Interactive whiteboards v/s Interactive Panels

Interactive whiteboards have formed the crux of modern classrooms for quite some time now.  These are backed by a projector and helps the teachers in not only creating engaging lessons but also encourages healthy interaction and fruitful collaboration from students. 

However, with the latest advancement of the technology, interactive whiteboards have seen a major shift and have been lately replaced with the much more hassle free and efficient interactive display panel as these display panels are much more effective when calculated over certain aspects.

What is an Interactive whiteboard? 

An interactive whiteboard projector contains two sections; a whiteboard and projector which includes a focal point to extend pictures. The projector is generally mounted to the roof or to the divider over the whiteboard and is the wellspring of the substance being shown. The whiteboard goes about as a plain screen to show the anticipated content. 

How does it function? 

Intuitive projectors empower communication by following developments, either by infrared or DLP innovation. 

Here’s how infrared works:

– A camera on the projector tracks the development of an intuitive pen 

– The pen transmits infrared light to the camera when it reaches the whiteboard 

– This development is recorded and reflected in the projection itself 

– Similar to how the developments of a remote PC mouse are pondered by the PC screen. 

Here’s how DLP works:

– The projector produces designs on the anticipated picture 

– Patterns happen rapidly enough that they’re not identified by the human eye 

– Interactive pen catches on this pattern and transfers it back to the projector 

– Projector mirrors the developments back to the touch screen whiteboard. 

What is an interactive display panel and how does it function?

Intelligent interactive displays are mounted screens which are similar to a TV which shows pictures while empowering touchscreen collaboration. They are made out of just the presentation screen itself – and typically a remote control 

In contrast to intelligent projectors, interactive panels don’t generally require a pen for composing on the presentation picture since they can react to touch. In any case, they frequently include stylus pens to empower a characteristic composing experience that is like composition on a customary whiteboard with a dry eradicate marker. 

An immense advantage of intuitive touch screens is that they don’t depend on the contribution of different PCs, or tablets. 

At the point when extra sources are required, they can be associated with a USB port, or archives can just be transferred by means of a USB memory stick.

Let us compare them ourselves and see in what way an interactive whiteboard differs from an interactive display panel. 

Aspects under consideration 

Source – The interactive whiteboards are reflective of a projector, hence there sourcing is from a projector as compared to that of an interactive display panel which is sourced on a panel as the name suggests. 

Surface – The surface is that of a plane whiteboard which is not glare resistant and needs either blinds or a shaded room for clear visibility. The surface is that of a glass panel which consists of anti-glare glass. The screen of the display panel does not require shades or blind to obtain a better visibility. 

Pricing – The price of the interactive whiteboard is much lesser than that of interactive display panel. This is mainly due to the fact that the display panel has advanced components which have to be resistant to the regular wear and tear for long time. This arrangement is done due to the fact that this is a closed unit and hence requires a better shelf life. 

Visibility – The resolution of an interactive display panel is extremely strong and precise. Whereas the visibility of the interactive whiteboard is much more compromised than the interactive display panel as it is coming from a projected source and is recreating an image on a different screen whereas the display panel is more of a TV with high resolution populated with high quality pixels that make the visibility an enriching experience. 

Size – The Interactive white board is mounted on a set height due to the projector and hence it cannot be adjusted further. However since the interactive display panel is on a trolley it can be adjusted as per the needs of the students and teachers. 

Energy Usage – The white board projector is subjected to high power usage whereas the interactive display is optimized with enhanced power consumption and hence uses much lesser power as compared to the smart boards. 

Maintenance – Smart Boards require regular cleaning in order to maintain a longer shelf life otherwise dust accumulation will compromise both the visibility as well as the life of the unit. Whereas interactive display panels require minimal maintenance as it is a closed unit and is not susceptible to the regular wear and tear of everyday. Once in a while dusting is also more than enough for its maintenance.

Conclusion

From the above observations we can clearly make out that interactive displays do have a very clear edge over the interactive monitors. Moreover, they also have a very low maintenance as compared to the other. While the price for the interactive display unit is much more than that of the smart board, it is still in justifiable terms due to the much longer shelf life and maintenance of the interactive display unit.