- Traditional chalkboards are limited in features.chalk board image by Brett Bouwer from Fotolia.com
The traditional chalkboard works in only one dimension -- the flat surface of a chalkboard marked with chalk. Interactive whiteboards work much differently. Electromagnetic, laser, infrared, ultrasonic and touch-sensitive technology allows a whiteboard presentation to be recorded on the board and then transferred to a connected computer. The recorded images can then be shared with on-site or off-site audiences or stored and sent to participants in at later date as documentation from the session. - The cost of an interactive whiteboard can be substantial.3D dollar sign with multiple smaller dollar signs. image by Steve Johnson from Fotolia.com
There is a drastic difference between the initial cost of buying an interactive whiteboard and a conventional chalkboard. A high-quality 48-by-72-inch chalkboard costs between $300 and $600. Initial chalkboard supplies run about $12 for a set of 12 assorted sticks of colored chalk and a felt eraser. The simple installation of a chalkboard requires minimal tools and hardware. In contrast, a similarly sized interactive whiteboard starts at about $1,500 and goes up from there (depending on the electronic features). Although this cost usually includes a touch-sensitive eraser and marker set, the cost of installation can be quite expensive, because the board needs electric and electronic connections to be fully functional. - Computers and interactive whiteboards make powerful presentation tools.computer image by Orlando Florin Rosu from Fotolia.com
While chalkboards are limited to what is physically written on the surface, an interactive whiteboard is capable of bringing information to the surface from software or other meeting participants from remote locations. Custom or ready-made Microsoft Office PowerPoint presentations can be displayed on a whiteboard. Additionally, you can share the presentations with people via internal computer connections or through Internet connections to participants virtually anywhere in the world. Objects on the screen can be clicked, dragged or dropped anywhere, and participants on-site and off-site can take turns writing on the board for everyone to see in multiple colors. When the presentation is complete, it can be saved and sent to the original participants or other interested parties. - Ongoing expenses can add up after the initial purchase of an interactive whiteboard.chalk in a bucket image by Tammy Mobley from Fotolia.com
Once a chalkboard is installed, the primary expense of using it is simply purchasing additional chalk. Increased technology gives great power to an interactive whiteboard owner. However, additional costs like electricity, software, repairs, upgrades, specialized markers and batteries are some of the some of the items that are required to keep the board up-to-date and functional. Also, initial and continual training costs will be required for personnel to take advantage of the technology and keep current with new programs available in their discipline.
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