Today’s classrooms are a growing blend of technology and traditional approaches to education. One innovation that has revolutionized classrooms is the use of interactive displays. These high-tech tools are transforming teaching and learning methods, providing new experiences that are interactive, engaging, and effective.
Let’s dive into interactive displays and explore how these intelligent tools benefit educational institutions.
What is an Interactive Display?
An interactive display board, also known as an interactive whiteboard or smart board, is a piece of advanced classroom equipment that brings together the modern functionalities of a touchscreen-based computer system with the engagement power of a traditional whiteboard.
These displays are essentially large touch screens that allow students and teachers to interact with digital content using touch, gestures, or styluses. They handle multimedia capabilities that transform the traditional passive learning environment into a hands-on experience.
While the digitization of education is nothing new, interactive displays provide one of the most effective ways for educators and students to engage with learning. This is partly because interactive displays are in the teacher's control. When the teacher moderates technology use in the classroom, it results in better learning outcomes. Interactive displays have transformed classrooms into dynamic learning spaces that promote collaboration, creativity, and active learning.
The Benefits of Interactive Displays
Adding an interactive display to the classroom brings a whole new dimension of learning and engagement to the education sector. Here are some of the standout benefits of leveraging this type of technology.
1. Enhanced Student Engagement
Interactive displays power hands-on learning like never before. They transform the traditional classroom by allowing students to engage with educational content directly through touch, drag, and zoom features. These interactive whiteboards are more likely to engage students, and engaged students are 2.5 times more likely to get excellent grades.
2. Facilitates Multisensory Learning
Multisensory learning involves an approach to education that targets more than one sense at a time. For example, students can hear, see, and touch the content they’re learning. This can result in enhanced learning retention. Additionally, the multisensory approach allows students with different learning styles to feel comfortable and engaged through dynamic visual aids, integrated sound features, or even kinesthetic touch and interaction.
3. Time-Saving Solutions for Educators
An educator’s time is always at a premium. An interactive display can cut time in lesson preparation as well as during the lecture. Many interactive displays come pre-loaded with educational content and customizable templates that are easily modified on the display, leading to more efficient classroom learning and time management.
4. Supports Remote Learning and Collaboration
Remote learning is not going anywhere, and interactive displays are an essential tool on this front. They allow teachers to conduct virtual classes that are as interactive as in-person lectures. With features such as screen sharing or web-enabled collaboration tools, students and teachers can interact with each other, share ideas, and stay engaged.
5. Fosters Accessibility and Inclusive Education
Interactive displays can also help educators build more inclusive learning environments. They can adapt to the needs of students in many different ways. Features like screen magnification for visually impaired learners or text-to-speech tools for those with reading difficulties ensure every student has equal access to materials and opportunities to learn in their way.
6. Environmentally Friendly and Cost-Effective
While the upfront cost of an interactive whiteboard is high compared to traditional solutions, the long-term cost benefits are substantial. Not only does this technology contribute to a more sustainable learning environment, but it also reduces the need for paper-based materials. This can lower the ecological footprint of the institution. Moreover, interactive displays reduce the need for multiple classroom devices, consolidating everything into one useful device — saving on costs for additional educational tools.
Ready to Install an Interactive Display?
An interactive display is the perfect tool for the modern classroom. They not only engage students better, but they provide the tools educators need to create inclusive and equitable environments. Educational institutions interested in interactive displays should partner with experienced business IT professionals to get the solutions they need to grow and thrive.
