In the classroom, whiteboard walls are preferable to interactive whiteboards because they are easier to clean.
To minimize misunderstanding, this article focuses on full-sized electronic whiteboards (basically a huge tablet that attaches to a classroom or office wall). Not the excellent interactive whiteboard pens available online, which work flawlessly on whiteboard-painted walls of any shape or size. (Because this is a novel way…) Interactive or electronic whiteboards, which were initially intended for use in offices, are now seen in a broad range of educational settings. Many educational administrators are wary about interactive whiteboards since they are a new and unproven teaching technology. Before acquiring an interactive whiteboard, the advantages and downsides should be carefully considered. This evaluation may be used to assess the utility and possible problems of whiteboards. Students’ attitudes and learning capacities will deteriorate if an electronic whiteboard or other instructional technology is difficult to use and comprehend.
Students and teachers can utilize the interactive whiteboards in the classroom or anywhere else using computers, phones, or tablets. These adapters allow touch-sensitive panels and displays to be linked to computers. This means that individuals may engage with computer services by using a pen, finger, or other item displayed on the screen. Teachers and students may be disappointed and irritated with interactive whiteboards, despite their capacity to help teachers engage students in new and inventive ways.
The following are some disadvantages of interactive whiteboards:
A lesson takes hours to plan.
With the help of interactive whiteboards, it is possible to teach in new and inventive methods. A flurry of software packages must be learned by educators in order to efficiently organize and prepare classes on the devices. Aside from the items listed below, many instructors still prefer traditional textbooks, whiteboards, and other classroom materials.
Insufficient training might lead to complications.
Teachers who haven’t been appropriately trained in the usage of electronic whiteboards may encounter difficulties. It is probable that instructors who are unhappy with their professions will not utilize the tools to their maximum potential. Teachers might experience a loss of confidence if they are embarrassed while using the equipment. Students must have confidence in their teacher’s skills and expertise, and they must work together with one another and their instructor. The teacher’s apparent inability to use an interactive whiteboard may have a detrimental effect on student learning.
Size Limits for College Students
The height of an interactive whiteboard may be a barrier for pupils of all ages, including those who are young or old. Teachers may assist students by utilizing stools and ladders; nevertheless, a fall from one might cause injury. Teachers are able to adjust the height of the electronic board, however, this may restrict the amount of visible area for activities. It is possible that students in the back of the classroom will have trouble viewing the interactive whiteboard because it is placed above their heads. Teachers cannot post lengthy projects or homework assignments on interactive whiteboards since they are smaller than chalkboards or whiteboard walls.
Concerns with lighting and presentation have been voiced.
A fully functioning interactive whiteboard requires optimal lighting conditions. Due to the difficulties of viewing whiteboards in direct sunlight, they must be properly shaded and positioned in the classroom or meeting space. On a whiteboard or whiteboard wall, smaller fonts and artwork may make it difficult for some pupils to read. If the computer’s battery dies or the power goes out, teachers can lose access to the presented material. Moreover, a broken interactive whiteboard panel makes it more difficult for the audience to interpret the information shown on the screen. Due to the expensive price of repairs and replacements, many institutions cannot afford to acquire the boards.
Students with distant Internet access are annoying.
Multiple scholars have found that interactive whiteboards enable students to remotely enter data using laptops. Surprisingly, this strategy frequently generates jumbled signals, on-screen clutter, and an abundance of input data. The use of remote access by students to generate offensive or irrelevant drawings or remarks may result in interruptions and miss teaching time.
The expenses associated with acquiring, implementing, training, and maintaining a system are excessive.
The initial cost of interactive whiteboards ranges from $1,500 to $6,000 or more per whiteboard, which is an apparent drawback. UnreMARKable Clear Whiteboard Paint Kits are around $315, but standard whiteboards range in price from $25 to $600.
To maximize the effectiveness of an electronic whiteboard, it will be necessary to purchase pricey add-ons, install them, and educate personnel.
Electronic whiteboards can only be made helpful by those who use them; improper or poor use renders them worthless. In order to optimize their value, interactive whiteboards require frequent adjustments; nevertheless, this increases the cost of the equipment.
The cost of troubleshooting, technical support, and maintenance may quickly accumulate, especially for interactive whiteboards with complex capabilities. The high price of interactive whiteboards is felt by fewer schools and more non-profits.
Statistical Errors
Multiple users can input data at the same time, regardless of their location, on interactive whiteboards. This advantage might soon become a disadvantage if data from various input devices is corrupt or unclear. Due to the possibility for such high degrees of complexity, the supplied information may become utterly useless over time.
Unqualified instructors
The use of interactive whiteboards in the classroom is viewed with skepticism by many seasoned instructors. According to these individuals, the technologies require them to alter their time-honored teaching strategies. In addition to learning the functioning of their devices, these educators must also learn how to integrate them into their lessons. Numerous senior professors are unwilling to commit their time and energy to this initiative.
Conclusion
In recent years, interactive whiteboards have become state-of-the-art, yet they still have limits in the classroom and in information exchanges. Therefore, potential purchasers of interactive whiteboards for schools or businesses should conduct research. Both economically and environmentally, whiteboard-painted walls are the superior solution.