In this technologically advanced era, educational tools are also evolving rapidly, and experts are incorporating high-end technology to enhance teaching quality. Digital devices like interactive tools have revolutionized education by increasing engagement and communication in the classroom.
Many popular interactive tools, such as learning management systems, digital textbooks, etc., are winning the market. Interactive whiteboards and flat panels have gained maximum praise for creating a dynamic and interactive classroom. Thus, most educational institutions plan to incorporate any of them in their classrooms.
If you are also planning and stressing over interactive whiteboard vs. interactive flat panel—which one to choose—you are in the ideal space. Today’s article aims to identify the definitions of these two, along with their key uses, that will help you make an informed decision.
Let’s start!
What is an Interactive Whiteboard?
Interactive whiteboards are commonly known as smartboards. These digital boards are gaining popularity over traditional boards due to their interactive features and greater control. With that, interactive whiteboards are revolutionizing education in the digital age.
It is a large display board that allows a user to showcase and manipulate digital content. To control the showcased data, a user can use a stylus, finger touch, or special interactive pens. With these tools, one can easily write whatever one wants and showcase presentations.
In the mechanism part, an interactive board only works when connected to a computer, projector, and LCD. Once connected to a computer, the interactive whiteboard turns into a touch-sensitive board, and then one can write or change documents on the board.
However, one must use another computer or device to run software or applications.
What is an Interactive Flat Panel?
We all love combos because they enhance flexibility and help keep the process minimal and faster. At this point, interactive panels are winning the game.
Interactive flat panels are an all-in-one setup that has a digital screen with touch sensitivity and interactive features. They combine a display, touch sensitivity, and computing power in a single device. Additionally, they have built-in speakers, ports for connecting external devices, and operating systems that empower users to connect to the internet and control digital content without using a computer.
Due to this flexibility, interactive panels are widely used for animated lessons, interactive practice sessions, and interactive learning.
Interactive Flat Panels vs. Whiteboards: Key Features and Uses :
Interactive flat panels come with sensitive boards ideal for drawing or writing data. Although you can write anything on whiteboards, you can’t drag them or draw like a computer.
Additionally, interactive flat panels are ideal for interactive practice sessions and chart drawing. It helps in presenting the boring data in a livelier manner, keeping the students hooked and higher engagement. Let’s shed some light on the key features and uses to know the difference better and identify the reason for the rapid growth of interactive panels for education.
Key Features of Interactive Flat Panels and its uses:
In a nutshell, the critical feature of an interactive flat panel is to provide interactive learning sessions and to do so the panel has some unique features. Let’s elaborate on those features for a clearer vision:
1. Touch Screen Feature:
The interactive flat panel has a touch-screen feature, and it helps educators showcase videos and slides. It contributes to active learning, and the eye-catching slides help the students to learn effectively. Also, it reduces boredom in class and engages students to participate in discussion. For example, students can draw various shapes in their free time, and through that, they memorize the problematic parts of geometry.
2. Screen Recording:
Screen recording is the newest and one of the most attractive features of interactive flat panels. How does it help? Simply put, it provides class recording for absent students. Although taking notes and asking for help from others is always available, it can’t match a teacher’s real-time teaching level and remains a gap. To recover that, screen recording is one of the best things an educational institute can incorporate.
3. Technologies for Study Stimulation:
The curriculum must be updated in today’s digital era, and interactive flat panels help with that. They allow teachers to use various technologies, such as videos, animations, and interactive content, to ensure the highest level of interactive and updated information. Moreover, teachers can opt for things such as shapes, animations, quizzes, and polls. This helps enhance interest, revise the lessons, and provide better feedback.
4. Compact Built-up:
Unlike interactive whiteboards, it comes in a compact build-up. It does not require any computer to be connected with it to do the task. It has internet, USB, and other connectivity features for a smooth service. Additionally, it comes with an in-built speaker and screen recording features. This means that one requires no extra investment to run it.
5. Integration of Various Software:
The interactive flat panel helps students use different software, such as screen sharing, cloud storage, etc., for study. For example, screen sharing helps students collaborate in real time and showcase their work without distractions. With cloud integration, accessing files from Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive has become easier than ever. It helps share personalized study material and ensures efficient learning.
Key Features of White Board and Uses:
Whiteboards are one of the most conventional educational tools. It gained popularity in the early 1900s, and by the end of the 1900s, it became common in classrooms and business. It helps write down all the confusion as agendas. Let’s shed some light on the features and uses:
1. Basic Writing Space:
Whiteboards do not come with any technology. Hence, one can’t showcase any presentation or slide here. Therefore, it works as a plain note copy. One can write and draw here.
2. Manual Process:
As stated, the whiteboards do not come with any technology. Consequently, the user needs to follow the manual process to use this. For example, one must use an eraser or duster to clean the board after writing.
Whiteboards do not have any more features. One can only write, draw, and erase with them. Overall, this limits teachers’ activities.
Reasons Why Interactive Flat Panels are Better Than Interactive Whiteboards:
Interactive flat panels are the extended part of interactive whiteboards but with more facilities. One can’t use an interactive whiteboard without the help of a computer, while interactive flat panels are a standalone gadget. It does not require any attachments. Naturally, users prefer interactive flat panels over interactive whiteboards. However, is it the only reason? No, there are various reasons behind this, and some of them are:
1. Better Visual Quality:
Typically, most interactive flat panels offer a 4 K visual quality, and the interactive boards do not even reach nearby. This happens because interactive whiteboards use a separate projector for creating visuals, which lowers the overall quality. Hence, interactive panels are a better choice than interactive whiteboards.
2. Ensure a Streamlined Process:
Interactive flat panels come with a built-in port, internet, speaker, and almost everything else. Hence, they provide a more compact and streamlined workflow. On the other hand, interactive whiteboards can’t work without connecting with a computer, projector, and LCD display. This makes the whole process costly and hectic and reduces convenience. Hence, most users prefer interactive flat panels over interactive whiteboards.
3. Cost of the Projector Lamps:
Most projectors do not come with lamps, and they cost quite a lot. Additionally, regular maintenance is crucial for these lamps to increase their life span. On the other hand, an interactive panel does not require anything like this. Thus, interactive flat panels are gaining more popularity.
4. Seamless Functionality:
Interactive flat panels are eligible to work with different software and lead to a seamless workflow. For example, by using diverse software, a group of students can easily participate in collaborative learning and group activities. However, interactive whiteboards often face issues with touch inputs and the integration of different software. Many times, interactive whiteboards require another device or computer to run the software, making them less suitable and popular.
5. Lifespan:
When we invest in a gadget, we expect a certain lifespan. This ensures the maximum benefit of our investment. Here, interactive flat panels win the game. They can run for more than 50,000 hours without much maintenance or effort. Hence, if you have a large educational institute, they are ideal.
Conversely, interactive whiteboards need regular maintenance of their accessories, such as projectors or computers. Additionally, their lifespan is lower than that of interactive flat panel boards.
6. Effortless Handling:
One of the biggest reasons for using digital tools in the classroom is to hook the students; effortless handling helps with that. The latest sensor technology of interactive panels helps it detect the lightest strokes and gives outstanding results effortlessly. These sensors also help to make perfect calligraphy, write non-Latin words, and many more. Thus, the users, aka students, get hooked easily and are more interested.
On the other hand, interactive whiteboard’ sensors are not as strong. Additionally, they work with a collaboration of different devices. Hence, when the other devices interrupt, the overall service gets disrupted.
7. Lesser Hustle:
Interactive flat panels come with a compact all-in-one design. Hence, it is lightweight, too. Thus, installing it or replacing it is not very difficult. On the other hand, interactive whiteboards are heavy, require large walls, and have many fixed cables. Therefore, reinstalling it is an uphill task. At the same time, it has other accessories, such as a computer, projector, etc. Naturally, you must make space for all of them and need to move together. Hence, it requires a lot of effort and an efficient hand.
8. Flexibility:
Flexibility is one of the biggest must-have features in any gadget, and interactive flat panels are known for their flexibility. They come in various shapes and sizes. Hence, whether in the class or the seminar room, they are suitable for all places. Moreover, one can easily change their place according to one’s needs.
The above pointers clearly show that interactive flat panels are much better and more convenient than interactive whiteboards. Additionally, the interactive flat panel involves less financial responsibility because it does not require extra accessories. Remember, the number of accessories increases the maintenance cost and hustle.
Advantages of Interactive Flat Panels
Interactive flat panels (IFPs) are shaping the educational world with a touch of updated technology. It is befitting both the students and educators. For the students, it contributes to fostering real-time conversation in class, increasing student engagement, and growing interest in data-driven subjects.
Also, it helps with easy understanding and makes collaborative projects more accessible than ever. On the other hand, it allows teachers to use real-time data and incidents for teaching. It helps them to deliver more value-added content overall.
Let’s delve into more advantages of this latest technology to help you make more informed decisions:
1. Multiplies Student Engagement:
Student engagement is one of the fundamental objects in the education system. Without proper engagement, all the hard work goes in vain, and boring data narration is one reason for poor student engagement.
However, interactive flat panels help showcase a diverse set of content, such as videos, animations, and simulations. This type of content helps to make the matter easy to understand. It also fuels curiosity, which results in better student engagement. Moreover, students can interact with these data, which increases participation in the study and helps to reach the educational goal.
Data shows that this active participation has strengthened the students’ knowledge base and raised their scores on standardized tests.
2. Customized Learning Process:
Customization of the syllabus is crucial for an effective education system. Not every student has the same thought process or learning capability. Hence, the syllabus needs constant changes and additional things to make it acceptable for all, and interactive flat panels help with that.
With an interactive flat panel, a teacher can use video or other resources to explain the topic and add updated information to keep the students ahead of the game. Additionally, they can arrange practice sessions after class. This helps strengthen their learning and work as revisions.
Customized learning processes also benefit teachers. They help them gauge each student’s progress and accommodate each student differently.
3. Streamline the Teaching Process:
Teaching should be an easy and streamlined process; only students can effectively gather all the knowledge. For example, a teacher needs to write many things while teaching for elaborate discussions, and students need all of that information to understand the whole matter. On a traditional whiteboard, a teacher needs to erase some of the writings to note down new things, and students need to note down all of those while listening to the teacher.
It interrupts the learning process. Students often get distracted by writing. However, in the interactive flat panel, a teacher can write as many pages as they want without removing the previous one. A student can record the class instead of penning it down for later. It also helps reduce dependency on paper and run the institution sustainably.
4. Digital Intelligence:
While teaching, teachers remain highly cautious about the information they give because it leaves a permanent footprint in the learners’ minds. However, sometimes maintaining it becomes difficult for teachers. For example, while they are teaching with one hundred per cent attention, drawing a perfect circle gets difficult. They might have the wrong shape, which confuses the young learners.
However, with an interactive flat panel, it is not possible anymore because this device comes with text and shape recognition, and this feature helps to produce a perfect circle.
5. Better Management:
Classroom management is one of the daunting tasks for teachers. A messy and noisy classroom reduces productive time and quality of study. Previously, it was not in the teachers’ control; however, interactive flat panel or interactive flat panel display (IFPD) has changed the scenario. Now, teachers can use this technology to collect attendance, give assignments, and collect homework. It saves time in class, and teachers can focus on teaching more.
Moreover, IFPD helps in regular activities such as lesson plans, assignments, and deadlines. Hence, the teachers no longer miss anything, and the educational system is running better than ever.
6. Free Flow of Different Operating Systems:
Interactive flat panels help switch between different operating systems, such as iOS and Android. Due to this versatility, teachers can use a diverse range of teaching software and platforms. Hence, they can collect various teaching resources. At the same time, students become tech-friendly from an early age. No one offers these features, be it an interactive whiteboard or a traditional one.
Moreover, it helps to save a lot of money because the teacher or institution does not require investing in different textbooks or sharing notes.
A high-quality interactive flat panel is a trusted partner in the educational system. From gathering valuable resources for study to managing class effectively, from enhancing the creativity of teachers and students to reducing environmental footprint, it contributes in several ways. Thus, it is one of the best tools you can ever invest in.
Disadvantages of Traditional Whiteboards:
Currently, the usage of traditional whiteboards is reducing significantly, and one of the most common reasons for this is their lack of efficiency. A whiteboard requires cleaning after every use, and it gets dirty quickly. Moreover, it gets into a lousy shape or looks faster.
Hence, one needs to invest in it repeatedly. On the other hand, not everyone in the class can learn at the same pace, and erasing causes an issue for them after a while. Gradually, it demotivates them from studying, and they start losing interest in the class. Well, this is just the tip of the iceberg, and there are a lot of other disadvantages as well.
1. Lack of Control:
The interactive flat panel allows a teacher to post the agenda for the day on the board, and they can teach according to that list. It helps the class make smooth progress. However, with a traditional whiteboard, you can’t do this. Even if you write something, you must erase it for writing other stuff.
2. Lack of Creativity:
Drawing every chart or data manually while teaching is not convenient at all. Hence, the teacher is forced to narrate it only, which creates a barrier to understanding data-driven subjects easily. At the same time, it reduces the creativity of using different resources and the amount of relevant information in the study process.
3. Collaboration Impossible:
Collaboration plays a pivotal role in the study. It helps share ideas and information and ensures overall growth. However, with a traditional whiteboard, teachers can’t share screens or collaborate with teachers or students, which raise obstacles to growth.
4. Lower Interactivity:
With a traditional whiteboard, a teacher can write one time or highlight for one time. It reduces the possibility of getting real-time student feedback and limits their involvement.
Also, every class has a few students who take a bit longer to get the deeper ideas, and introverts feel too shy to share their issues. Due to this lack of involvement and feedback, a teacher fails to understand their issues, creating a knowledge gap.
5. Lower Quality:
A traditional whiteboard produces low-quality images and texts, and repetitive usage degrades it. Hence, the students who sit at the end of the classroom fail to see or understand. Overall, it creates obstacles in the smooth learning process.
6. Not Environment Friendly:
In the majority of cases, teachers use dry-erase markers for traditional whiteboards, and these pens have lots of chemicals in them. These chemicals are neither environmentally friendly nor good for health. They can cause eye irritation, poor indoor environment, and respiratory issues. Additionally, they have a soft yet strong fragrance, which can cause an issue for sensitive students.
The above discussion is enough to showcase the issues a traditional whiteboard can cause. Although they are cheaper than interactive flat panels or boards, they cost in various ways.
How to Choose the Right Interactive Flat Panel Display for Your School?
Interactive flat panels are changing the educational world. It shapes the way of teaching and contributes to increasing study engagement. Introducing these high-technology educational institutes ensures that the students get in-depth knowledge. However, the whole aim will be in vain if you don’t choose the right product for your class. Also, the money will be wasted. Hence, it is essential to consider some factors before buying an interactive flat panel, and these factors are:
1. Evaluate the Resolution:
Display resolution ensures the quality of teaching; hence, high-quality resolution is a must-have. It helps to provide a clearer image for every corner of the class. According to experts, a 1080p (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution is good for medium-sized classrooms.
However, if you want the best for class and have a large-scale classroom, you must go for resolutions like 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels). Additionally, check the position of the speaker. Always opt for a front-facing speaker for better service.
2. Set You Requirements:
One must invest in a gadget according to the requirements of the class. For a large-scale classroom, one needs a large screen and vice-versa. At the same time, before selecting the size, decide the place of the panel. For example, if you are placing in the front area of the class, it is better to choose a panel with long stands. It helps ensure the panel is visible from every nook and corner. Evaluate other factors like lighting setup and natural lighting sources of the class for a wise decision.
3. Decide the Purpose:
Before investing, it is crucial to check the features and decide the purpose. For example, a panel must-have features like multi-touch and interactive tools.
At the same time, if your students are in a higher class and have several group projects, focusing on features like displaying multiple contents, like split-screen options, is vital. Before jumping to the buying option, do not forget to check whether it has a zero bonding panel (with zero lag) or not. It provides a natural writing experience without any interruptions.
4. Check the Material:
Before buying anything, checking its material is necessary for its longer lifespan, and the interactive flat panel is not out of it. According to our experts, one must opt for a panel crafted from premium metallic materials. It provides an aesthetic look to the classroom and increases durability. Also, ensure the panel has toughened glass for the screen to prevent any mishap. Moreover, choose panels with 500nit for bright screen light and effective display.
5. Connectivity Features of the Panel:
Smooth connectivity contributes to a smooth teaching process. Hence, make sure the device has features like HDMI, USB-A, USB-C, and Ethernet. These help teachers connect with various devices and share easily.
Additionally, check whether it has an easy interface and integrated teaching software. These will help a teacher use it without any training or hustle.
6. Consider the Reputation of Vendor:
The market is a total of capable and fraudulent vendors. Hence, choosing the right one is crucial. For this, always consider the reputation and post-sales services. Ask them about the installation service and process. Remember, a lousy installation service can cause a permanent headache because lifting an interactive flat panel is a hectic task requiring trained hands for the proper setup. Without a proper setup, it will not produce the desired results. Thus, crystal-clear communication is essential on this topic.
Additionally, ask them whether any insurance is needed for future support. Always choose a vendor with long experience and a 24/7 support team.
Shape Education with Interactive Flat Panel Now!
An interactive flat panel is not a gadget or educational tool; it is an investment for a lifetime. It contributes to the betterment of education and boosts the future of your students. Hence, do not give it a second thought; invest in it.
However, if you are confused about which vendor to go for or which model to choose, you can check out Prowise Touchscreen from Munster Business Equipment.
Munster Business Equipment is one of the leading office equipment suppliers in Ireland. They are known for their unwavering quality and customer support. Many educational institutes in Ireland are using their interactive touchscreens and flat panels without a single complaint. Hence, don’t worry, go for it now.