Interactive Whiteboards: Advantages and Disadvantages

Interactive whiteboards are tools used commonly in education that link a computer to a projector and a touch-sensitive screen. This allows the user to become a human input device and control the computer functions via the touch screen, while projecting the computer images on a large surface. It is ideal for education settings.

Advantages of Interactive Whiteboards:

• Clear graphics
• Interactivity for teachers and students
• Projection of computer images on a larger screen for audience viewing
• Manipulation of computer functions while standing (rather than from the computer)
• Incorporation of video and images into traditional teaching lessons

Disadvantages of Interactive Whiteboards: 

• Expensive
• Require specific software
• Require extra training for teachers
• Touch sensitive board has limitations; sometimes is not sensitive enough
• Speakers are not loud enough sometimes