Difference Between A Smart Board And An Interactive Whiteboard

Every year, we find new ways to incorporate technology into our curriculum to benefit our students. Interactive whiteboards and smartboards are two tools you may be considering to help engage students in your courses, make learning more interactive, and help your students learn more in your classroom.

Often, the terms smartboard and interactive whiteboard are used interchangeably. But what is the difference between these two valuable learning tools?

What is the difference between a smart board and an interactive whiteboard?

While there are some similarities between interactive whiteboards and smart boards, there are some key differences to keep in mind.

1. Resolution and Image Quality

The first difference is image quality and resolution. This can vary from product to product, and even between models of the same brand.

Before you buy, be sure to compare the resolution offered by each interactive whiteboard or smartboard you are considering. This can help ensure that you are satisfied with your choice and that it meets your needs and the viewing needs of your students.

 Smart Board

2. Writing Tools

When you purchase the smartboard, you and your students can annotate on the board with the included pen, your finger, or even other objects in the classroom.

If you are considering purchasing an interactive whiteboard, you will want to know information about how you and your students can write on the board. Some interactive whiteboards will only respond when you use a special pen, while others may respond to fingers or objects as well.

3. Software Programs

Each interactive whiteboard or smartboard you are looking at may offer its own software program. There are pros and cons between different programs, such as smartboard software versus Promethean interactive software.

Learning more about each program, how user-friendly it is, and what it does can help you decide if smartboard or interactive whiteboard is right for you.

 Applications of Smart Board

4. Responsiveness

Next, consider whether you want multiple students to be able to write on the board at the same time. Some smartboard models are designed to allow up to 20 simultaneous interactions, meaning that different students can work side-by-side on the board and solve problems together.

Many interactive whiteboards can only respond to one writing device at a time, which limits the ability to collaborate and have multiple students working on the board together.

5. Available Training

Whether you purchase a smartboard or an interactive whiteboard, you will have a new program to learn. smartboard and some of the more popular interactive whiteboard software programs should have more available online training options than other, less common programs.

If you think you will want the support of an experienced user, it may be a good option to research training options before making a final decision.

6. Price

The last but important difference between smartboards and interactive whiteboards is the price. Because smartboards include many additional features that other interactive whiteboards do not, they are usually more expensive. Keeping your budget in mind and weighing it against the benefits of having each tool in your classroom can help you make the right choice.

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