(55673 products available)
An active board, also known as an interactive whiteboard, is a digital board that uses a projector and computer to display content. It allows multiple users to engage with the displayed material through touch or stylus input. Active boards come in various types, each with unique features and technologies. Here are some common types:
Resistive active boards primarily use resistive touch technology. They have a flexible plastic or glass layer that responds to pressure when a finger or stylus touches the surface. The touch event creates a change in electrical resistance, allowing the board to detect the location of the touch. These boards are generally less expensive than other types. They are compatible with various styluses and offer good accuracy for basic applications. However, they may not support multi-touch functionality, limiting their use for collaborative activities.
Capacitive active boards
Capacitive active boards use capacitive touch technology. They have a glass surface that can detect touch through the electrical field. This allows the boards to respond to touch from fingers and specialized styluses. These boards support multi-touch functionality, enabling multiple users to interact simultaneously. They offer high sensitivity, accuracy, and better durability compared to resistive boards. However, they tend to be more expensive and may require specific styluses for optimal performance.
Electromagnetic active boards
Electromagnetic active boards are also known as active matrix boards. They utilize electromagnetic technology to detect touch. The boards come with a grid of wires under the surface. The grid creates a magnetic field that interacts with a stylus or finger. This allows the board to determine the location of the touch. The boards support multi-touch and have good accuracy and durability. Additionally, they are less affected by dirt or grease on the surface. However, they can be more expensive than resistive boards.
Laser active boards
Laser active boards use laser technology for touch detection. They come with laser beams that create an invisible grid over the surface. When a stylus or hand crosses the beams, the board detects the change. These boards have high accuracy and can support multiple touch points. Additionally, they are durable and resistant to scratches. However, they can be pricey and complex to install.
Smart active boards
Smart active boards are high-tech boards with advanced features. They come with built-in computers, cameras, microphones, and speakers. These boards support various operating systems and applications. They allow for standalone use without needing an external computer. Additionally, they have video conferencing and wireless connectivity options. However, they can be expensive and may have compatibility issues with some software.
Choosing an active board is not as simple as it sounds. There are several factors that one needs to consider before making a purchase decision. Below are some tips on how to choose an active board.
Consider the school budget
When looking for a board, schools should pick one that works with what they can spend. There are many different types of active boards with different prices, so it's important to choose one that fits into the budget but also has the features needed. It might also be good for the school to think about the prices of the extra things, like the software and the tools that go with the board.
Think about how big the board should be and where to put it
The size of the board is important because it needs to fit in the classroom and be seen by all the students. Active boards come in different sizes, so choose one that matches the room space. Also, decide if the board will be mounted on the wall or if a mobile stand will be used.
Look at the technology and features
The board's technology is important because it makes the lessons more interesting and helps students learn better. Boards with touch technology are good because many students can use them at the same time. Also, think about what extra features are needed, like the ability to connect to the internet, use different devices, or have built-in apps.
Check the quality of the board and how easy it is to use
It's important to choose a good-quality board that is easy to use so that teachers and students can use it without any problems. A board that is easy to use will help teachers spend more time using it for lessons instead of trying to figure out how it works.
Consider the support and training options
Good support and training from the company that sells the board is important. Teachers might need help learning how to use the board, and they might need help if there are problems.
The active board for kids has several features that make learning fun and interactive. Below are the main features.
Multiple activities
Many activities are available on the active boards, such as puzzles, counting, spelling, music, drawing, and painting. This helps to ensure that the board is not monotonous and that the child is continually stimulated. It also aids in the growth of a child's cognitive, linguistic, social, emotional, and fine motor skills.
Interactive games
Various interactive games are available on active boards, such as memory games, board games, and reading games. These games are played with the board's touchscreen and digital pen or fingers. They assist kids in developing problem-solving abilities, logical thinking, and creativity.
Educational content
Active boards have educational material that covers subjects like science, history, geography, and math. This content aids with homework and studying for exams. The information is delivered through videos, animations, and interactive exercises.
Music and sound
Music and sound features on active boards include songs, melodies, sound effects, and musical instruments. Children can learn about rhythm, melody, and different musical instruments through music. Sounds can be used to make games and activities more exciting.
Design and durability
The design and durability of the active board are crucial. It should be strong and sturdy enough to withstand regular use. The board's surface should be smooth so that a digital pen can be used easily. It should also have a comfortable handle so it can be carried easily. An active board with a protective case is good because it helps keep the board safe from damage.
An active board is a great tool for enhancing learning experiences in a classroom or training environment. However, it is crucial to address safety concerns to ensure the wellbeing of users. Here are some safety considerations for active boards:
Electrical Safety
Ensure that the active board is properly installed by a qualified electrician. This includes wiring, outlets, and circuit breakers. Users should avoid touching the board with wet hands and ensure that all cables are connected when using the device.
Physical Safety
The active board should be mounted securely on the wall or on a dedicated stand. This prevents any risk of falling or tipping over. When using touch gestures, users should maintain a safe distance from the board's surface to prevent accidents.
Content Safety
Inappropriate content should be filtered out when using interactive boards in a classroom. This includes setting up content filters in web browsers and using parental control software. Users should also be cautious when downloading software and applications to avoid malware and viruses.
Health and Ergonomics
To prevent eyestrain, users should adjust the brightness and contrast settings of the active board. This will help to achieve comfortable viewing levels. Maintaining proper posture when using the board is important to prevent musculoskeletal issues. Users should also take regular breaks to reduce fatigue and improve overall wellbeing.
Quality is an important feature to consider when choosing an interactive board. Here are some key features to look for:
Display Quality
The interactive board should have a high-resolution display with at least 1920x1080 pixels. This ensures clear images and sharp text. A board with 4K Ultra HD resolution provides even better clarity, especially for large screen sizes. Users should also look for boards with high brightness levels. This makes the screen visible in well-lit rooms. A good contrast ratio improves color accuracy and depth of images.
Touch Technology
Interactive boards use different touch technologies like InGlass, infrared, and capacitive. InGlass technology provides high accuracy and smooth writing experience. It also supports palm rejection. Infrared touch technology is highly accurate and supports multi-touch capabilities.
Durability
The interactive board should have a sturdy construction with a durable glass or anti-glare surface. This makes it resistant to scratches and impacts. It should also have a long lifespan with a warranty of at least 3 years.
Audio Quality
The board should have built-in speakers with high-quality sound. This eliminates the need for external speakers. It should also have multiple connectivity options like USB ports, HDMI, VGA, and audio jacks.
What are the benefits of an active board over a traditional board?
Active boards have many benefits over traditional ones, such as better student engagement, improved collaboration, and more versatile teaching options. Teachers may engage students more effectively by using interactive elements like touch, gestures, and multimedia content, which can lead to greater involvement in lessons. In addition, interactive boards facilitate group activities and discussions, which improve teamwork and communication skills. Active boards also provide a variety of teaching tools and adaptable lesson plans that cater to different learning styles and preferences, enhancing the learning experience.
How does an active board improve student engagement?
Active boards improve student engagement by providing interactive and immersive learning experiences. Students can touch and operate the board themselves, which encourages them to engage with the learning materials directly. Active boards can also display videos, animations, and other multimedia content to make lessons more interesting. They can also support interactive quizzes and games that make learning more fun and help students remember information better.
What subjects are best suited for active boards?
Active boards can be used in all subjects, but they are most useful in math, science, and language arts. Active boards can help explain complex math concepts through interactive graphs and equations. They can also be used to conduct virtual experiments in science class when hands-on experiments are not feasible. Interactive boards are also useful in language arts classes for collaborative writing exercises and interactive reading activities.
What is the future of active boards in education?
The future of active boards in education looks promising as technology continues to advance. Active boards will become more affordable and accessible to schools worldwide, allowing more classrooms to benefit from their interactive features. Ongoing developments in artificial intelligence could also make active boards smarter, enabling them to personalize learning experiences further based on individual student needs and preferences.