SMART Board: Digital Transformation in the Educational Environment

Schools, high schools and colleges are increasingly using technology to improve and streamline the educational process. Among the configurations encountered for arranging classrooms and courses, we find either the video projector used with the interactive whiteboard or the interactive display.

In this material, ELTEK specialists will present important details about educational technology, the specific type of interactive display, a brief comparison between the two previously mentioned approaches in education, and SMART solutions for Education.

SMART rethinks the educational process

SMART interactive displays for interactive education

The SMART interactive display is a vital component of the daily experience of students and teachers. Using this product dedicated to the educational environment will allow teachers, in the long term, to achieve their pedagogical objectives.

In terms of its presence in the AV market on the education and training side, SMART Technologies has been building products and solutions exclusively dedicated to the classroom for over 35 years. On the interactivity side, the brand's displays specifically target increasing student involvement in the learning process and using technology in the simplest ways possible.

What is the future of Education?

Teachers and administrators must adapt the learning environment to new educational technologies, such as the use of a video projector in the classroom. We can agree that there is no single formula that can guarantee success in interactive education. We are talking about different needs depending on the student, teacher, classroom, school and faculty. Thus, when we want to purchase educational technology, it is essential to make an informed decision.

If we want an educational tool that can distribute content for any type of educational cycle (primary, middle school, high school, university), then we use the interactive display solution.

From interactive whiteboard to interactive display

It is an LCD or LED display with a wide range of functions, excellent for interactive education. Equipped with a touch function and pen, we can interact with this device as if we were using a tablet. Available in sizes up to 86", this interactive education device is designed for interaction with multiple users. It is ideal when we want to share content and interact with digital and online material.

For this we have two options available:

1. We use the interactive display after connecting it to a computer and other devices, such as a video projector;
2. I'm purchasing one that has a built-in computer.

What makes this display a necessary element for successful modern education is precisely its interactivity. Although a standard display is more popular and cheaper than an interactive one produced by a popular brand, for the educational field, we absolutely need an interactive one. The reason is very simple: interactivity enhances the teacher's pedagogical skills, increases the level of involvement of pupils and students in the lesson and significantly encourages class participation.

If we are referring to hybrid instruction, with the whole class, with a small group, and individual learning, then by using an interactive display, we have at hand a tool that supports all these forms of interactive education.

For the student, it is the place where he/she works together with other colleagues and teachers, interacts with different types of content, and solves problems. Overall, an interactive display is exactly that necessary and sufficient educational tool that lends itself perfectly to different types of learning and teaching methods.

SMART Board replaces the interactive whiteboard with a video projector

This is the most efficient educational solution for schools, high schools or universities. As a rule, the package consisting of an interactive whiteboard and a video projector is a solution that we will find at many electronics vendors in Romania, being very popular especially for interactive education.

However, we must consider three crucial elements regarding video projection: costs, consumption and lifespan. If we refer to the interactive whiteboard - video projector duo, then we can talk about several clear reasons why it is desirable to replace this outdated teaching practice with a high-performance interactive display.

• Interactive display vs. video projector

SMART BOARD costs are lower than a video projector overall

The initial purchase of a video projector often involves lower costs than that of an interactive display. However, studies show that in the long term, we will have higher maintenance costs using video projection technology compared to displays based on interactivity.

The energy consumption of a SMART Board is lower than that of a video projector

A video projector has a higher energy consumption than an interactive display, which means it is less environmentally efficient and requires higher costs.

Longer lifespan of a SMART Board compared to a video projector

A standard video projector has an average lifespan of 5 years, while an interactive display can be used for 20,000 to 50,000 hours. In other words, strictly speaking, it is like buying a product two or three times compared to its equivalent that we will buy only once.

• SMART Board interactive display vs. interactive whiteboard + video projector

The interactive whiteboard and video projector used together have several disadvantages that require their replacement with a high-performance display in terms of interactivity. We will briefly explain them below.

Calibrating and recalibrating the sheet metal are long and demanding operations.

The interactive whiteboard requires calibration so that the camera correctly interprets where on the screen the finger or pen was used. This setup is essential, and if we move the video projector or whiteboard, then we will need to recalibrate that component.

The projector lamp is expensive and requires special treatment.

Most interactive whiteboards are designed to work with a lamp-based projector. This central component of a projector must be replaced, which is expensive.

Technically, the lamp is equipped with filters, and these must be cleaned constantly. Returning to replacing the lamp, they contain mercury, so we will have to handle the component carefully and use special procedures to eliminate it.

The user is conditioned by a fixed installation

Educational packages consisting of a whiteboard and a video projector require numerous cables fixed to the wall to connect the computer and the video projector. This will not allow us to move any of the components of the system (interactive whiteboard or video projector). If we do, then we will have to recalibrate everything. Using an interactive display allows us to avoid this inconvenience.

ConCluSIonS

Education systems specialists are at your disposal with standard or personalized offers depending on the needs of the classroom or the school's budget.

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