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A whiteboard (also called a dry-erase board)
is the name for any glossy surface, most commonly coloured
white, where markings can be made. Whiteboards operate analogously
to chalkboards in that they allow markings to temporarily
adhere to the surface of the board. These markings are removed
more easily than if one were to use a chalkboard. Before 1994,
most classrooms used chalkboards, but around 1994-1995, whiteboards
started to become more affordable and more classrooms started
using them.
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However, instead of using chalk (as on chalkboards) to make the markings, a special whiteboard erase marker containing removable ink is used (see non-permanent marker). Whiteboards are usually made of plastic or steel coated with enamel or ceramic material (porcelain steel). Steel whiteboards are magnetic, so one can use magnets to affix notes or a magnetic eraser to them.
The term whiteboard is also used metaphorically to refer to features of computer software applications that simulate whiteboards. Virtual whiteboards allow one or more people to write or draw images on a simulated canvas. This is a common feature of many virtual meeting, collaboration, and instant messaging applications.
Advantages and disadvantages
Whiteboard ink markings are less susceptible to external influences, such as water or accidental erasure, because the ink adheres slightly more strongly than chalk adheres to chalkboards. The ink is also less messy than chalk, which generates chalk dust during use and erasure.
Another advantage is that a whiteboard can be used as the background for a presentation from an overhead projector. This allows the person giving the presentation to fill in blanks or make comments by writing on the whiteboard. For instance, a form can be copied onto the transparency, and the presenter can demonstrate how to fill it in, in the way just described. Even so, using a projector on a white board can produce a glare, making it difficult to read and therefore a projection screen is still a much better surface to project on.
Whiteboards are slightly more expensive than blackboards. In addition, only special whiteboard markers are suitable for use on whiteboards; using other markers that resemble whiteboard markers but that contain the wrong kind of ink creates indelible (or very hard to remove) markings. However, in many cases these markings can be removed by filling over them using a marker with the right type of removable ink, and then erasing the ink.
You may find such use of whiteboards in school settings, where children may attempt to deface or mark the board with a permanent marker. In some cases, careless use of such a marker by a teacher will also result in a defacement. Using an alcohol, such as Isopropanol, ethanol or denatured alcohol, often found in the local science department will remove the offending marks cleanly and return the board to useful service. Many board cleaning sprays or wipes use alcohol and water mixes for such mistakes and are commercially available from the whiteboard manufacturers.
Also, the white background can cause contrast problems for people with vision impairment, and some people have allergies or sensitivities that are affected by the strong odor of most whiteboard markers. For the latter, reduced-odor markers are available.
Technical advances
Most whiteboards provide temporary viewing of markings. However, there are automated whiteboards that have side-mounted scanners, allowing the markings to be saved electronically for printing or viewing on a computer.
Interactive whiteboards such as a InterWrite, PolyVision Walk-and-Talk, Promethean ACTIVboard, or SMART Board allow you to project a computer display onto a whiteboard using a projector. You can then control the application and draw mark-ups by writing directly on the whiteboard screen.
Internet-based whiteboard software such as TalkAndWrite ,Microsoft NetMeeting, Groupboard, or E-Chalk allow people to draw together on a virtual whiteboard over the internet without needing any special hardware. Each user connects to the whiteboard and they can see what other users are drawing in real-time on their computer screen.
In use
Whiteboards are excellent for collaborative sessions for design or problem solving. Portable whiteboards or meeting rooms with whiteboards are always a valuable commodity in any office situation.
Enterprising staff can even resort to using
glass partitions with white paper backing to accommodate a
lack of resources.
What
is a Whiteboard ? | Interactive
Whiteboards In The Classroom |
Advantages
Of Using An Interactive Whiteboard |
How
to use whiteboards |
Interactive
Whiteboard Tips | Buying
an Interactive Whiteboard | Interactive
Whiteboard Evaluation|
SMART
Board for Smart Teaching
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