To know clearly how the interactive white boards could possibly be capable of strengthen the teaching environment, you must fully grasp the sensing technologies which are applied to track the interaction around the screen surface. They are resistive, laser, infrared optical, camera based optical and ultra sonic. Among all these technologies, probably the most effective in commercial interactive whiteboards use electromagnetic and resistive technologies.

The resistive touch screens are made up of two versatile sheets each with a coat of resistive material and separated by a layer of micro thin air space. In operation the two screens press together, therefore registering the precise place exactly where the screen was touched. With this technology one can use a finger, stylus or any other pointing device. Together with the electromagnetic technologies the board functions an array of wires embedded under the board surface. These interact with the stylus tip to provide the exact place employing the X and Y coordinates.

The kind of stylus varies. It is possible to use an active stylus which makes use of battery power or which is wired for the white board. You will find also passive styli which rely on electrical signals produced by the white board therefore requiring no external supply of energy. In simple terms the electromagnetic white board can be described as having magnetic sensors which react and send messages for the computer when the board is activated by use of a magnetic pen.

Aside from the two significant technologies, the other technologies are also gaining momentum within the interactive white board market place and for that reason should not be ignored. With all the optical infrared technologies, you have to press the board surface for the infrared light to be visible. This enables the help software program to triangulate the place on the stylus or marker. With this technologies, the whiteboard can be made from any material.

The laser interactive whiteboard technologies uses an infrared laser positioned in the upper corners from the whiteboard. The laser beams operate by sweeping across the surface on the whiteboard applying rotating mirrors. The marker or stylus utilised to write around the board reflects the laser beams back towards the supply therefore enabling the triangulation of the X and Y coordinates. This technologies works well with a really hard surface such are steel or ceramic which also possess the advantage of simple cleaning.

With ultrasonic and infrared, the stylus sends out an ultrasonic sound as well as infrared light when pressed around the board surface. The board has two ultrasonic microphones that acquire the sound and calculate the differences in arrival time. This aids within the triangulation of X and Y coordinates. This technologies also enables the whiteboard to become created from any material. Even so, a appropriate adapted stylus or active dry-eraser marker is needed.

Aside from these technologies you will discover also other less substantial technologies such as frustrated internal reflection, ultrasonic only and Wii Remote IWB. While interactive whiteboards are technologically sophisticated, you will discover certain problems which are prevalent with most sorts. As an illustration applying permanent markers on the whiteboards can cause issues. Yet another common concern will be the threat of dents, punctures as well as other damages to the surface that are not skilled with normal boards.