Interactive Whiteboards and other interactive tools are fast spreading to schools and colleges all around Ireland. However we are still well behind the UK and many European countries in our uptake.

Selecting the ideal Interactive Whiteboard is only part of the system. The software that is used is an essential part of your interaction with the class. The ideal is that you simply teach what you would on a normal PC or that software was available for the Irish Syllabus. This does not seem to be available. The most popular software is Prometheans Activsoftware followed by the Smartboard software. In many cases the software hat comes with the Interactive Whiteboard is free and available to all. Promethean and Smart give their software with the Whiteboard but sell it if you wish to use a different board.

Although we recommend IQBoard we will provide any Interactive Whiteboard that your research finds is best for your schools needs and have installed many different brands.

Installation

We have the using the same installation team since the outset. The lead technician has been fitting Interactive Whiteboards since they arrived in Ireland back in 1998. They are probably the most experienced team for installing your new system and will ensure the installation is carried out with utmost care and attention.

Interactive Whiteboards

There are 3 main types of Interactive Whiteboard technology in use in Ireland and many different manufacturers. These 3 types are:-

(1) Hardware which is used in conjunction with your existing whiteboard or screen to create interactivity.

This is the least expensive way to have interactivity in the classrom. It is also very effective and completely portable. The main downside is that each time you move the equipment it needs to be re-calibrated, which itself is quite simple.

Examples of this is IQBoard LT, ONfinity CM2 MAX, Ebeam and Mimio

(2) Solid State Interactive Whiteboards

Interact with the board using an electronic pen

Examples are Interwrite and Promethean

(3) Resistive touch Interactive Whiteboards

Interact with the board using an electronic pen OR simply your finger

Examples are TEAMBOARD and the Hitachi Starboard