An electronic whiteboard, or white board, is a term used to refer to two different types of presentation devices. One device is a projection screen that looks very similar to the boards used with erasable markers, but which works electronically, without the use of ink. The board displays digital images and has the capability to track drawings and writings in different colors. The other type of electronic whiteboard is a computer program that allows users in a teleconferencing environment to work on the same document in real time.
The type of electronic whiteboard that makes use of a computer and projector is used to display information to people in the same physical location. They are becoming common both in business environments, and in the classroom. A projector displays the computer program on the screen. The operator then uses a pen to control the computer. In this way, it is very similar to the touchscreens available with some personal computers.
Educational settings particularly seem to value the use of the electronic whiteboards. Since many educators teach the same lesson plan to multiple classes during the course of the day, this type of whiteboard can be a time-saving device. Notes and diagrams can be saved and reproduced at the touch of a button for each subsequent class.
In business, the electronic whiteboard has a variety of uses as well. The boards can be used when dealing with complicated spreadsheets needing to be altered during the course of a meeting, running a slide show with interactive features, or other situations. Also, the user could have additional emphasis placed on a particular word or drawing by using motion of flashes, something traditional whiteboards do not have the capability to do.
Many of the top electronic whiteboards sell for more than $1,000 US Dollars, but cheaper models are also available. Users should look at all the models in their price range and choose one that has the features they value most. There will likely be many options, including rear projection or front projection, board size, interactive features and more.
The other type of electronic whiteboard, meant for teleconferencing environments, can save a lot of time in business meetings. While there is no projected display, each user sees a display of what is taking place from his or her own computer. Nearly any computer program can be used with this technology. Users are even able to take turns making changes to the document during the virtual meeting.