboards have an active surface that not only captures annotations, but completely emulates the operation of software on a PC e.g. showing, pop ups, hints, hyperlinks and mouse overs so that they overcome the limitations of touch sensitive resistive boards that use an on/off action. When coupled with an active board surface, whiteboard pens also offer a mouse right-click function that is so often used in digital content and programs. This means they can write like a pen and control like a mouse. Interactive whiteboards are replacing blackboards and conventional dry-erase whiteboards. The computer can be controlled via the board; when a pointer is detected by the sensors of the board, the cursor points to that location. There are six different types of interactive whiteboard that control the computer via the board: electromagnetic, capacitive, analog-resistive, infrared optical, ultra-sonic, and camera-based. Calibration - A digital projector or a flat panel display can be connected to the computer. In most cases, the touch surface must be calibrated with the display image. This process involves displaying a sequence of dots on the touch surface and having the user select these dots either with a stylus or using their finger. This process is called alignment, calibration, or orientation. Operation The interactive whiteboard is connected to a computer through a wired medium (USB, a serial port cable) or wirelessly (Bluetooth or RF). Usually, device driver software is loaded onto the attached computer. The whiteboard driver automatically starts when the computer is turned on, and the interactive whiteboard becomes active once the driver is running. The driver converts contact with the interactive whiteboard into mouse clicks or digital ink. There are a variety of technologies used in interactive whiteboards which you can find mentioned in our website and products. Please feel free to contact us if you need more information.