Whiteboard Guide.com

Converting Regular Dry Erase Whiteboards to Interactive Whiteboards

Fri, 01 May 2009 15:31:16 -0400

Interesting news on the interactive whiteboard front - eBeam developer Luidia is teaming with Claridge Products and Equipment to make traditional whiteboards with "built-in connections" for quick conversion into digital interactive whiteboards. They're called Digital Ready whiteboards, and they'll be available sometime at the end of 2009. So what's the difference between this technology and separate portable interactive whiteboard systems you attach to a traditional dry erase whiteboard?

From what I can see, it's a matter of how much you want to spend up front for the ability to upgrade to an interactive whiteboard. In the case of the Digital Ready whiteboard, it seems as though you'd spend a little extra up front for the built-in receiver and access to future features. With an unfurnished dry erase whiteboard, there's no receiver, and therefore no up front cost for the option to upgrade. If you decide to make the leap to digital technology, you can spend a little extra later on to buy and attach the portable system.

There's always the question of actual price comparisons, which system is easier to install and operate, and which one has more flexibility and functionality in the long run. Either way, these two competing conversion systems should convince educators and businesspeople that they can convert to interactive whiteboard technology at their own pace without breaking the bank.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2009-05-01 15:31:16

Dry Erase White Boards Make Great Locker Room Furniture

Fri, 10 Apr 2009 13:16:53 -0400

When you think of furniture for your locker room, steel lockers and benches probably come to mind before anything else. But if you're coaching a team, communication is key, and that's where bulletin boards and dry erase white boards can come in handy. From hanging up a disparaging quote from the opposition before a big game to diagramming plays on a coach's custom dry erase board with printed-on graphics, visual communication boards have a valuable place in any locker room.

I've surfed the web for some good quotes to motivate and rally the troops. So if you don't have any prepared material on-hand, here are my top 5 inspirational sports quotes, in no particular order:

"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." - Coach Darrel Royal

"I've missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I've lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I've been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I've failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed." - Michael Jordan

"There are only two options regarding commitment. You're either IN or you're OUT. There is no such thing as life in-between." - Pat Riley

"You'll miss 100% of the shots you never take." - Wayne Gretzky

"The will to win is important, but the will to prepare is vital." - Coach Joe Paterno

Hopefully these quotes can provide some inspiration without sounding too clichéd. Anyway, best of luck to your baseball team, soccer team, or whoever else you're coaching or playing with this spring.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2009-04-10 13:16:53

New Ford Van Features Dry Erase White Boards on Rear Doors

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 10:20:23 -0400

In an effort to answer the age old question "Are we there yet," Ford has introduced a new concept van called the Transit Connect Family One with a full range of family-friendly amenities, including a dry erase white board on each of the rear side doors. Besides being able to scribble and doodle during a long road trip, kids in the second row can watch cartoons or play educational games on interactive video screens. Another cool feature is the built-in radio frequency identification technology (RFID). The van's internal computer can keep track of your daily schedule, and if you attach RFID tags to important items like an instrument or a backpack, the vehicle can actually check if your child has everything he/she needs for band practice, school, or any other event.

Overall, it looks like a pretty interesting van, although the word "concept" indicates we won't be seeing it in any showrooms for awhile. As far as the rear door white board goes, I'm wondering how kids can write steadily in a moving vehicle. Nice idea nonetheless, and I'm sure families with younger children will take a good look at it when (or if) it comes out.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2009-04-09 10:20:23

Interactive Whiteboard Digital Projector Roundup

Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:55:47 -0400

Here's a quick roundup of new digital projectors that are either already on sale or on the horizon:

According to Macworld, Canon has recently released the LV-8300 (MSRP $1,400), LV-7375 (MSRP $1,800) and LV-7370 ($1,300) digital projectors. All three look well-suited for office and classroom use with their built-in 7 watt speakers and connectivity to a number of multimedia devices, including laptop & desktop computers, Blu-ray & DVD players, digital cameras, and more. Another notable feature comes in the form of Whiteboard Mode, which minimizes "reflective white spots" during interactive whiteboard presentations. Learn more about all three machines at their respective product pages: LV-7375, LV-8300, LV-7370.

SlashGear reports that Hitachi is coming out with the CP-X2010, a classroom-oriented digital projector. Noteworthy features include low noise, built-in 16 watt speakers, an Eco Mode that stretches lamp life out to 5,000 hours, and a compact frame weighing in at under 8 pounds. No word on MSRP at this time. Learn more about the Hitachi CP-X2010 on the official product page.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2009-03-27 15:55:47

Whiteboards in Hospitals Prove that Truth Can Be Stranger than Fiction

Tue, 18 Nov 2008 16:18:36 -0500

Can you believe that someone actually tracked the changing lineup of whiteboards the doctors use to make the dramatic diagnoses on the TV show House, MD? Yeah - me neither. But it's chronicled in the Season 1 DVD Special Features, according to Shane Schick in the IT World Canada blog. Apparently the fictional crew had gone through 3 whiteboards (including a clear markerboard) before settling on a more stable, easier to erase model. But while frantic scrawling with a dry erase marker makes for entertaining drama, Schick figures the doctors might do better with an interactive whiteboard to consolidate and process data.

I agree with Schick, but it's not as though all hospitals still live in the dry erase board age. Back in June, I wrote about a hospital in Canada using interactive whiteboard technology to make patient treatment more effective and efficient. No word on how it's gone since then, but the doctors and nurses seemed to at least initially appreciate the convenience of pulling and analyzing patient information from multiple access points. In other words, treating patients and checking their records to gain insight and make the best decisions often requires being in multiple places at once, and the technology helps doctors and nurses achieve the physically impossible. Of course, as we've mentioned before, technology is only as good as the people who use it.

So how do you get more hospitals to adopt the technology? Simple, at least in theory - find an open-minded administration and staff willing to try something new in order to keep up with the growing number of patients and information. Of course, part of the issue lies in whether medical institutions are feeling enough pressure to change. But common sense tells me that a growing worldwide population with its accompanying medical needs will eventually necessitate a more widespread switch to interactive whiteboards or something like them. The doctors from House, MD and people like Phil Beadle may not like it, but sometimes drastic times call for drastic measures when lives hang in the balance.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-11-18 16:18:36

Success of Magic Whiteboard Gives Inventors a Reason to Smile

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 17:02:35 -0500

So a few months ago, I profiled Magic Whiteboard, a new product from the UK that combines elements of a flipchart, whiteboard, and a statically-charged sock to create a portable writing surface you can stick almost anywhere. Some might've called it a novelty invention bound to fade out after its TV debut on the popular UK reality show Dragons' Den. But according to a recent article by David Paine in the Worcester News, inventors Neil and Laura Westwood have been "swamped with worldwide orders" after a second appearance by their product on a follow-up show that aired on October 26. In Paine's November 6 article, the couple reports over 300 orders and more than 300,000 visits to the Magic Whiteboard website, although it's unclear whether those figures are from October 26 on, or from the date of the product and site launch.

In any case, it's interesting to read about a positive follow-up to a recent story. As the market for whiteboards continues to evolve, consumers are making it clear that they want their writing surfaces to do more than just take up space in a classroom or office. People want convenience, and Magic Whiteboard appears to provide that with its unique portability, functionality, re-usability, and affordability. It just goes to show that sometimes a second bite at the apple can taste a whole lot sweeter.

(Photo via Morguefile)

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-11-11 17:02:35

Whiteboard Pong Livens Up Dull Office Presentations

Thu, 06 Nov 2008 17:14:05 -0500

Getting bored with your run-of-the-mill whiteboard presentations at the office? No problem, at least for designers from Eness, a Melbourne, Australia-based firm that appears to have made its own playable version of Pong. As the video shows, the two players draw their own paddles with dry erase markers to bounce a ball that looks like a beam of light coming from a moving projector. Keep in mind that this is a regular whiteboard, not an interactive whiteboard.

Anyway, assuming this is legit, I have a couple reactions. First off, I hope they have multiple speeds for the game, because the video demo almost put me to sleep. But maybe it's slow to allow for the fact that you constantly have to draw a new paddle, then erase it as soon as you hit the ball, which naturally slows down your reaction time. Secondly, the designers need to put a limit on how big you can make your paddle, because lazy players can just draw a long line across the entire side of the field and take a nap. That said, I do like how you can draw the paddle anywhere you want on the field and hit the ball at any angle, which helps make up for the slow speed. It's all pretty interesting, and I'll be looking forward to an explanation from Eness as to how they put this together.

(Story via Geek.com)

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-11-06 17:14:05

Moneyball Shows How Whiteboards and Business Savvy Can Win in Baseball

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 16:59:09 -0500

About three weeks ago, we talked about interactive whiteboards and their ability to provide statistical analysis that can help pro coaches and athletes win more games. But an old article in the New York Times adapted from Michael Lewis' infamous book "Moneyball" shows that a high-ranking team executive responsible for personnel moves can do just fine with a simple dry erase surface. Moneyball is the story of Billy Beane, General Manager of the Oakland A's baseball team. Back in the early 2000s, the A's managed to win a lot of games with a low payroll by crunching numbers to analyze player performance and tendencies, and concurrently developing cheap, young players to replace the stars who would inevitably leave the team in free agency for bigger markets and bigger contracts. The excerpt notes that Beane had two giant whiteboards mounted on the walls in his office. One of them had the names of all the players owned by the A's, and the other had the names of players on all the other major league teams. Through big picture thinking, name association, and computer research, Beane could quickly achieve his ultimate mid-season goal: selling the players on his team that he didn't want for more than they were worth, and buying the players he wanted from other teams for less than they were worth. Once he targeted the names he wanted from his grocery list whiteboard, he could go ahead and talk to other GMs about potential trades. More often than not, Beane would get what he wanted, and the A's would go on a second half surge to make the playoffs.

What made this story so revolutionary was that it depicted a brash young GM who bucked traditional trends and won games through cold analysis mixed with old-fashioned hustling. The older generation of management probably felt threatened by someone who showed that a heavy dose of statistics, numbers and logic could often trump gut instinct and a trained eye. Not surprisingly, the Moneyball approach has influenced teams like the Boston Red Sox, who have combined statistical analysis with a well-stocked minor league system and high payroll to win 2 World Series championships in the past 5 years. Ultimately, it's hard to say whether the Moneyball approach could work for every franchise. However, the experts universally agree that Beane's ability to do more with less has shown the establishment that there's more than one way to win on a consistent basis.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-11-03 16:59:09

Internet Launches the Career of Wiimote Whiteboard Creator

Fri, 31 Oct 2008 06:51:07 -0400

Back in June, we covered Johnny Chung Lee's unique Wiimote Whiteboard, probably the most well-known and inexpensive do-it-yourself interactive whiteboard outside of the online whiteboard. The New York Times has an interesting article on Lee and how posting his ideas on YouTube made him a celebrity, resulting in heavy recruiting efforts from a number of tech companies, and ultimately culminating in a job offer from Microsoft. Lee says he picks his projects based on whether they have a low �work-to-wow� ratio. In other words, he wants to make as big an impact on his audience as possible with the least amount of work. It all goes to show how innovators need more than an idea to influence the world - they need to market their creations, and YouTube has become a metaphorical megaphone through which little-known entrepreneurs can make a name for themselves.

Interestingly enough, that's part of the allure of the interactive whiteboard itself. Hatch an idea, put it on your computer, then show it to the world in an engaging, interactive presentation through your Internet connection. Traditional whiteboard advocates like Phil Beadle appear to fear the ongoing synergy of board technology and the World Wide Web, but they shouldn't. In fact, it's the Internet that enables someone like me to read the ideas of someone else in another country, like Beadle. And in the end, it validates the point that those little robotic dolls at Disney World were telling us all along - it is a small world after all.

(Photo via Morguefile)

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-10-31 06:51:07

Interactive Whiteboards Replace Regular Whiteboards (and One Teacher Doesn't Like It One Bit)

Tue, 28 Oct 2008 17:12:20 -0400

Teacher Phil Beadle summarizes the history of the chalkboard and whiteboard, then bemoans the rise of the interactive whiteboard in an impassioned editorial from today's Guardian. He feels that a teacher can't be �spontaneous� because interactive whiteboards require you to actually prepare elements of your lessons beforehand, whereas lessons with regular whiteboards require only �a couple of board markers and a handful of good ideas.� I get the feeling that the real issue comes down to value - an interactive whiteboard can do everything a lower-tech whiteboard or blackboard can do and a lot more, but it also costs a lot more as a result. Therefore, if you don't feel like you need the high-tech features, then an interactive whiteboard doesn't make sense. But if I understand the article correctly, Beadle is suggesting that teachers who can't (or won't) learn the technology shouldn't have to because it actually inhibits their creativity and natural instincts. Sounds a lot like what I used to say back in seventh grade when my mom told me to turn off my Nintendo and go do my algebra homework.

I do understand the point though. It's hard to suddenly change and adapt to something you don't understand, especially when you've taught a certain way for decades. In fact, I agreed with Beadle's entertaining diatribe to a certain degree in an earlier post. But enough with the close-mindedness of traditional whiteboard apologists who've taken their tongue out of cheek and openly critique interactive whiteboards simply because they aren't proficient enough with them yet. If you don't like them, don't use them. The market will survive, with or without you.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-10-28 17:12:20

Reviews for the Panaboard, SmartBoard and Mimio Interactive Whiteboards

Thu, 23 Oct 2008 17:07:53 -0400

We mention interactive whiteboards a lot in this blog, whether it's students complaining about how the technology inhibits classroom learning, or NBA coaches using touchpads to teach their players. However, for all the print and online articles you find on interactive whiteboards and how they've revolutionized classroom and boardroom communication, you hardly ever see actual reviews of specific products. That's why a recent article from Government Computer News (GCN) caught my eye - it reviews three interactive whiteboards and goes over their features and benefits.

Before getting to the particular products, the review notes that all three boards have a built-in drawback: if you stand in front of them as you write, you cast a shadow that can obscure the on-screen images, like in a movie theater. That's because you have to step between the screen and the projector. That said, all three cost under $3,000, while plasma touchscreens and rear projection systems (where the light comes from behind the screen) usually cost more than $3,000. So keep this important tradeoff in mind as you look into buying your own interactive whiteboard.

As far as the actual products go, reviewer Trudy Walsh looks at the Panasonic Interactive Panaboard, the Smart Technologies SB680 Front Projection SmartBoard and the Mimio Interactive System:

Panasonic Interactive Panaboard: Walsh likes the big writing surface and easy setup. In addition, she notes that you can write with an electronic pen or an actual dry erase marker, so teachers with an affinity for a traditional whiteboard won't feel deprived either way. This interactive whiteboard also comes with a built-in printer, so you can roll out and mark up very legible hard copies of your presentation notes right away. Overall, the Panaboard gets very high marks for its ability to help you collaborate online and save your presentations offline. The only real issue is lack of mobility, although you can mount it on your wall or move it around on an optional rolling stand.
Smart Technologies SB680 Front Projection SmartBoard: This interactive whiteboard lives up to its name with an interesting multi-pen system where you store each implement in one of the colored trays (red, blue, green and black). So if you take out the blue pen, the board recognizes that the blue tray is empty, and you end up writing in blue. But don't worry if you lose your pens - you can use a dry erase marker or even your finger. Besides the large screen and other basic interactive whiteboard features, Walsh notes that the US military used the SmartBoard in Desert Storm and it worked even after getting hit by bullets. This model takes a little time to assemble, but otherwise gets high marks for its feature set, mobility and durability.
Mimio Interactive System: This product reminds me a lot of the Quartet Portable IdeaShare in that they both consist of receivers that attach to any traditional whiteboard, wall, table, or other flat surface to turn it into an interactive whiteboard. Think Nerf basketball hoop with suction cups, only digital. In this case, the electronic pen sends out signals when it touches the board and the receivers capture them to read and display what you write. The Mimio Interactive System lacks certain standard features like handwriting recognition, but that's part of what it makes more affordable than the Panaboard and SmartBoard. Walsh gives it an A+ for overall value.

So what do we take from these reviews? First off, they indicate that at least one expert thinks these products can competently deliver a lot of what we want in an online and offline collaboration tool, as long as we learn how to use them. It's also good to know that the interactive whiteboard market has something for everyone, from absent-minded professors who regularly lose their pens to budget-minded educators and professionals who aren't quite ready to give up their regular whiteboards. That's a sign of a healthy and rapidly maturing industry that should grow even more over time.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-10-23 17:07:53

Scottish Students Use Whiteboards and Magnetic Letters to Get Literate

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 11:15:17 -0400

All primary school students in North Lanarkshire, Scotland will get their own whiteboard and set of magnetic letters to help improve their reading and writing skills as part of the Active Literacy project, according to a recent article in the Herald. The implementation comes at an opportune time as studies indicate a certain level of illiteracy among local students. Experts estimate that 1 in 4 students in Scotland finish primary school without achieving basic levels of literacy. Further research shows that the problem festers over time, with only 1 in 3 second year students in secondary school achieving baseline writing competency as recently as 2003.

The main benefits of magnetic dry erase boards and magnetic letters seem to be twofold. First, they're more affordable than an interactive whiteboard, so you can buy them in bulk without making a huge dent in your finances. Secondly, whiteboards and magnetic letters enable students to learn visually and work hands-on with sounds and letters on their own at home and at school. Repetition breeds familiarity, and having your own fun learning tool at your disposal can make up for the fact that teachers can't always give students as much individual time as they'd like. Bringing a whiteboard home also gives parents the opportunity to supplement what their children learn at school.

Overall, Active Literacy looks like a promising project, and the latest phase shows just how instrumental a role magnetic dry erase boards can play in teaching students the skills they need to survive in society.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-10-20 11:15:17

Interactive Whiteboards Can Help NBA Teams Make Mid-Game Adjustments

Tue, 14 Oct 2008 16:26:48 -0400

When you see a coach scribbling plays on a whiteboard during a pro basketball game on TV, you may wonder why he doesn't just show his players a video on an interactive whiteboard touchscreen. The answer is simple enough - the NBA competition committee doesn't allow the use of video on the sidelines, according to an article in the LA Times. It's definitely a far cry from commentators liberally using telestrators on NFL telecasts, although you could argue that networks have a much greater incentive to invest and depend on the technology than pro sports leagues currently do. However, the League and Hewlett-Packard are apparently ready to partner up on widely-accessible technology that enables teams to make mid-game adjustments just like they do in between games or quarters in the locker room or on the team bus.

So what does all this mean for basketball in general? First off, expect custom whiteboards to go the way of analog TVs and dinosaurs, at least on NBA sidelines. Tablet PCs with styluses are just as portable as a regular tablet-sized whiteboard, and they offer coaches the ability to show every element necessary to running a successful play, from moving as a team to moving as individuals. More specifically, video enables players to visualize realistic renderings of plays from actual game action, and coaches can interact with the images to show the team what it needs to do in any number of situations. You could even imagine coaches filming plays as they're run in practice, then saving them and showing them to their teams during a timeout to refresh their memories before a crucial possession in a big game.

Besides all that, computers can store entire libraries of statistics that teach players about their own tendencies and the tendencies of their opponents. So if you show your point guard that his counterpart on the other team likes to dribble and drive to the basket with the right hand 3 out of every 4 times down court, maybe he can cheat and force his man to the left hand. We see it in baseball all the time with the focus on individual pitcher and hitter matchups, and results that repeat themselves over tens and even hundreds of iterations often indicate physical and psychological traits that teams can use to their advantage, even in the middle of the game. According to the article, we won't see teams using sideline interactive whiteboard technology this year, but look for benches to go digital in the not-too-distant future.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-10-14 16:26:48

Interactive Whiteboards May Be Turning a Blind Eye to the Visually Impaired

Fri, 10 Oct 2008 14:23:03 -0400

The Guardian has a thought-provoking article that says interactive whiteboards and other technology haven't adequately adapted themselves for the visually impaired. While braille and other measures help the hard of seeing get around on a basic level, the lack of available specially-designed TVs, PVRs, interactive whiteboards and other electronics may be preventing the handicapped from enjoying technology to the fullest extent. The article makes the interesting point that in some cases, products like talking microwaves might appeal to blind and seeing consumers alike, making them a one-size-fits-all solution that everyone can use.

In the case of interactive whiteboards, the Guardian article links to an article in Insight magazine regarding the Catch 22 that visually impaired students face in class. Turn the lights on, and the projected image from the laptop desktop may be harder to see than regular markerstrokes on a traditional whiteboard. Turn the lights off, and students can't take notes during your presentation. The article suggests a few ways to remedy the issue, and the simplest one involves computer desktop maintenance such as clearing off desktop icons, making the font bigger, and using an animated cursor to make everything easier to see and follow. The other solutions seem a lot more technical, drastic, and expensive, so you should probably relay them to your IT person if you're interested in trying them out.

It'll be interesting to see how far interactive whiteboard manufacturers go to accommodate the visually impaired. Because in a technologically advanced country governed by the No Child Left Behind Act, it'd be a shame if no one in the industry even lifted a finger.

(Photo via Morguefile)

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-10-10 14:23:03

The Past, Present and Future of SMART Interactive Whiteboards

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 12:29:43 -0400

The Irish Times has an interesting article on the history of the interactive whiteboard from the perspective of the inventors of the SMART Board. The idea for the technology came to Canadian mathematician Dave Martin in 1987, and he promptly created SMART Technologies with his wife Nancy Knowlton. The company presented its first interactive whiteboard to the world in 1991, and the rest is history. A couple of interesting points from the article:

Martin witnessed the PC revolution firsthand in the late 80s and felt inspired to ride the wave with a specialized product that could take advantage of the new technology. It just goes to show that when opportunity knocks, it's important to answer the door.
According to the article, SMART has a 53% share of the worldwide interactive whiteboard market and just sold its one millionth board. It'll be interesting to see if new boards from companies like Mead can eventually compete with the incumbent.
We've all seen how the technology has grown and slowly replaced traditional whiteboards in classrooms around the world. Reports indicate that the next frontier is the corporate boardroom, where the traditional whiteboard still reigns supreme. Look for some resistance from established corporate bureaucracies as SMART attempts to break into a new market.

Overall, it's an interesting article and certainly worth reading for perspective on where the interactive whiteboard market has been and where it's going. And in the end, it suggests that the early bird in the corporate market may very well get the worm for the foreseeable future.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-10-06 12:29:43

New Reebok Talkin' Krazy Shoes Give Ballers Their Own Whiteboard

Thu, 02 Oct 2008 15:05:55 -0400

For basketball players, sneakers can act as mobile whiteboards where you can write messages for inspiration or to taunt the opposition. Now Reebok has caught on to the double-duty your high tops do on the blacktop with the new Talkin' Krazy shoe, which features a whiteboard-like surface and comes with a dry erase marker. According to Slam Online, these shoes come out today and MSRP comes out to about $80, which is well below the triple digit figures you'd pay for other high-profile brands.

So will they be a hit? I remember back in sixth grade when I harassed my mom into getting me Reebok Pumps, the shoes with the squeezable button on the tongue that tightened the fit. Those were definitely a classic and somewhat elaborate gimmick, which makes me wonder whether a markerboard surface is interesting enough to draw in a generation accustomed to XBOXes and iPhones. On the other hand, the Talkin' Krazy may do well with creative types looking to send a message with every step they take. And with current sports stars like Terrell Owens using Sharpies as part of their scoring celebrations, maybe the youth are secretly seeking their own way to emulate their heroes. Either way, it's an interesting concept that may just catch on among ballers of all ages.

(Photo via Champs Sports Lounge)

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-10-02 15:05:55

Interactive Whiteboards Require Time and Patience

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 14:44:01 -0400

Interactive Whiteboards feature advanced technology that offers greater possibilities for classroom lessons and boardroom presentations, but they do have their limitations. More specifically, educators who don't know enough about how to use their Interactive Whiteboards can actually inhibit classroom learning by spending class time trying to run the equipment instead of teaching with it. So does that mean administrators should stick with Traditional Whiteboards and stay away from Interactive Whiteboards? It's a tougher decision to make than you might think.

I had a computer programming teacher in high school who once told us, "Computers are dumb." In other words, they're only useful when we know how to use them. My feeling is that schools should only buy Interactive Whiteboards when they're willing to devote the time and money to educate teachers on how to use the technology properly. Buying a high-tech machine for the sake of appearances wastes resources because it's an investment you have to live with once you commit to it. For example, I already know I can stay in shape if I buy a jumprope or do pushups at home - I don't need a big $1,000 exercise machine with advanced programming features and a thick instruction manual I'm never going to read.

The same idea applies to educators - if you don't need the advanced features of an Interactive Whiteboard or don't have the time or resources to show your teachers how to use them, it's probably better to stick with a regular Whiteboard. I still think Interactive Whiteboards are the future of visual communication in classrooms and conference rooms, but you may want to wait until you're 100% ready to make the most of the technology before you buy one for your school or business.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-09-29 14:44:01

Mead Introduces New Interactive Whiteboard

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 15:32:32 -0400

Interactive Whiteboards recently hit the $1 billion mark in worldwide installations for 2008, and it appears that the current industry leaders are in for some competition from new manufacturers looking for their own piece of a growing pie. The latest contestant: Mead, which is releasing the plainly named Mead Interactive Whiteboard according to an article from Campus Technology. The main features include a 77" projection screen, multimedia pen, Windows-compatibility, and an education-oriented software package.

So what's significant about the new interactive whiteboard? Mead makes notebooks, office supplies, and the well-known TrapperKeeper, all of which were mainstays in my bookbag back in middle school. But I never remember Mead even coming out with a regular white board, let alone an interactive whiteboard. Whatever the rationale, I'm inclined to see this product release as another sign of the growing popularity of interactive whiteboards among educators, as well as Mead's acknowledgment that going digital can be a wise move for any manufacturer in the age of computers and the Internet. It looks like an interesting board with a competitive feature set, but only time will tell whether the market incumbents have built up enough brand recognition to snuff out the latest challenge to their supremacy.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-09-24 15:32:32

Interactive Whiteboard Video: Flintstones Cigarette Commercial

Tue, 16 Sep 2008 10:21:36 -0400

Here's another video to show on your interactive whiteboard, and just like the dating video from the 1950s, this clip feels pretty dated because of the product it promotes and the spokesmen it uses to promote it. First off, you never see cigarette commercials on TV anymore, not counting those recent anti-smoking campaigns with the singing cartoon characters. But even more amazingly, this interactive whiteboard video shows the Flintstones smoking Winstons like it's nothing.

If you're a teacher looking for discussion points, one issue that immediately comes to mind is the influence of cigarette advertising on children. Remember the public outcry over Camel using their sunglass-sporting mascot to allegedly draw in a younger audience? That pales in comparison to a major cigarette company using universally-known characters from a classic cartoon series to sell its products. It also reflects the much more casual attitude of society towards smoking, especially before the government and special interest groups conducted studies revealing the health hazards of tobacco. In any case, this ad provides another interesting, engaging, and even shocking way to show students and colleagues how the world has changed in the last few decades. Show it on an interactive whiteboard and see how your audience reacts.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-09-16 10:21:36

Interactive Whiteboards Hit the $1 Billion Mark Worldwide for 2008

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 17:03:14 -0400

Apparently the rapid growth in the interactive whiteboard market isn't just a figment of our imagination - Futuresource Consulting reports that 600,000 of these digital white boards have been installed worldwide in 2008, which equates to an overall value of more than $1 billion (US). To recap, today's typical interactive whiteboard is a high-tech writing surface you connect to your computer and a projector. The projector conveys the image of your computer's desktop onto the white board and special technology enables you to interact with your desktop through the writing surface. In addition, many interactive whiteboards enable you save what you write on the board onto your computer for future reference. It's an innovative technology that combines the real-time visibility of a traditional white board with the power of computers and the Internet to amplify your message on a global level and ultimately make school and work a lot more engaging and efficient.

So is the interactive whiteboard a high-tech fad or will the industry continue to grow and evolve for the foreseeable future? On one hand, business is cyclical, and Futuresource reports that sales of interactive whiteboards have slowed down in the UK, where they apparently found an early foothold thanks to Tony Blair's emphasis on education. However, the same report suggests that interactive whiteboard manufacturers could expand their focus from schools to corporate consumers as well, and that current users who bought the first interactive whiteboards nearly a decade ago may be in the market for a replacement. Prices should also continue to decrease over time as the technology continues to establish itself, making it more affordable and accessible to budget-minded consumers. Personally, as long as people continue to use computers and white boards to work and communicate with each other, I don't see the hybrid interactive whiteboard falling to the wayside anytime soon.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-09-09 17:03:14

Telestrators Bring White Board Technology to the Gridiron

Wed, 03 Sep 2008 10:55:48 -0400

White board technology makes its way into the mainstream every autumn with the opening of the football season. Whether you watch pro or college (or even high school) football on TV, there's nothing like following along with an enthusiastic expert commentator as he writes over a still shot of the action to illustrate formations, coverages, and breakdowns in the offense or defense that led to whatever play you just saw. Much of today's telestrator technology uses the touchscreen interface you'd find in a tablet PC or interactive whiteboard. In other words, computers enable you to interact with what's on your screen, helping you and your viewers visualize the action.

Of course, white board technology wasn't always this advanced. In a brief interview that Popular Mechanics did with telestrator inventor Leonard Reiffel, he mentions how the first telestrators consisted of glass plates that you had to put over a TV screen and write on with a special light pen. Today's touchscreen technology involves a special glass screen with an electric signal that connects to your computer and recognizes passive objects like a stylus or even your finger. With all the video analysis that athletes and coaches do these days, you may see more and more of them drawing over different images of themselves or their team on the field instead of sketching Xs, Os and stick figures on blank white boards.

In any case, next time you see John Madden or any other announcer doodling on your TV screen, remember that high-tech white board-like applications make it possible. So sit back, relax, and grab another chicken wing as the latest in telestrator technology shows you the game behind the game every Saturday and Sunday afternoon.

(Photo via Wikipedia. Shared under Creative Commons Attribution 2.5 License)
Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-09-03 10:55:48

Chalkboard versus White Board: A (Very) General Comparison

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 17:20:43 -0400

Last week, we summarized the history of the chalkboard and how the white board has quickly taken over in classrooms and board rooms across the nation and around the world. But what prompted the change? As we noted before, people believed that chalkboard dust could pollute the air and interfere with the function of computers, so they started switching to white boards. But as an interesting article from CNN.com points out, chalkboards and white boards feature the same basic porcelain on steel composition. Chalkboards feature a satin finish to work with chalk, and white boards feature a glossy finish to work with markers.

So which is better? My guess is that it may be as much a matter of personal preference as it is science on either side. Chalkboard apologists might say a firmer writing surface with more resistance teaches students to improve their handwriting one stroke at a time, while white board fans probably prefer the smoother surface, reduced dust, and potentially better surface visibility, among other things. Regardless, I'm honestly curious about whether the progression from chalkboard to white board represents a Darwinian natural selection of sorts, or whether it's simply a change in taste, marketing, and manufacturing. My gut tells me it's a bit of everything, but maybe there's some scientific evidence out there to definitively prove the unqualified superiority of a white board. If you have any insight or information to offer, feel free to leave a comment. Until then, I'll be seeking enlightenment through Google.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-08-27 17:20:43

A History of the Chalkboard and Whiteboard in Two Paragraphs

Mon, 18 Aug 2008 16:17:26 -0400

Ever wondered how chalkboards became a staple in schools across the country? According to Jerry Wojenski's illustrated timeline, students originally used individual slabs of slate (i.e. the old school equivalent of personal lap-sized chalkboards) and the teacher had to write out the problems and questions for the day's lesson on each one. As you can guess, the work was tedious, and by 1801, military schools like West Point started using large slabs of slate so teachers only had to write once for the class to see and follow the lesson. The growth of railroads made these larger chalkboards more accessible to schools and the new mass communication revolution spread to institutions across the nation.

By the 1980s, businesses started using whiteboards and marker boards to eliminate potentially harmful chalk dust from the air. Schools soon followed suit, and now more business and educational institutions are using interactive whiteboards to present lessons in classrooms and conference rooms around the world. So what's next? Who knows - maybe one day, we'll be able to draw advanced text and graphics in the air with our fingers and collaborate in real-time with our friends and colleagues. Until then, it'll be interesting to witness the evolution of the visual communication board in the years and decades to come.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-08-18 16:17:26

Interactive Whiteboard Video: What to Do on a Date (1951)

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:13:12 -0400

Part 2 of our Interactive Whiteboard Educational Video Series comes from a 1951 film about what to do on a date. It's on the longer side at 10:46 in total, but it has some memorable quotes and moments. Also, note that at ~5:44, Nick gets his inspiration for his next date from the community center bulletin board. That was like the Internet of the 20th century and it's still pretty useful today, especially if you're looking for the date of the next Weenie Roast.

So how can you make the most of this old school video? First off, you can discuss how dating and other social conventions have changed in the last 60 years. And if you want to break up any potential monotony, you can freeze it at certain points and have students guess what's about to happen. For example, does Kay go on a second date with Nick? What's Nick doing right or wrong from the perspective of someone from the 1950s compared to today? You could also ask students to translate the lingo from back then into what modern high schoolers would say. Whatever you do, this video resembles the Civil Rights Rap in that it shows a candid snapshot of what America used to look like. Contrast it with what our country looks like today and you have an engaging lesson in history and sociology.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-08-13 17:13:12

Whiteboards and Chalkboards Keep Cyclists on Notice at the Tour de France

Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:45:41 -0400

You may think that whiteboards and chalkboards belong in the conference room or classroom, but breakaway bicyclists in the Tour de France use them to stay a step ahead of the main pack in back of them. More specifically, motorbikes ride alongside the lead cyclists with boards that show up-to-date race information, which in turn helps those lead cyclists decide how to pace themselves for the rest of the race. When you add in the fact that many racers wear radio earpieces, purists complain that the Tour loses some of its drama when competitors know too much about what everyone else is doing.

Personally, I'll leave the debate to the Europeans, since most Americans probably stopped following the biggest bike race in the world once Floyd Landis got stripped of his 2006 Tour title for doping. That said, this interesting application of whiteboards and chalkboards shows their versatility as an easy-to-see and easy-to-carry solution for mobile information transmission. And at the end of the day, it may be easier for competitors to scramble radio signals than it is to sabotage a moving magnetic dry erase board display, if any of that kind of gamesmanship is even legal (or detectable). Look for chalkboards, whiteboards and perhaps even interactive whiteboards to play an increasingly important role in keeping riders and racers fully appraised and prepared for whatever comes their way in major competitions around the world.

(Photo courtesy of Ajay Kumar Singh)
Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-08-05 14:45:41

Whiteboard Resurfacing Can Save the Planet and Save You Money

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 14:22:23 -0400

So you're an educator and rising gas prices have forced your school to resort to serious cost-cutting measures, including dropping school bus routes and cutting back on supplies, school furniture and other parts of the budget. At the same time, you're looking to maintain your aspirations of going green and making your school sustainable in as many ways as possible. One way to cut costs and stay green at the same time is to resurface your aging whiteboard, chalkboard, or markerboard. By resurfacing your board, you save it from the landfill and save the extra money it costs to buy a whole new board. Here are some recommended board resurfacing products:

Self-Adhesive Board Skins: This is one of your easiest and fastest board resurfacing options, unless you're ok with writing straight on your wall. Think of your Self-Adhesive Board Skin as a big sticker that you spread over your old chalkboard or whiteboard surface. It comes in porcelain steel and whiteboard surfaces, so you can stick with your current surface or seamlessly switch to a new one.
Retro-Fit Board: If you're looking for something sturdier, this popular solution enables you to tap into your inner-handyman and screw in a fresh new writing surface onto your whiteboard. Not always as budget-friendly or convenient as a Self-Adhesive Board Skin, but you get a smoother writing surface that should feel more like a new version of your old board.
Unframed Whiteboard Sheet Material: It may not always be as green as the aforementioned options because you have to throw away your old surface, but you can still keep your frame and simply install your new writing surface. Plus, Unframed Whiteboard Sheet Material comes in custom sizes that can fit almost anywhere.

In any case, you have some solid options when it comes to resurfacing your whiteboard or chalkboard. Balance your budget with your need to go green and find the solution that suits you best.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-07-31 14:22:23

Magic Whiteboard Aims to Flip the Script on Flipcharts

Tue, 29 Jul 2008 19:33:17 -0400

Flipchart Pads provide a space-saving place to quickly sketch out an idea, then turn the page and move on to the next one. But as individuals and businesses look to reduce waste in an effort go green, eco-friendly self-adhesive whiteboards sound like the perfect product for manufacturers to develop and market for the future. Fortunately for consumers in the UK, the future is now thanks to a new whiteboard-flipchart called Magic Whiteboard. The inventors intend to gain nationwide exposure for their creation on a BBC TV show called Dragons' Den, where they'll attempt to sell their idea to high-profile businesspeople in front of an audience of millions.

According to the website, Magic Whiteboard is a statically-charged portable roll of polypropylene film that sticks to almost any hard surface for several months on its own. You can write and erase like you would with a dry erase whiteboard, although you're advised to use markerboard cleaner for stubborn smudges. Besides its self-adhesive whiteboard-like properties, a roll consists of 25 perforated sheets with a combined length of 20 meters, so you can write a lot without having to stop and erase, which sounds like a nice alternative to a disposable flipchart. Magic Whiteboard is reusable, recyclable and even comes in a version with gridlines, sort of like a greener graphic markerboard. This new product costs �29.99 per roll, or around $59.50 (US). It's definitely a product to watch, although hopefully the static charge adhesive won't shock anyone before it hits our shores.

(Story via Worcester News)
Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-07-29 19:33:17

Dabbleboard Online Whiteboard Whips Your Drawings and Flowcharts Into Shape

Tue, 22 Jul 2008 11:41:21 -0400

Just like snowflakes, every online whiteboard has a different look and feel. Today, I tried out Dabbleboard, an application that takes its own unique approach to replicating and enhancing the whiteboard experience. More specifically, it turns your squiggles into straight-line approximations of what the application thinks you're trying to draw, making it somewhat of an intelligent whiteboard. So if you try to draw a triangle, Dabbleboard straightens out the lines. And if you try your hand at a Nike-like swoosh, Dabbleboard turns it into a smooth curved line. Unfortunately, the whiteboard can get the approximation wrong and turn a random squiggle into a diamond or triangle, sort of like someone spotting constellations in the nighttime sky. You can fix it by clicking the Freehand button before you begin, but it takes some discipline to do this every time you log in.

Otherwise, Dabbleboard provides a pretty comprehensive feature set for an online whiteboard. You can undo your last markerstroke, undo your undo if you're feeling especially indecisive, upload a photo, make an arrow, choose from two different thicknesses for your marker and two font sizes for your text, download a JPEG version of your drawing, and utilize four different marker colors. In addition, you can click on each object you draw and move it around, delete it, replicate it, or resize it. If you sign up for a free account, Dabbleboard enables you to share your whiteboard with friends and colleagues via email or through a public URL that contains embeddable HTML for blogs and other social tools. The sidebar to the left of your whiteboard saves your drawings for future use.

Overall, I like Dabbleboard for its look, feel and functionality. My only major recommendation would be to make the drawing tool freehand by default, with a button you can click to straighten up your shapes. Otherwise, Dabbleboard makes a good all-around online collaboration board that should only improve over time.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-07-22 11:41:21

Educational Videos for Your Interactive Whiteboard: The Civil Rights Rap

Thu, 17 Jul 2008 22:38:06 -0400

Of all the educational benefits you get from interactive whiteboards, one of my favorites is the ability to connect to the Internet, download a video, and show it to your class on demand. It sure beats watching the teacher fumble around with the VHS player, call up the A/V guy, and spend half the class period twiddling his/her thumbs until the issue gets fixed, like we used to do on occasion back when I was in middle school. Anyway, I've been searching for free and entertaining educational videos you can integrate into your lessons. Today's clip is for the history teachers, and it comes from the 1980s. It's a rap that covers three of the major events in civil rights history: Brown v. Board of Education, the Rosa Parks incident, and the diner sit-in staged by 4 black college students in Greensboro, NC.

So what's great about this video? In addition to giving you a history lesson on the civil rights movement, it gives you some insight into what people thought was cool back in the 1980s. I especially like the unique fashion sense of the actors, the beatboxing, and the fresh dance moves. It's like a history lesson within a history lesson, if that makes any sense.

In any case, try showing this on your projection screen or interactive whiteboard during class at some point. At the very least, you'll get a good laugh, if you don't end up learning some history first.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-07-17 22:38:06

Digital Signage Makes Ad Campaigns and Presentations Come to Life

Mon, 14 Jul 2008 16:42:06 -0400

Imagine if stores and businesses replaced display windows, signs and ads with interactive digital displays. Recent investments in digital signage by companies like Titan Outdoor help illustrate the growing demand for dynamic and interactive displays that grab and engage a consumer's attention. Titan, in partnership with iblink, plans to install 6-sheet, 65 inch high HD digital screens for digital ad displays in rail stations throughout London. Besides their high image quality, they also feature Bluetooth technology that helps advertisers connect with consumers' cell phones. It's definitely a unique concept, and I would probably pay more attention to bright, dynamic interactive billboards than the fading static ads I see in my local subway station.

While your business or institution may not have $75 million to invest in digital signage like Titan does, you still have some pretty advanced options at your fingertips if you know how to use them. As we've mentioned before, interactive whiteboards provide a digital display with PC and Internet connectivity. Computer connectivity comes in handy for showing digital presentations you've made and the Internet can feed your display with up-to-the-minute information and media to keep your material fresh and interesting.

If an interactive whiteboard lies a little outside your price range, projection screens provide a wide and easy-to-see surface for your digital presentations. Larger spaces might require an electric motorized projection screen or manual projection screen, while a more intimate in-store display may call for a portable projection screen. Do-it-yourselfers can even try using a wall or table as a screen and enable consumers to interact with a device like the Wiimote Whiteboard.

Personally, I think it's about time digital signage played a bigger role in marketing campaigns. I was riding the T in Boston the other day and as we passed through a tunnel, I saw a series of stillshots outside the window depicting a man skiing down a slope as we sped by. It was certainly an interesting way to advertise a local ski resort, but it also made me feel like I'd just stepped into a moving picture show from the early 20th century. Computers and digital technology have the potential to make dynamic, adaptable presentations that enable people to interact with what they see in a way that large pieces of cardboard simply can't. Look for digital signage to take on a higher profile as more businesses and institutions look to get an eye-catching leg up on the competition.

(Photo courtesy of FreePhotosBank)
Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-07-14 16:42:06

Abracadabra Software Casts a Spell on Students with the Help of an Interactive Whiteboard

Tue, 08 Jul 2008 17:13:35 -0400

No one ever said interactive whiteboards were magical, but combining these high-tech devices with the universal appeal of video games may just convert the non-believers among students and educators across Australia. Australian IT reports that Charles Darwin University tested a new software called Abracadabra in a small sampling of Australian primary schools and got positive results. Abracadabra uses educational games, music and visual bells and whistles to teach students reading skills, computer skills, vocabulary and more. The software works with an interactive whiteboard and encourages kids to learn by playing. This new edutainment package apparently made a positive impression with its test subjects and researchers will likely conduct tests with larger sample sizes to refine it before it hits the open market.

The fact that Abracadabra uses an interactive whiteboard hints at the potential for educators to reach students in a new and appealing way. First off, the stats tell us that a good portion of Generation Y would love nothing more than to plop down in front of a big screen TV and play XBOX or Wii. An interactive whiteboard can replicate that big screen experience to a certain extent, and if you can integrate engaging computer software into your curriculum, it encourages an interactive, hands-on learning experience that students can't get from passively staring at a textbook. In addition, with its PC and Internet connectivity, an interactive whiteboard can connect students from different classrooms in different states and countries for unique multi-lingual and multi-cultural exchanges that no other available technology can really replicate.

In any case, the development of software like Abracadabra bears watching. And if the widespread misgivings about the American educational system have any merit, the integration of advanced educational technology could ultimately hold the key to closing a growing educational gap.

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net)
Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-07-08 17:13:35

Imagination Cubed Online Whiteboard Makes It Fun to Go Solo

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:49:21 -0400

Imagination Cubed is an online whiteboard from General Electric that's designed with the single user in mind, as opposed to more collaborative applications like Skrbl and Scriblink. This unique application eschews chatting and focuses more on a neat and artistic presentation that makes those idle hours fly by in your cubicle. I tried it out for myself and had a lot of fun.

First, the Not-So-Good: Again, this is not a collaborative online whiteboard tool, so you probably want something like Scriblink or Skrbl for brainstorming and study sessions. And keep in mind that you can't upload files or photos, so you're pretty much stuck with the designs, styles and colors you get on the site. There's no eraser either, although you can undo your last markerstroke or clear the entire whiteboard. Finally, while this online whiteboard looks like it covers the whole browser, it only covers about two-thirds of it. Unfortunately, you won't figure this out for yourself until you try drawing or typing and find that you get cut off. Scriblink covers a smaller surface area as well, but at least you can see the borders of the whiteboard beforehand.

The Good: While you can't upload photos or files, Imagination Cubed has some cool designs, backgrounds and fonts built in to the application. I especially like the options for your markerstrokes that range from your basic line to a trail of dripping ink. You can also stamp in graphics, type in characters, and adjust the size, thickness and color of what you write or draw. One interesting feature is the �Replay� button that enables you to retrace your markerstrokes so you can make simple animated movies, although the marker-cursor shows up during playback. It's sort of like the old Super NES game Mario Paint without the music composer and sweet flyswatting game.

Overall, Imagination Cubed is fun and easy-to-use. It's not business-oriented like Skrbl or Scriblink, but it's easy on the eyes, enables you to email links of your artwork to friends, and gives you just enough functionality to make you come back for another scribble session.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-07-03 14:49:21

Skrbl Online Whiteboard Edits Text Like Microsoft Word

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 16:58:30 -0400

Skrbl is an online whiteboard application available in two versions: a Team Edition that costs $10/month and a Free Edition. The Team Edition gives you phone/chat functionality, supports 5 users, and gives you 250 MB file storage. The Free Edition supports a single user and offers 10 MB file storage. I tried the Free version, but you can compare the specs for yourself to decide whether you're willing to pay for more functionality.

After you register for your free account, you'll notice two important icons across the top of the whiteboard: the letter A and a pencil. Click on the letter A and you get access to a text function with a toolbar that feels a lot like Microsoft Word. Every time you click on the whiteboard, a movable text box appears. You can underline your text, put it in bold, put it in italics, do a strikethrough, align it, add numbered and unnumbered bullet points, and choose from seven fonts, five font sizes and six text colors.

To draw, you click on the pencil icon. You can make your own custom-sized square or rectangle, stretch out a straight line in any direction, make a circle or oval, or just scribble freehand. Your �marker� writes in eight different colors and five different thicknesses. Besides all that, you can upload files and photos, and even search for certain words you've typed with the handy search box at the bottom of your board.

So how does Skrbl compare to Scriblink? I prefer Skrbl's text function simply because it feels more like a text editor, while Scriblink doesn't allow you to go back and change or delete text once you've moved your cursor - you have to manually erase as you would with a drawing. Also, Skrbl gives you a bigger whiteboard surface.

But while I give Skrbl the edge when it comes to text, I like Scriblink for its graphics. While Skrbl gives you several fixed choices in terms of color and thickness, Scriblink provides a continuous palette and thickness slider that gives you more flexibility.

Both applications offer plenty of functionality when it comes to simulating an authentic whiteboard experience. If you like graphics and free chat, I recommend Scriblink. But if you want a comprehensive and flexible text editor, go with the Free version of Skrbl.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-06-30 16:58:30

Taking Downloadable and Uploadable Screenshots of Your Online Whiteboard

Thu, 26 Jun 2008 16:07:44 -0400

As an addendum to Tuesday's intro to online whiteboards, I got a nice email from Jordan of Scriblink telling me how to turn my whiteboard into a saveable and uploadable screenshot. It all depends on whether you use a PC or a Mac. For PC users:

Hit the Print Screen key
Open MS Paint
Click on Edit and select Paste from the dropdown
Save your image in your favorite format

Mac users should check out this helpful video on capturing a screenshot in OSX.

While an interactive whiteboard packs more power when it comes to downloading and sharing words and images, this short tutorial certainly does the trick for Scriblink and other online whiteboard applications. Thanks again to Jordan.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-06-26 16:07:44

Online Whiteboards Offer a Simple Digital Alternative to Interactive Electronic Whiteboards

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 15:02:50 -0400

Interactive whiteboards help demonstrate how the Internet can exponentially expand the impact of visual communication by conveying digital images almost anywhere in the world. But while innovative devices like the Wiimote Interactive Whiteboard enable us to write almost directly on our computer screens, sometimes you just want to quickly touch base with someone and share some scribbled-down ideas over the Web without all the extra equipment. Online whiteboards represent the most complete union between whiteboard and computer you can imagine, at least for now. Current online whiteboard services host webpages where you can draw, type and send messages with your keyboard and mouse. Most importantly, many of them are free to use and don't require you to register your contact information. To give you an idea of what's out there, I'll be trying out different whiteboard sites over the next week or two and profiling them for you.

Let's start off with a relatively simple online whiteboard site called Scriblink. Think of it as a cross between Microsoft Paint and AOL Instant Messenger. You get your own digital whiteboard space where you can draw, add some basic automated shapes, type in characters, erase, upload images and even display a grid to help you align what you write and draw. The control panel also features a color palette and Size slider that enables you to adjust the thickness of your marker and eraser as well as the size of your text. If you make a mistake, you can Undo your last move or Clear the board and start with a clean slate. The sidebar features a chat window and buttons where you can save, print and send your images. There are also buttons under the dialog box for phone and VoIP conferencing, although the VoIP button didn't open when I tried it.

Overall, I think Scriblink does well with the basics and has definite potential as a whiteboard communication application. Keep in mind that the Save feature is a bit deceptive in that the site sends you an online link instead of a file. While it's nice to pick up where you left off right away when you're online, having a copy of your saved whiteboard in JPG or PDF enables you to access and print out notes and ideas anytime, whether you're on- or offline. And with the advent of social networking sites like Facebook and MySpace, saved files can make great uploads to share with friends and co-workers. I ended up taking the very professional-looking image for this article with my camera phone and the lines minimize any chance it had of hanging on my refrigerator, let alone in a high-end art museum. Seriously though, I recommend Scriblink as a quick and convenient spot to brainstorm or have a study session with anyone connected to the Internet. It's free, easy to use, and preserves your privacy, so try it for yourself and contact the developer if you have any input on how to make it even better.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-06-24 15:02:50

Electronic Whiteboards Help Hospitals Save Lives

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 15:00:59 -0400

We've already mentioned how electronic whiteboards can benefit your school or business in theory. But what about in practice? Everyone loves a good case study, and I recently found a story about a hospital in Canada using electronic whiteboards to help treat patients.

Electronic whiteboards help with a process called triage, where nurses go around to check on patients' conditions and decide who needs the most immediate treatment. As you can guess, hospitals are big, you have a lot of patients to treat, and time is of the essence. At Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO), emergency room nurses go around with tablet devices and check up on patients. Using automated point-and-click prompts, the nurses enter in and record patient information. The records then get displayed on an electronic whiteboard for everyone to see, kind of like the flight schedule at an airport. In addition, the information goes to all the computers around the hospital so anyone can read it and use it. One doctor notes that the hospital "had a standard whiteboard before, but it was only helpful if you were standing in front of it" and says that "having the information available to [staff] when [they] need it and wherever [they] need it" is especially exciting.

"It also adds legibility to the work," says Steve Lozanski, one of the triage system developers. When doctors and nurses run around the hospital, they often scribble down messy notes on paper that can make critical information hard to read. Typing the information or writing it into a tablet device with character recognition software and displaying it on an electronic whiteboard helps ensure that nothing gets lost in translation. Look for more hospitals and medical institutions to follow CHEO's lead in the near future.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-06-19 15:00:59

Quartet IdeaShare Electronic Whiteboard Provides A Glimpse Into the Future

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 15:59:43 -0400

Google "whiteboards" and you're more and more likely to find links to a new generation of computer-compatible electronic whiteboards like the Quartet IdeaShare. This new technology enables you to do a couple key things you can't do with a traditional markerboard:

Save what you've already written on your board to your computer so you can erase and write something new with a clear conscience
Share your ideas word for word with colleagues across the country and around the globe via PDA, printout, or live web meeting

As a result, you can document all your presentations and streams of consciousness for future reference. And as corporations expand and go global, an electronic whiteboard like the Quartet IdeaShare presents the perfect way for you to bridge the physical gap between employees in different offices.

Evolution can take place in babysteps, then suddenly advance in leaps and bounds. It took time for people to switch from chalkboards to whiteboards, and now we're experiencing the next step in mass visual communication. Try out a Quartet IdeaShare Electronic Whiteboard for yourself and take a glimpse into the future today.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-06-17 15:59:43

Wiimote Whiteboard Provides An Innovative Electronic Whiteboard Solution

Fri, 13 Jun 2008 22:19:24 -0400

At first glance, the Nintendo Wiimote and a whiteboard don't appear to have much in common. But in the eyes of Johnny Lee of Carnegie Mellon, the two go together like porcelain on steel to create an inexpensive, do-it-yourself electronic whiteboard system. The Wiimote Whiteboard requires some extra assembly on your part, so here are some key items you'll need:

A Nintendo Wiimote (MSRP $39.99)
A Projection screen with your computer desktop projected on it by your primary projector
Empty ballpoint pen casing with infrared LED installed inside

Once you download the special software and read the instructions on Lee's project page, you need to connect your Wiimote to your PC via Bluetooth. First, station your Wiimote at a prime spot so the camera hits your screen at an optimal angle from the right distance. Next, turn on your infrared LED pen, touch certain points on the screen to activate the writable area, and start writing. The Wiimote's infrared camera tracks the light from your infrared LED pen and enables you to spread your message on the projection screen. See the video above and read the project page for more details.

The main benefit of Lee's creation comes in its ability to turn almost any surface such as a projection screen, table, desk or wall into an inexpensive, full-fledged electronic whiteboard. On the other hand, the tracking resolution is lower, which makes writing slower and less precise than on a traditional whiteboard or electronic copyboard. Either way, the Wiimote Whiteboard provides a prime example of how a little ingenuity and know-how can go a long way.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-06-13 22:19:24

Whiteboards, Recycle Bins and Smart Printing Make It Easy to Save Paper

Wed, 11 Jun 2008 14:12:44 -0400

America has a serious paper problem. In fact, according to the EPA, Americans created nearly 85 million tons of paper waste in 2006, nearly triple what they generated in 1960. And Renee Thomas of document automation company Esker reports that we use about 8 million tons of office paper every year. So what can you do to help solve the problem? Here are four quick ways to reduce the glut and turn the brief life cycle of paper into a long and sustainable loop:

Buy a recycle bin and place it strategically: Try placing your recycle bin right next to the copier, printer or fax machine to make recycling easy and accessible for everyone. If you work in a larger office, buy a number of recycle bins and place them at convenient intervals from where people sit so no employee has to go very far to recycle. In the end, it's all about location and accessibility.
Install a markerboard: Unlike paper, markerboards and whiteboards provide a spacious surface where you can write and erase as often as you want. Plus, more people can see what you write on a markerboard than in your paper-based notes, especially if you buy a board that covers your entire wall. Electronic whiteboards and copyboards can help you expand your audience even more.
Make double-sided printouts: Printers and copiers aren't exactly the easiest machines to operate, especially when they're not yours. But if you can figure out how to duplex your printouts on your own or ask someone who knows, you can cut your paper consumption in half.
Click on the Print-Friendly icon when you print webpages: We all know from experience that something gets lost in translation when we print webpages onto paper. You get extra pages with one or two lines of text that you end up tossing without even reading. For example, a typical New York Times article looks nice in your browser but probably won't translate the same way to paper. Click on the Print icon underneath the photo and you get a paper-ready version that you can print out and take to lunch or back to your cubicle.

But your efforts shouldn't end there. If you can find creative ways to save paper without overdoing it, go for it. The Earth will thank you and future generations in the long run.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-06-11 14:12:44

Road Atlases Can Help You Find Your Way This Summer

Mon, 09 Jun 2008 13:00:16 -0400

Summer vacation means roadtrips with the family, and roadtrips require a road atlas so you can get where you need to go. And with nearly 4 million miles of public roads to explore, you've got plenty of driving to do. The type of road atlas you buy really depends on what you plan to do during your road trip. For example, if you like camping, an atlas that lists campgrounds around the country can help you decide where to go and guide you so you get there faster. Travelers looking to take the scenic route should get a guided road atlas with landmarks, places of interest and well-known recreational spots so you can get to your destination and figure out what to do once you get there.

There are a few other good reasons to bring a quality road atlas along for the ride:

Durability: These aren't the flimsy paper maps you pick up from the Welcome Center at the rest stop on the side of the highway. A road atlas is built to last with a hard cover that can withstand high-volume handling.
Save on gas: If you didn't notice already, gas prices are up to nearly $4 per gallon at the moment. And the more you drive around as you get lost in an unfamiliar area, the more likely it is you'll be running on empty in the near future.
Good for the Male Psyche: With Father's Day coming up, a road atlas makes a perfect gift for the real man so he never has to ask for directions again.

So there you have it. Drive safely this summer, take plenty of breaks, and don't forget to buckle up and have fun.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-06-09 13:00:16

Custom Advertising Magnets Stick To The Hearts and Minds of Prospective Consumers

Mon, 02 Jun 2008 18:32:31 -0400

There are a lot of magnets on the refrigerator in my apartment. Some of them were left by the previous tenants, but most of them come from local businesses and restaurants that leave them around the entryway of my building. And it's no coincidence that I happen to patronize many of those same businesses on a regular basis. Strategically distributing your own Custom Advertising Magnets offers some key benefits over printing flyers or buying ad space in a magazine:

Location: Most people have a refrigerator at home that they visit on a regular basis. And before they open it to get a soda or a snack, they have to stop and look at your custom magnet on the door. It's basically an inexpensive billboard that won't come down anytime soon.
Utility: To consumers, magnets are like free tacks and pushpins that hold up artwork, messages, shopping lists and other important notes on magnetic surfaces. As a result, people tend to leave them where they are, as opposed to disposable flyers and paper menus that don't do much besides advertise.
Space-saving Shapes and Sizes: Magnets are flat, compact and stick to certain metallic surfaces. On the other hand, paper piles up and rustles around, which makes it a prime candidate for the trash can or recycle bin.

With a lot of different businesses competing for the hearts, minds and palates of consumers, it's tough to make yourself stand out. Custom Advertising Magnets represent a memorable way to advertise yourself over and over again in a prime location without turning off your audience.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-06-02 18:32:31

A-Frame Sidewalk Menu Boards Give Businesses More Than An Outside Shot at Success

Tue, 27 May 2008 15:16:55 -0400

At first glance, chalkboards and warm weather don't seem to go together, unless you're one of the chosen few extending your education in a summer school classroom. But if you're a business owner, warm weather brings more people outside and increases traffic outside your restaurant or shop. You need a low maintenance, attention-getting billboard that can appeal to the masses and help you tap into a significant potential market. A-Frame Sidewalk Café Menu Boards provide a portable, affordable option that can bring in business from every direction.

Here are a few features that make A-Frame Sidewalk Café Menu Boards an ideal fit for your business:

They're double-sided, so pedestrians walking by from both sides can view your specials and featured items.
The durable A-frame design folds up easily for space-saving storage and folds out for a steady, stable display.
They come in 3 models, including a chalkboard with a convenient "Today's Special" graphic printed across the top that won't wash off when it rains.
Cardboard signs last for a day or two until you throw them away. With a chalkboard, you can write and erase messages as many times as you want.

But don't mistake your A-Frame Sidewalk Café Menu Board for a fairweather companion, because it can serve you just as well in a mall or on a showroom floor any time of year. So pick one up today and make your direct marketing a truly up close and personal proposition.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-05-27 15:16:55

Show Off Your Collectibles with our Sports and Memorabilia Display Cases

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:10:25 -0500

We noticed that a lot of you come to our site looking for sports and memorabilia display cases. And when you speak, we listen. So we added a new section dedicated especially to the protection and display of your favorite collectibles. These display cases hold jerseys, flags, sports cards, football helmets, hockey sticks, basketballs, diecast cars, dolls, figurines, action figures, and pretty much anything else you can collect. Personally, I have thousands of baseball cards stacked in shoeboxes sitting in my closet at home, and they haven't seen the light of day in about two decades. You probably have some forgotten memories sitting somewhere too. So why not bring them out and share them with the world in an attractive case that makes them look their best?

We offer a wide variety of frames, finishes and formats designed to accentuate any collection. So choose your favorite display case and turn whatever you show into a true exhibition.

Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-02-29 13:10:25

Calendar Boards Help You Get Ahead of Yourself

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 13:26:19 -0500

Ever watched the movie Rain Man? If so, you know there's one thing Dustin Hoffman's character has that you wouldn't mind having: a photographic memory. From bills to errands to anything with a deadline, you can't possibly remember everything you need to do on a daily basis. So why not use a marker board tailor-made for planning ahead? US Markerboard has products that can help you make sure you never miss an important date.

If you're looking for a wall calendar to write on, look no further than the Prestige Total Erase Monthly Calendar Board. It's a dry erase marker board that doubles as a blank calendar covering 5 weeks. Simply write in the month and number the days, then jot down what you need to do as you go along. There's also a space for more detailed notes on the side. When you finish a month, erase and start all over again. This board comes in 3'x2' and 4'x3' models, so you shouldn't have a problem fitting one on your wall.

For planners seeking a more flexible board format, US Markerboard offers a full range of assignment, calendar, planner, and grid boards. These products feature a wide range of pre-drawn designs that should suit just about anyone looking to get organized. But if you still can't find what you need, you can always create your own custom board. In any event, US Markerboard has something for everyone, so stop procrastinating and start planning.
Posted by: Taeho Lim on 2008-02-04 13:26:19