This week the discussion topic will focus on different types of IWBs. There are different ways to operate, display, and interact with IWBs. I had no idea there was such variety in this tool.
Most Interactive WhiteBoards work using one of three main operating systems. Touch-based systems rely on changes in pressure over a membrane that is stretched over the electronics. Users like that fingers, pointers, or any stick like object can activate the mouse click. Electromagnetic pen-based systems utilize a coordinate plain and the displacement of electric signals to determine the location of the touch. Accuracy is a key feature with this type of IWB. The third category is ultrasonic IR pen-based. They can turn most surfaces into IWBs once the special pen is calibrated to the projected image. This type is also portable, which leads us to the display options.
IWBs use either front or rear projection to display the images on the screen. A video projector transmits the images onto the screen with the user in between in the front kind. The biggest issue with this type is that the user gets in the way of the image and can cast a shadow on the board interfering with the image and accuracy of the operation. Rear projection models tend to cost more than their front counterparts and pose the issue of where to mount the projector if the screen is located on a wall, since it must be behind it. Users enjoy not having to stare into the light while interacting with rear projection type.
How do IWBs sense that a touch is occurring? Resistive IWBs feel when two membranes touch and locate the spot of interaction. Electromagnetic IWBs react when magnets on the board surface or in the pen to pinpoint the location of the touch. Capacitive IWBs use an x, y coordinate and touch to produce the mouse click. Optical IWBs use lasers and the reflection of inferred light to function. Ultrasonic IWBs work when ultrasonic waves become suppressed after being touched.
While writing this blog, I realized that this entry could have been several weeks worth. If anyone has questions about a specific type of IWB, let me know and I will do my best to locate an answer for you.
I'm not going to pretend like I even remotely understand how these different IWBs work, but I was just curious if one type is preferred over the others?
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Greg,
ReplyDeleteIWBs really seem to differ in technology and usage. It seems they would all be very similar. Is there a typical type in the K-12 classroom, the one we seem to think of as a Smartboard? If there is a typical type, specifically which type does it tend to be and why? I'd assume that schools may use more basic models to save on costs?
Hi Greg:
ReplyDeleteI think the third category of IWBs, the ultrasonic IR pen-based sounds the most interesting to me because as you said, "they can turn most surfaces into IWBs once the special pen is calibrated to the projected image." This seems a cost saving advantage and also seemingly allow for easy portability to different locations and venues.
Please note, so far the information that you have given us on your Blog about IWBs has been very engaging. Thank you for doing such a good job!
~Aja
I can only speak for my school, but the front projection IWBs are the only ones we have. The library and a 3rd grade classroom have the boards located in a specific spot so they don't have to calibrate it before each lesson. There is one IWB that other classrooms can borrow for lessons but it seems like quite the project to set up and prepare. I do have a friend who is a high school teacher who is receiving an IWB for her science classroom as a result of writing a grant and attending professional development. I will inquire as to the specifics of her IWB next time we hang out.
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