What is a Smart Board and Why Do Educators Love Them?

Author: Liang

May. 13, 2024

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What is a Smart Board and Why Do Educators Love Them?

Smart boards (interactive whiteboards) are an important educational tool that helped many teachers keep remote students engaged through active learning during the pandemic. Now, they continue to be an important technology to serve in-person, hybrid and remote classrooms. They even help sales teams connect with customers all over the world and make presentations of all kinds more powerful.

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As students returned to classrooms, the need for smart boards didn’t go away. In fact, this type of smart technology might be more essential than ever. How does a smart board work and what are the benefits?

Article at a glance:

What Is a Smart Board?

Smart boards — sometimes called interactive whiteboards or electronic whiteboards — are large display devices that are often wall mounted or attached to mobile carts. The devices allow users to interact, collaborate and manipulate data by touching the board or with a simple mouse click.

A smart board is an interactive tool for teachers and students that allows users to edit and annotate directly on the screen with a stylus or their finger. Users also have the capability to communicate, edit and interact with devices such as smartphones, tablets, Chromebooks, and computer screens. 

Smart Board Benefits for Educators and Students 

Imagine capturing all the content on a traditional blackboard, dry-erase board or paper flip chart and digitizing it so it can be sent to the entire classroom or other teachers. Or, what if students — whether remote or in the classroom — could answer questions, draw their ideas or write out calculations that their classmates and teacher can see? Then, the information can be instantly saved and stored.

Smart boards help students with different learning styles. Visual learners love the sharp display and interactive functions, and auditory learners can listen to multimedia content. Those who are more hands-on can write with their finger or a stylus, and the functionality allows teachers to address an entire group or focus on one-on-one learning.

Interactive tools help students learn and keep them engaged. These are just a few of the major benefits of smart board technology for educational environments. Many of these benefits also translate to the corporate world. 

How Does a Smart Board Work? 

Like old-fashioned, dry-erase whiteboards, smart boards are used to share messages, capture information and facilitate brainstorming and team collaboration. They have the same basic conventional features, but leverage PC technology and connect to the internet to dramatically increase the range of functions.

Their large digital flat displays make the devices easy to use and interact with, using capacitive touch with up to 20 points of contact. Handwriting and character recognition are generally included, along with a stylus, digital pen, and sometimes keyboards depending upon the user environment. They can use multi-media like PowerPoint presentations and different software apps to give end users specialized learning tools to engage students or colleagues.

For video conferencing, the newest devices integrate with Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Skype and Google apps. Remote students or workers can now collaborate and meet from anywhere. Onboard speakers are generally included, but the smart boards can also be equipped with optional audio output to enhance user experiences. You can even tie multiple units together to form a cohesive video messaging system or video wall — the ultimate digital projector.

The displays may include an optional full functioning PC controller. In addition, smart boards use many different types of inputs including USB, HDMI, DisplayPort Input, VGA, DVI-D, or direct connection to any network resource along with wireless functionality. 

Considerations When Buying a Smart Board 

Smart Board Size and Resolution

Choose the correct size for your room or application; the optimum viewing size and angle are important to reduce neck and eye strain. The most popular sizes range from 32 inches to 86 inches, but the environment determines which size is best. A classroom may require a board from 75 to 86 inches, while a smaller meeting room may only need a 55-inch board. 

Smart Board Software

Software apps are an important aspect. If PC based, Windows and the Microsoft Suite are very versatile and extremely functional. Cloud services, educational or other industry-specific software that enhance functionality, connectivity, storage or performance are important items to consider. Be sure to research the software you need for your equipment, as software is crucial for providing superior functionality. 

Smart Board Costs 

The larger the smart board unit, the higher the acquisition cost. Consider the room and audience for your display before deciding. Resolution of 4k or better works well for nearly all education and business collaboration needs. A 55-inch board can be had for under $1,000, while a 98-inch board can cost more than $10,000. 

RELATED: 4 Compelling Benefits of Leasing Equipment vs. Buying

Make sure you know what software you will need for your interactive whiteboard, as it can equal or even exceed the price of the actual display board. Specialized applications and programs can cost from $0 to over $600 per instance depending on the app. Cloud services or other software that enhances connectivity, storage or performance can cost between $150 and $1,500 per month.

Accessories and other extras for your smart board also add to the cost of your interactive display solution. Pens, pen trays and erasers can range from $25 to over $200. Wall mounts and rolling stands can range from $250 to well over $1,500. Extra cameras or camera upgrades can cost from $100 to $250 depending on resolution and features. 

What is the Best Smart Board? 

Ask your Gordon Flesch Company (GFC) Account Executive about the models offered and which are the best solution for your needs and investment (GFC offers Ricoh Interactive White Boards because we believe them to be reliable and perform exceptionally well for the investment). Also consider leasing vs. buying as this technology will change over a 60-month period. GFC Leasing offers an array of flexible financing options to help you keep your technology up to the latest standards.

Our experienced team will help you find the correct device for your needs that will last for many years. GFC helps guide clients from research and acquisition through installation and configuration.

If you’d like to learn more about the latest in interactive whiteboard technology, talk to the technology experts at Gordon Flesch Company. We have a range of interactive smart board options and technology analysts who will make sure your new whiteboards easily integrate and enhance your existing presentation technology. 

 

How Much Does a Good Smart Board Cost?

Smart boards have been integrated into classrooms for years, but how much do they cost? Click here to learn about and compare smart board prices.

Generally speaking, you should be budgeting between $2000.00 and $6000.00 for a quality smart board for your office space. The amount you spend will depend on the size, features and accessories you’re looking to add.

These are without a doubt the coolest new innovation in presentation technology today, and adding one to your meeting room instantly impresses guests and clients alike.

They also give your employees the same functionality they’re used to in their day-to-day lives from their smartphones and tablets. As Virgin.com recently wrote in a great blog called Privacy Pods and Other Architectural Office Trends to Look Out For:

“Acutely aware that the next generation employees are digital natives, used to different ways of working, sharing, and collaborating from an early age, employers are under increasing pressure to close the gap and make the workplace as technically up to speed as their employees’ homes.”

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So let’s take a look at some of the factors that should be involved in your purchase decision.

What Screen Size Do You Need for Your Smart Board?

Generally speaking, most units start at about 56″ and go up to about 96″ in size.

The actual screen itself is LED technology. This means you’re going to get:

  • Incredible image and text display quality
  • Low power consumption
  • Accurate response times

Also, most units will come with a very good or lifetime warranty on your screen.

What Type of Features Do I Need?

Most smart boards on the market today should allow you to:

  • Enter text efficiently
  • Take detailed notes
  • Easily create virtual versions of flipcharts and other traditional presentation tools

You can do all this without annoying and messy ink markers. Most will require no special writing equipment needed and you will literally be able to write with your finger.

The popular features among most users include:

  1. It acts as an extension of your computer. Any tasks you can do on your laptop will be displayed and manipulated on the board
  2. You can store files locally on its internal memory
  3. Most have no proprietary software to download or install. Just plug-and-play. They also work perfectly with any computer using Windows, Mac, Linux
  4. TAA Compliant

The Top Best Selling Smart Boards

Smartboard SBM680

Size: 77 inches
Features: Adaptable and user-friendly gesture capability, which allows you to do more with the onscreen content.

Smartboard BOARDSBM685

Size: 87 inches
Features: Two different users can work instantly without having to switch to a multi-user mode or be forced to work in a confined area.

Smartboard SBX880

Size: 77 inches
Features: DViT(TM) (Digital Vision Touch) technology can distinguish between several different actions and respond accordingly.

Smartboard SBID8084i-G4-SMP

Size: 84 inches
Features: It offers 2 presence detection sensors that can detect people up to 16′ (5 m) away.

Smartboard SPNL-4084

Size: 84 inches
Features: 4K ultra-high-definition resolution display offers the best possible resolution.

Smartboard SPNL-6265-V2

Size: 65 inches
Features: 4K ultra-high-definition resolution for the crispest and most striking images.

Smartboard SPNL-6275

Size: 75 inches
Features: It offers 8 simultaneous touchpoints on Windows and Mac devices and full integration with most tablets and smartphones, and even Chromebooks.

Smartboard SBM680V

Size: 77 inches
Features: It can easily process two simultaneous touches, so two users can interact using the included pens or other objects, or by using their fingers to write and perform gestures.

Smartboard SBM685V

Size: 87
Features: Smooths out how digital ink looks on screen, which improves the legibility of a user’s handwriting.

Smartboard SB885E

Size: 87
Features: Cameras automatically identify when a user switches between their finger, fist or a pen.

Does My Office Need a Smart Board?

If you’re reading this, there is a good chance you do. You just may not be sure on which make and model you need.

Like most tools, it all depends on what you will be using it for. Here are some common applications, and how the smart board comes in handy.

Presentations

Anytime you want to present something with a bit of wow-factor. You can spice up some pretty plain numbers and analytics, with some more interactive features.

Training Sessions

Keep your audience’s attention longer and help them retain more of the information, with a more entertaining and engaging presentation.

Sales Pitches

When you don’t want to leave any expense spared to impress a client, use a smart board.

Don’t tell your clients that you’re cutting edge. Show them with videos and an interactive pitch.

Show them you take their business seriously and blow them away with more than just a PowerPoint deck.

Teleconferences

If stakeholders have to dial into the call remotely, put them on the big screen while multitasking through other features at the same time.

Town Halls

Again, this will allow remote stakeholders to dial in and be a prominent part of the meeting.

It also allows you to add everyone’s ideas and feedback to the board, so people can see their comments were noted and appreciated.

Creative Meetings/ Planning Sessions

Ideas will fly through the air at a fast and furious rate when your company’s best minds get together to collaborate.

There’s no time to worry about getting things down on an old-school whiteboard. Use a smart board to get them up and on record, so you can spend your time talking about them, not writing them down.

It also guarantees good record keeping, so nothing will be forgotten or missed when you send the meeting minutes/notes/ summary.

How Smart Boards are Better Than Whiteboards

I mean, it’s sort of asking why a landline with a rotary dial isn’t as good as the iPhone X. These two things really aren’t even in the same category. Especially comparing what they can do in the classroom.

It goes way beyond the difference between analog and digital things. It’s about the potential a smart board gives you.

Simply by seeing moving objects and graphics (versus blue ink on a white background), your audience will be more engaged. That means they:

  1. Are less likely to “wander off” mentally
  2. Are more likely to contribute
  3. Will retain more of the information presented
  4. Are more likely to feel like they contributed if they can see their words on the big screen

Are You Ready to Add a Smart Board to Your Office?

As you can see, they are an investment that will actually bring more value to nearly every meeting you have after buying one.

We can help you pick out the right technology and match it with an overall design for your office. You can click here to contact us anytime.

 

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