As I wandered across the BETT present final week I used to be struck by simply what number of several types of interactive screens there are, and simply what number of choices are actually obtainable when it comes to software program.
Alongside Good and Promethean you even have Prowise, Clevertouch, Starboard, Newline, and Viewsonic. There are additionally the businesses you would possibly discover in a excessive avenue electronics retailer like Samsung, BenQ and so forth. Add to that every one the generic Korean/Chinese language boards that had been throughout BETT.
These boards sometimes have their very own software program, or no software program. There’s typically some software program constructed into the boards today so you should use them with out a pc, which is nice for ad-hoc writing, however not all the time helpful for advance preparation of assets.
Is the software program necessary any extra? Do it’s good to be locked into the proprietary software program or are the net variations sufficient? Let’s take a look at the choices:
Proprietary Whiteboard Software program
This contains software program reminiscent of Good Pocket book, Promethean ActivInspire, Clevertouch Lynx and others. The primary benefit of proprietary software program is that it’s optimized in your display screen and its options. It often has a excessive stage of integration, efficiency, and reliability. It additionally has a well-known and constant interface that you just and your college students are used to.
The primary drawback of proprietary software program is that it’s typically costly, restrictive, or outdated. It could require a license, a subscription, or a registration to make use of. It could not work nicely with different gadgets, platforms, or software program. It could additionally lack among the options or features that you just want or need.
There’s additionally the problem of interoperability. Recordsdata created in a single model of software program are sometimes unimaginable to open in one other model’s software program. If you happen to base your assets on one platform after which transfer colleges, it’s exhausting to carry your assets with you. Likewise, some colleges have a number of manufacturers unfold across the college. Transfer to a unique classroom and also you would possibly must recreate all of your assets in one other platform. This can be a massive drawback for my pupil academics who educate in a number of colleges throughout their coaching 12 months.
Among the devoted whiteboard software program has turn out to be extremely bloated (Promethean Developer Mode anybody?) and has a pile of superior options that no trainer may have time to make use of. You don’t really want that many instruments – Pen, Textual content, Shapes and Picture Seize will do you fantastic more often than not. I urged 8 methods to maintain it easy 13 years in the past, and I nonetheless stick by these methods!
I remembered writing about this previously, and I used to be shocked once I dug the put up out to search out it was 12 years in the past! And the market has solely obtained extra fractured since then. Colleges are, understandably, struggling financially, and so if they’re shopping for screens then price is an important issue.
Browser-Primarily based Software program
Within the time since that put up, the rise of cloud-based software program that runs in a browser has continued, together with improved bandwidth. And while Jamboard goes quickly, there are some actually good options reminiscent of FigJam and so forth. I’ve written about a few of these not too long ago. On the similar time, Promethean have simply ended Classflow and launched Clarify Every thing Whiteboard to fill the hole. There’s no scarcity of good freemium on-line whiteboards.
On-line choices Embrace:
The primary benefit of on-line software program is that it’s accessible, versatile, and collaborative. You should utilize it on any gadget, wherever, anytime. You too can share it with anybody, wherever, anytime. You possibly can create, edit, and current your content material on-line, offline, or in sync with others.
The primary drawback of on-line software program is that it’s dependent on the web connection and browser compatibility. In case you have a gradual or unreliable web connection, or in case your browser will not be supported or up to date, you might expertise lag, glitches, or errors. You may additionally lose among the options or features that your display screen provides, reminiscent of contact, gestures, or pens.
Lots of these instruments have nice collaboration options too – you’ll be able to share a web page with a category and so they can add content material, participate in polls and extra.
All the time take a look at your on-line software program earlier than utilizing it in a reside setting to ensure it will get previous your college filtering. You must also have a backup plan in case your web connection fails or your browser crashes. You must also test the privateness and safety settings of your on-line software program to ensure your information is secure and guarded.
Hybrid Software program
Hybrid software program is the software program that mixes the options and advantages of each proprietary and on-line software program. For instance, PowerPoint, Keynote, Prezi, and so forth.
The primary benefit of hybrid software program is that it’s versatile, highly effective, and acquainted. You should utilize it each on-line and offline, in your display screen and on different gadgets. You too can customise it to your preferences and wishes, with a variety of options and features. You too can use it with different software program, reminiscent of on-line whiteboards, picture seize instruments, or snipping instruments.
The primary drawback of hybrid software program is that it could be advanced, expensive, or incompatible. It could require a license, a subscription, or a registration to make use of. It could even have a steep studying curve or a cluttered interface. It could additionally not work nicely with among the options or features of your display screen, reminiscent of contact, gestures, or pens.
It’s exhausting to not find yourself utilizing Microsoft PowerPoint because the spine of all of your classes. And to be sincere I feel that’s an affordable resolution. Possibly look to make use of Powerpoint to pre-prepare your data slides, then write on clean slides utilizing the built-in drawing instruments. I typically swap between PowerPoint and a web based software reminiscent of Jamboard for any freehand writing or brainstorming I must do. For picture seize, your Home windows and Mac computer systems include a snipping software which can seize pictures you should use.
In 2012 I hoped that PowerPoint would add a whiteboard mode. I’m nonetheless ready – however there are alternatives like Microsoft Whiteboard which can also be price exploring. I do know fairly a couple of academics making good use of One Observe as whiteboard software program too.
Find out how to Select the Finest Software program for Your Interactive Display
There is no such thing as a one-size-fits-all resolution in terms of interactive display screen software program. The very best software program for you is determined by a number of elements, reminiscent of:
- The kind and model of your display screen
- The options and features you want
- The compatibility and interoperability with different gadgets and platforms
- The associated fee and availability of the software program
- The convenience of use and studying curve of the software program
- The help and updates of the software program
Abstract
Personally I feel the mix of PowerPoint and one thing on-line like FigJam can be sufficient for many academics.
Keep in mind, the perfect software program in your interactive display screen is the one which helps you create and ship efficient and interesting content material in your viewers. Whether or not you employ proprietary, on-line, or hybrid software program, or a mixture of them, be sure to replace, take a look at, and backup your software program commonly. Additionally, don’t be afraid to experiment and take a look at new software program which will give you new prospects and alternatives.
So what are individuals utilizing on their screens (I assume I lastly want to maneuver away from calling them whiteboards!) – are you utilizing the proprietary software program they arrive with or are you developing with your individual homebrew options utilizing a mixture of PowerPoint and on-line options?
Share your favourites within the feedback under.
