Interactive Whiteboards

Some comments and recommendations

• Not sure why everyone is getting laptops for IWBs - recommend desktop computers.
• We have had trouble with the Toshiba Tecras and refreshing with projectors Hints on this problem
• A regular screen would be better. (SVGA etc as below)
• A DVD player on the computer would be worthwhile
• Good speakers (AUD100 plus - get decent ones with maybe a sub-woofer.
• Set height of interactive whiteboard so that users can access it easily to activate parts of the screen. Realise that students may well need to reach well up the screen to manage windows (drag, minimise, close) as well as access menu commands which are mostly at the top of their window.
• Recommend a step to stand on also (for the short kids).
• Handy to have a simple, cheap (even an old mavica) camera on hand, so that rather than scanning in the kids' work, they can take a simple photo and bung it up easily." Advice from T van Z

Equipment required to use a standard interactive whiteboard:

1. A projector is required to project the screen image onto the whiteboard.
2. A computer is required to provide the screen information to be projected.
3. Common Video aspect ratio: Standard whiteboards will most easily accommodate a computer screen that is in a GA format (ie the aspect ratio is 4:3) - VGA (640x400), SVGA (800x600), XGA (1024x768), SXGA (1280x1024). The other ratio (wide screen) for computer screens his 16:9 (wide screen) and is commonly available in these formats: WSVGA (964x544), WXGA (1440x900), WSXGA+ (1680x1050).The recommendation would be to have a computer, projector and whiteboard all operating in the same aspect ratio, currently most likely 4:3. This opinion reinforced by Electroboard Smart Boards: Currently SMART Boards are made in a 4:3 ratio to match the majority of projectors available. Having said this SMART will release a 16:9 ratio board in a couple of months and the costs of a widescreen projector are also coming down. My advice is look at the projectors that the school is planning to use. It would be wise to match the screen ratio of the notebooks with that of the projectors. Currently 4:3 ratio projector are still considerably cheaper than the 16:9 equivalents which are pitched at home theatre customers.
4. The same video connection cable between computer and projector: commonly D-Sub (analogue) but now DVI (digital)connections are becoming available.
5. A suitable sound system or speaker system so any audio is easily heard by the group. more assistance here .
6. A wireless keyboard and/or mouse may be useful.
7. You may need a USB extender if the smart board is distant from the source computer. USB cables to a certain length can be purchased. Alternatively, you could purchase a Cat5 extender system (local extender, cat5 cable remote extender plus a USB cable at each end) which can be much longer that a USB cable. There is a diagram here 
8. You will most likely need network access for documents and internet access for online activities. If a wired connection is impractical think of a wireless connection.

Electroboard, Australian Site  They have an online club with 28 days free membership. Also they have details for the 5 data projectors which they recommend.

Ideal Resources - Interactive Whiteboard Equipment and Resources