The evolution of smart classrooms over the years has been impressive. Just a decade ago, setting up a smart classroom meant dealing with projectors, screens, keyboards, and a complex range of equipment that made the setup complex to manage and use. As Android technology advanced, the idea of a PC Free smart classroom emerged, making smart class adoption much simpler. A single device, controlled as easily as a TV remote, changed the game. However, the one thing missing was interactivity.
Then came interactive digital boards (IDB) for schools, serving three key purposes:
- Interactive digital boards replaced traditional blackboards with a built-in whiteboarding application, enabling teachers to teach, write, and draw instructions just as they did before, but with the convenience of digital tools.
- IDB allowed teachers to easily use learning platforms and content, enriching the classroom experience.
- Interactive digital boards introduced interactivity, encouraging students to engage with the material through touch-based interactions, which they naturally inclined towards, making learning more joyful and engaging.
As their acceptance in classrooms increased, the market became flooded with brands, making it confusing for buyers to choose the right one.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the key parameters to consider when selecting an interactive digital board for schools
Screen Size of interactive digital board for your schools
When choosing an interactive digital board for your school, it’s important to consider the size of the classroom to ensure optimal visibility and audibility for all students. IDBs come in various sizes— 65″, 75″, 86″, and 98″—but the 65″ model is often the most preferred for schools. It strikes a balance between affordability and functionality, with a screen large enough for clear text visibility and audio. A 65-inch panel works well for classrooms with 30-40 students. If your class is larger or in a bigger hall, you might want to opt for a 75-inch panel. The availability of different screen sizes makes IDB an ideal choice for enhancing digital learning experiences in schools.
Hardware Specifications of IDB for schools
When selecting an Interactive Digital Board for schools, RAM plays a crucial role in ensuring high performance, speed, and smooth functioning. If you only plan to use the whiteboarding tool and won’t be running many apps or high-definition videos, a device with 4GB RAM will be sufficient. However, if you plan to run digital content, use multimedia, and various learning apps, or want interactive classroom sessions where students engage with the device, opting for an 8GB RAM device will give you better performance, speed, and longevity. 8GB devices are now easily available at affordable prices. While internal memory is not as important, additional content storage can be easily managed with external devices such as a pendrive for Android-based IDBs or an OPS device for Windows-based setups, ensuring your digital board remains flexible and efficient.
Choice of Android OS/Windows OS or both Android OS and Windows
When choosing between Android OS, Windows OS, or a combination of both for interactive digital boards for schools, it’s important to know that most IDBs come equipped with Android by default, with Android version 11 and above. This choice of version is key in decision making because there are many archived versions of android still available. A highly suitable version for the classroom is Android 11 as it meets all the used cases of the classrooms and is cost effective. If you opt for Windows, you would need to attach an additional device or OPS. This will increase your budget by 25-30K depending on which OPS you buy.
Availability of After Sales Service provider for IDB
When selecting a service provider for an interactive digital board for schools, it’s essential to prioritize after-sales support. Many organizations sell affordable options, but the true value lies in having a reliable partner who can ensure continuity in learning in your classrooms. Brands like LG and BenQ stand out for their commitment to a quick turnaround time of 24 to 48 hours, with this you don’t have to deal with manufacturers who believe in buying and moving on after-sale service. To avoid the risk of downtime, it’s crucial to choose a provider that delivers consistently, and who is located closer to you to ensure a turnaround time of 24-48 hours, whenever needed.
Compatibility with learning platform and digital content
It is most likely that, if you are considering buying an interactive digital board for schools, you will use it for smart classroom purposes. Therefore, it is essential to ensure compatibility of the learning platform and digital content you plan to use. While most apps designed for Android should work with interactive digital boards (IDB), not all platforms and content are optimized for every device. To avoid any technical issues, you should thoroughly check if the learning platform and digital content you’ve chosen are fully compatible with the IDB model you’re purchasing. This ensures seamless integration for an effective and engaging smart classroom experience.
Check for Whiteboarding Application on Interactive Digital Boards
When selecting an Interactive Digital Board for schools, ensure that it includes a whiteboarding application. This feature is crucial as it allows teachers to effectively replace traditional blackboards. With the whiteboarding app, teachers can teach, write, draw, and share classroom instructions in real-time, enhancing classroom interaction and making lessons more engaging. It’s a versatile tool that supports a wide range of teaching methods, from simple explanations to interactive learning experiences.
Powerful annotation on IDB
Choose Interactive Digital Board for schools which provides built-in annotation tools that allow teachers to effortlessly draw, highlight, and interact with lesson content in real-time. Equipped with features like figures, shapes, rulers, and more, the digital board saves valuable class time, eliminating the need for repetitive blackboard work. Teachers can easily add pages without erasing previous explanations, creating a seamless teaching experience.
Check for Experience and Customer Feedback Before Buying an IDB
Before purchasing an Interactive Digital Board for schools, it’s essential to verify the company’s experience. Ask how many schools they have equipped and in how many states they’ve set up their solutions. Speak with current customers to understand their brand and service experience firsthand. Additionally, ensure that you do thorough testing of the device and get hands-on experience of teachers with the device, allowing them to test its functionality in real-world classroom scenarios. This practical approach will help ensure that the technology meets your educational needs before finalizing your decision.
Key Points to Be Cautious About When ChoosingI Interactive Digital Board Brands
- Be cautious of IFP manufacturers claiming their displays are AI-enabled. Many brands are now using AI as a buzzword to justify higher prices, adding thousands to the cost while advertising “free” AI features. Avoid falling for this gimmick. You should thoroughly check what AI features do they have and whether those features solve any use case for your teachers. Eventually it is all about empowering the teachers and such features will be of no use if they do not make the work of teachers easier and more efficient.
- Many IFP brands claim their devices come preloaded with digital content. Remember, you’re likely purchasing these devices for teachers to use in Smart Classrooms, where the content will be consumed by your students. It is therefore important that this content should align with your way of teaching and should be genuinely of good quality which adds incremental learning value for your students. Make sure to go through the content thoroughly if any manufacturer or brand claims to provide you with the devices pre loaded with content.
How to buy a Interactive Digital Board for Schools
Get our advice, not just price tags! Contact our executive at +91 7678265039 for personalized guidance. They’ll help you explore different models, compare features, and find the ideal Interactive Digital Board that fits both your needs and budget.
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You can also connect with us by sharing your details here or can write to us at share@idreameducation.org to start exploring the exciting possibilities that Interactive Digital Board can bring to your Schools.
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