Education IT managers adore interactive touch screens. They are simple to use for teachers, students, and IT personnel. They are far less complicated to set up and maintain than projector-based systems. And they last far longer than other types of interactive displays. And that is only scratching the surface of the benefits of interactive whiteboards.
Check out the full list below to see if an interactive touch screen is the best solution for your needs
Let us first acknowledge something. Those who pursue careers in education and IT do not simply enjoy technology. They enjoy working in this particular setting. They take pride in assisting teachers and students with learning technology. They enjoy assisting students in growing and succeeding.
As a result, many people appreciate interactive touch screen displays for the excellent teaching and learning benefits they provide. Enhancing collaboration and developing skills for workforce readiness are two examples. See our article 10 Ways Interactive Touch Screen Displays Improve Education for more information.
In this section, we will look at some of the other reasons why education IT professionals frequently advocate for LG interactive screens or any other brand’s displays. These reasons are related to the demands of their jobs daily.
Consider the administrative advantages of interactive flat panel (IFP) displays.
1. All-In-One Services
One fundamental fact underpins many of the IT benefits of interactive touch screen displays. That is, IFP displays are a one-stop shop. They deliver everything in one package. This out-of-the-box solution eliminates the need to replace spare parts regularly. There are no light bulbs or filters to install or replace. There is no need for calibration to get started. Simply connect to your computer and get started.
2. Simple to Upgrade
Sometimes thinking outside the box isn’t enough. Some IPF solutions (such as ViewSonic ViewBoards) make it simple to increase computing power. ViewSonic slot-in PCs are a one-time purchase. Simply connect them and you’ll have HD audio and video support. In addition, there is more computing power, faster Wi-Fi, and more storage.
Kevin Powers, Technology Director at the Fenton Area Public School District in Fenton, Michigan, first tested the ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP7550 with Android and their PCs.
“We then tested the slot-in PC and discovered that it was a more robust solution.” “It gives teachers more options,” Powers explained. “For instance, we have a teacher who is running a graphic calculator emulator. Our yearbook teacher uses the Adobe creative suite to display page designs for discussion. “Having Windows flexibility with the slot-in PC is fantastic.”
His team eventually installed ViewSonic ViewBoard interactive displays with slot-in PCs in classrooms throughout the district. As a result, there is more functionality, engagement, collaboration, and efficiency.
3. Fee-Free Status
Software licensing fees increase both costs and complexity. Fortunately, many interactive touch screens (such as ViewSonic ViewBoards) are device and software-independent. They get along with everyone. This not only lowers ongoing IT costs, but it also allows for the flexibility to select ad hoc software as needed to best support the learning needs of each school, grade level, and specialized curriculum.
4. Simple Implementation
Simple installations save money and allow IT staff to focus on other tasks. Interactive touch screen displays are faster to deploy than projectors and projector-based display solutions because they are all-in-one solutions. Deploying IFP displays, whether wall-mounted or cart-mounted, is simple and quick. Compatibility with any laptop, iPad or other tablet further simplifies setup. In most cases, instructors only need to connect the display to get started. When it comes to installation, mounting an IFP is simpler than mounting a projector.
5. Simple Transitions
Transitioning to new technology can be challenging and time-consuming. Change is difficult, and teachers are not always open to new tools. The greater the reluctance, the more time and effort IT staff must expend to conduct training and respond to calls for assistance. Interactive touch screen displays are a very accessible technology. For starters, they resemble teachers’ at-home televisions. For another, they function exactly like a giant iPad.
According to Matt Maine, district Technology Manager, the Wilmington Area School District’s transition from aging projector-based systems to ViewSonic ViewBoard interactive touch screen displays was incredibly simple.
“ViewSonic came in and did some teacher training,” Maine explained. “And we assisted them in getting started.” But, for the most part, they figure it out. Working with the ViewBoard displays is simple.”
6. Ease of Upkeep
Consider your television for a moment. When was the last time you needed to do something to keep it running? The answer is most likely “never.” The same is true for high-quality interactive touch screen displays. Schools that use well-vetted IFPs to replace projectors and projector-based display systems can say goodbye to changing bulbs, cleaning filters, and assisting harried teachers with calibration.
IFPs reduce both costs and staff time associated with calibration, bulb replacement, and filter cleaning because there is no projector to maintain. Class downtime is also reduced, as there are no unexpected bulb burn-outs or downtime while bulbs are being replaced.
Rob Zdrojewski, Director of Instructional Technology at the Oakfield-Alabama School District in Oakfield, NY, reports that his team is overjoyed with the ViewSonic® ViewBoard ISP7550 75″ interactive flat panel displays they have installed.
“With our previous Smart Board projectors, teachers were constantly dealing with calibration and issues with the accuracy of what you’re touching on the screen lining up correctly,” Zdrojewski explained. “There’s not much that can go wrong with the ViewBoards, and unlike our Smart Boards, which had a lot of issues, we get almost no tickets related to the ViewBoards.” They require very little upkeep.”
The IT team at Chico Unified School District in California’s Sacramento Valley got hands-on experience with projectors, Smart Boards, and ViewSonic ViewBoard IFPs.
“Now that they’ve seen projectors, Smart Boards, and ViewSonic ViewBoard interactive flat panel displays, I’ve asked our technicians which ones they want to support,” said John Sclare, Chico SD Information Systems Analyst in charge of Technology Bond Projects. “They claim that supporting ViewBoard interactive displays is far easier than supporting a computer.” They don’t require much; they simply work.”
7. Simple to Use for Teachers and Students
This one is beneficial to everyone. Happy users mean IT staff who are happy. Fewer complaints, fewer job tickets, and overall increased productivity. To boost happiness even further, look for IFPs with features that make teachers’ lives easier, such as one-touch direct-to-Google save and built-in content-sharing capabilities.
8. Trustworthy Resource Sharing
The proliferation of IFP displays has accelerated the development of value-added accessories. Among these, a wide range of manual and motorized trolley carts make it easier than ever to share resources. Recent design advancements have resulted in more stable carts, smooth rolling, and affordable.
The ability to raise, lower and tilt to various degrees is one of the options. Some carts can even be configured to create a horizontal surface, which is ideal for young learners and virtual maker-spaces. Unlike projector-based systems, these cart-based resources can be widely shared without the need to recalibrate when moved or jarred, saving teaching time and reducing the need for IT staff.
Not only are mobile stands great for resource sharing, but they also allow teachers to move displays throughout their classroom space, allowing them to reap the benefits of a flexible classroom environment.
9. Long Life Expectancy
With a useful lifespan of 2-3 times, that of a typical projector or projector-based IWB, including laser projectors, interactive touch screen displays provide long-term benefits.
Many interactive touch screen displays (including ViewSonic ViewBoard displays) have a 50,000-hour life expectancy. This is frequently translated as a ten-year lifespan. In reality, it could be a lot more. For example, if a display was used for the full 7 hours of a typical school day, five days a week, that equates to 27 years of use! Realistically, schools will be looking at updated technology before a quarter-century has passed. Nonetheless, the long lifespan of IFPs allows you to continue using technology that is meeting your needs after a decade of use. Not to mention that all of these years of use require virtually no maintenance and require no replacement supplies (such as bulbs or filters), resulting in an excellent TCO equation. The IFP will live on!
10. Excellent ROI: Lower Costs, More Time
Each of the advantages mentioned above contributes to the outstanding return on investment provided by interactive touch screen displays. Many IT professionals live by this equation.
“The main reason we wanted to make a change was to save money and avoid using proprietary software,” said Matt Maine, district technology manager. “The price of a new Promethean whiteboard plus the projector required exceeds the price of a new ViewSonic ViewBoard display.” Furthermore, the projectors require new lamps every year or two.”
