Demand for interactive screens is growing: Why do you need one?

Over the past few years, there has been a huge surge in demand for interactive screens in the classroom.

They offer a new and exciting way of learning for students, as well as opportunities that just don’t exist with traditional dry-erase whiteboards.

Here, we’ll examine why the demand for interactive screens is growing and a few ways you could use one in your classroom.

What is an interactive screen?

An interactive screen is pretty much what it says on the tin; a big computer screen that you can interact with through touch.

Many believe that interactive screens are the same as electronic whiteboards, but this is not the case. They’re both great tools to promote classroom engagement and create eye-catching, effective learning materials, but there are some subtle differences:

• Electronic whiteboard – Projects an image onto the board, which you can manipulate with an electronic pen
• Interactive screen – Essentially a large tablet on the wall. It’s powered by touch and you don’t need to use a projector.

Why is it good for the classroom?

Interactive screens are great for the classroom as they allow lessons to become truly immersive. There’s no limit to who can get involved because there’s no need to use a special pen.

Through interactive screens, students can enjoy a dynamic learning experience which will help them retain the information more effectively.

Working with an interactive screen can make learning fun, energise your class and get them really excited about their projects. It’s also a great tool for promoting classroom collaboration.

Here are just a few ways you could use an interactive screen in your classroom:

• Play games to test knowledge and motivate students
• Share and present information with ease – your students can do this too!
• Use platforms such as YouTube, Skype, podcast players, social media and revision apps to enrich the learning experience

So why is the demand for interactive screens growing?

We’ve seen an increase in the demand for interactive screens, and we think we know why.

Many schools are finding the running costs for electronic whiteboards too high. In addition to the initial cost of the equipment, you also need to pay for projector bulbs, cleaning filters and the required electricity to keep things moving.

Time management is another factor; the accompanying electronic pen must be charged at all times and you need to re-calibrate the whiteboard regularly.

Interactive screens don’t have these issues to the same extent as electronic whiteboards. Yes, they need the occasional calibration, but they don’t require additional equipment after set-up. They are also far more energy efficient.

In addition, the latest interactive screens have more functionality than electronic whiteboards. You can use software on your own device (iPad, tablet, laptop etc.) on the interactive screen, as well as a range of learning apps that aren’t available on an electronic whiteboard.

The final reason that interactive screens have grown in popularity is that their positive effect on the learning environment has been proven. Making lessons more fun and memorable will contribute to higher exam scores later, so many schools are choosing to invest in these screens for this reason.

The collaborative aspect of the screens also helps students improve their social and team-building skills, so it’s a bit of a no-brainer; interactive screens are essential for the modern classroom!

If you think interactive screens could benefit your school, get in touch with our experts to discuss your options.