An interactive whiteboard or an interactive panel - which is better for a school

It is hard to imagine modern schools without interactive equipment in classrooms. It is used both for training, and seminars, open lessons, etc. Interactive for classes makes the learning process more interesting, and the information is easier to perceive. There are two types of interactive systems on the market - tables and panels. They differ in functionality and ease of use. So, need to find out, which of the presented options is more suitable for the educational process at school.

What is an interactive whiteboard and how does it work?

An interactive whiteboard is a screen of certain dimensions, which requires a computer connection and a projector for full operation. If compared with an ordinary wall, then there is feedback.

A person touches the surface of the screen and at that moment the signal is transmitted to the computer. The software instantly processes the received signal and forms feedback depending on it. The projector serves as a demonstrator – it projects an image onto the screen, transferred from the computer. So, an interactive whiteboard for school is used as a touch monitor, which allows a person to perform various operations on a personal computer.

The main disadvantage of this type of board is that it is necessary to connect additional equipment to work. It is quite difficult to install and configure without the help of a specialist. The cost of the Smart interactive complex in the StemClass online store 83 500 UAH.

What is an interactive panel and its capabilities

The interactive panel is a large touch screen, which responds to human touch, processes received commands and displays the necessary data on the screen. It is also called a full-fledged tablet computer. Interactive touch panels are the next step in the development of interactive systems.

Manufacturers have developed special software for the interactive panel, but any user can download additional programs, compatible with the operating system. There are a large number of educational games for Android and Windows, text editors, data tables, interesting presentations, etc. These panels have everything, which can be useful in the learning process.

The main advantages of interactive panels for school:

• Unlike interactive whiteboards, they do not require additional darkening of the room.
• They have a clearer and more contrasting picture.
• Unlike cheap ultrasonic boards, do not require active styluses.
• Minimal maintenance, and projectors for interactive boards require service, dust cleaning, lens cleaning and have a limited lamp life. The service life of equipment in the middle price range 5000 hours.
• Do not require constant calibration for operation.

The cost of a good quality interactive whiteboard in the StemClass online store 165 000 UAH.

Functions of interactive equipment

Interactive equipment resembles something stands at school with useful information, but unlike them, such equipment is designed for simultaneous work with different types of data. This increases the number of engaged viewers and simplifies the demonstration process. Let's talk about the functions in more detail.

Editing and entering information

Possibilities offered by interactive equipment:

• write text, erase it or edit it;
• recognize handwritten materials;
• move the details on the screen;
• take screenshots;
• save comments, written during the review of the presentation.

Base of various lessons

The teacher can independently configure the profile and choose the appropriate program for training. The base also has a set of various geometric shapes, short animated videos, monograms and much more.

Creation of documents

Using the interactive panel, you can easily create the necessary document (and not only textual). Ready documents can be sent to other users by mail.

A complete implementation of your computer software

Access to special features of the device. They are supported by hardware or PC software, which is connected to it. And all this without leaving the board.

Differences between an interactive panel and an interactive whiteboard

The main differences between an interactive whiteboard and an interactive panel:

• Despite the big difference in price, an interactive panel costs less, because everything depends on the period of operation. Obsolete school equipment has a limited service life to 30 000 hours, last generation - 50 000 hours.
• The use of interactive equipment is multifaceted, can serve as an assistant in the educational process. It is used to show presentations, conducting seminars, meetings etc. In general, will come in handy at any event, where the use of such equipment would be appropriate.
• Interactive panels do not require the use of third-party bulky equipment.
• You can install the interactive panel yourself, and an interactive whiteboard requires a specialist, able to connect and configure the device.
• The image on the interactive panel is clearer. So people won't have to look, to see the details.
• Control of the interactive panel is carried out with the help of a stylus or by touching the fingers of the hand.
• The following operating systems are the basis of the interactive panel, like Android and Windows.
• The display near the touch panel has additional illumination. Therefore, the working room will not have to be additionally illuminated with the help of switched-on lamps.

What to choose: interactive whiteboard or interactive panel

Certainly, an interactive panel is the best option for use in a school course of study, because the capabilities of the interactive whiteboard are very limited. For all its advantages, the cost of the panel is much higher compared to the board. It is this fact that makes the panel less accessible for education. If the means allow, attention should be paid to modern technologies, because their functionality is much higher.

Where to buy interactive for classes?

Interactive equipment that allows you to speed up the learning process at reasonable prices is also offeredStemClass online store. The following types of interactive equipment are presented in the company's catalog:

• interactive panels;
• digital complexes;
• screens;
• electronic boards;
• multimedia systems;
• tablets;
• interactive floors;
• interactive tables;
• sensors…

Interactive panels and whiteboards are intended for use not only in educational institutions, but also in state institutions, in power structures, in operational services and project organizations.

StemClass supplies customers with samples of multimedia boards and other equipment from the world's best manufacturers for schools, that have proven themselves well. These devices allow you to display, save, process and analyze any digital and audiovisual data. The use of screens improves the assimilation of information by the audience and contributes to increasing the effectiveness of any educational or production process. You can get advice on choosing and buying an interactive product at: (096) 333-98-33.