Best digital whiteboard for classrooms 2024

If you are looking for an effective and powerful way to improve learning and teaching then you've likely taken a look at using Digital Whiteboards. In my own teaching, I've found them to be incredible tools and I wanted to share one that I think is especially interesting.

Imagine a classroom where your notes and ideas on the whiteboard are transformed into vibrant diagrams, interactive maps, or even a living timeline of historical events. With he goal of getting students to engage, collaborate, and explore concepts in ways traditional chalk and blackboard methods could never achieve.

Using a Digital Whiteboard, you can seamlessly transition from math problems to science experiment videos with a simple touch, making the classroom a dynamic hub of activity. With interactive whiteboards, every lesson is a journey, catering to different learning styles and ensuring that visual, auditory, and kinesthetic learners all find a method that resonates with them.

Educational transformation can occur when we use an interactive whiteboard that bridges the gap between technology and traditional teaching, making learning more effective, immediate, and engaging. In this post, I’ll explore how the NearHub Digital Whiteboard is reshaping my classes, empowering remote learning, and creating better ways of teaching. I’ll share some of the ways I’ve been using this tools in my own classes - and discuss how it may be useful in your own.

Digital whiteboards have revolutionized the way teachers interact with students, making lessons more engaging and interactive.The impressive NearHub Boards are a great way to communicate and teach. There have been several studies and research projects that have demonstrated the value that Digital Whiteboards bring to improving educational outcomes and teaching practices across all levels of education.

Why Choose Digital Whiteboards for Classrooms?

There are several reasons you might want to consider using a Digital Whiteboard over a traditional Whiteboard for teaching.

I’ve been using both hardware Digital Whiteboards and software-based solutions and can’t imagine ever teaching without these powerful tools. You’ll find many videos on my YouTube channel demonstrating how I use them. (Learning and Technology with Frank)

Some of the reasons that a DIgital Whiteboard makes sense are their ability to:

• Enhance interactivity and engagement

• Facilitate better remote learning

• Offer versatile teaching tools with unlimited canvas and many drawing/presentation tools. This includes images and video.

• Integrate seamlessly with educational software

• Ability to capture, save, and share work
  

Top Features to Look for in Digital Whiteboards

When selecting a digital whiteboard for your classroom, several key features should be considered to ensure that the investment enhances the learning experience. These features include:

• Interactivity: The ability to interact with the board using touch, stylus, or gestures.

• Connectivity: Integration with other devices such as computers, tablets, and smartphones, as well as internet connectivity for accessing online resources.

• Ease of Use: User-friendly interfaces and straightforward setup processes.

• Durability and Maintenance: Robust construction and ease of maintenance to withstand daily classroom use.

• Software Compatibility: Availability of educational software and apps that complement the curriculum.

• Display Quality: High-resolution displays that are clear and easy to read from different parts of the classroom.

• Price and Value: Cost-effectiveness considering the features and benefits provided.

the nearhub whiteboard

NearHub s55

NearHub has emerged as a leading contender in the digital whiteboard market, renowned for its innovative features and user-friendly design. Tailored specifically for educational environments, NearHub provides a comprehensive solution that enhances interactivity and collaboration in the classroom.

I use the S55 in my YouTube Studio and for remote teaching. The board runs on a modified Android Operating Systems and allows you to download Apps from the Google Play Store - giving you a wide range of Apps that you can use in teaching.

Key Features

• Multi-Touch Capability: Supports multiple users simultaneously, making group activities more dynamic.

• Cloud Integration: Seamless integration with cloud services for easy sharing and storage of lessons and notes.

• High-Resolution Display: Crystal clear 4K display ensures that all content is easily readable from any corner of the classroom.

• Interactive Software: Comes with a suite of educational tools and apps that facilitate interactive learning including the NearHub Whiteboard App.

• Wireless Connectivity: Allows for wireless connections with other devices, reducing clutter and enhancing mobility.

• Great board for Chrome-casting - I use this in VR Demonstrations all the time and it can be used as a destination to cast other devices such as iPads, iPhones and more.

• Built-in Camera and Soundbar

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Excellent display quality

• User-friendly interface with split screen and screen freezing/annotation

• Nice pen feel

• Excellent sharing and input/output

Cons:

• It can take a bit of time to get used to the board

• You need to pay attention to the on-screen keyboard language as it sometimes defaults to Chinese.

You can check out their entire line of useful tools here: https://www.nearhub.us/product/nearhub-board-s55

If you do decide to buy, you can get a 15% discount by using the discount code FRANKNEARHUB15

How to Choose the Right Digital Whiteboard for Your Classroom

The first step in selecting the right board is to think about the use-case scenarios for your own teaching. For this, I find it helpful to use the SAMR Model developed by Ruben R. Puentedura. Briefly, this model looks at technology adoption and how any new technology introduced an be categorized in how it affects the organization.

Substitution

Augmentation

Modification

Redefinition

By looking at your intended use of an Interactive Whiteboard and these categories, you can best understand both the value and the skills required to unlock that value.

Basically, if all you do is use an Interactive Whiteboard in the same way as a regular board - then you've purchased an expensive tool that adds no value. The value comes as you move through the steps of the model and reach the point where you redefine the way you teach using the features of the board.

Tips for Integrating Digital Whiteboards into Your Teaching

As you begin to explore the way that an Interactive Whiteboard can be used in your teaching, you will soon wonder how you ever taught without one. A simple ability such as being able to share the board to the screens of your audience - allowing everyone to "see" the board more clearly is immediately useful and easy to implement.

Then, there are more advanced features such as interactive games, quizzes, and analysis.

Conclusion:

Digital whiteboards are transforming education, offering dynamic and interactive ways to teach. As we explored, 2024 has brought some incredible options, with NearHub Boards standing out for their innovative features. Whether you’re looking to boost engagement, simplify lesson planning, or integrate new technology, there’s a digital whiteboard perfect for your classroom. Start enhancing your teaching experience today and see the difference it makes!