
Interactive whiteboard
What is an interactive whiteboard?
An interactive whiteboard (IWB) encourages collaboration in schools and workplaces. Its large touchscreen can be linked to a computer, allowing users to interact with it using touch or a stylus. Interactive whiteboards are often used for multimedia presentations, document sharing, and foster real-time collaboration, transforming traditional teaching and meeting spaces into active and engaging environments.
How do interactive whiteboards work?
Interactive whiteboards (IWBs) use touch screens or projectors to enhance presentations, meetings, and classrooms. Operation requires just a touch with a finger or stylus and users can instantly navigate, take notes, and highlight digital material directly on the board.
Applications across different sectors
Education: Interactive whiteboards facilitate dynamic learning experiences in classrooms and training programs, allowing students to interact directly with multimedia content and encouraging collaboration and participation.
Corporate/Business offices: IWB’s prove invaluable for meetings and presentations, enabling teams to brainstorm in real-time, share documents, and visualize data effectively. Highlighting key points during discussions enhance clarity and understanding, leading to productive meetings. IWBs also integrate easily with video conferencing tools, helping you engage with colleagues no matter where they are.
Healthcare: Most healthcare practices benefit from interactive whiteboards for patient education, allowing professionals to explain complex medical concepts through visuals and interactive content.
Commonly asked questions
What is an interactive whiteboard used for?
It’s used to display, write, and interact with digital content in real time — commonly used in classrooms, meeting rooms, and training environments.
How does it differ from a regular whiteboard?
Unlike traditional whiteboards, interactive whiteboards connect to a computer and projector or have a built-in display, allowing users to write and interact with digital content.
Can multiple people use the IWB at once?
Many interactive whiteboards support multi-touch input, allowing multiple users to write or interact with the board simultaneously.
Does Ricoh offer interactive whiteboards?
Yes. Ricoh offers a range of interactive flat panel displays (IFPDs) designed for business and education, like the D5530BK and A8600 Interactive Whiteboards.