Issue 2 free - Teaching technology for Education

Transcription

for education
FREE
PRIZE
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How technology
helps me teach...
teach...
Wedgwood
AV Limited
www.teachingtechnology.co.uk
Issue 02_Quarter 02_2011
Teaching
technology
to win a
Unicol AVMT
whiteboard
stand...
WELCOME
Teaching
technology
echnology
for education
Teaching Technology for education
- how technology helps me teach
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RAW
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We’ve had some great feedback from Issue 1 of Teaching Technology, and many ideas you’d like us
to cover in future issues.
Peter Jackson from Lincoln College tells us you’ve only to look around at the technology your
students are using as part of their every day life, so they are always on the look out for new products
and ideas to improve teaching.
TEACHING TECHNOLOGY
EDITOR
Linda Adams
[email protected]
EDITORIAL
Contributions should be sent to
the editor at the above address.
Every care is taken of materials sent
for publication, however these are
submitted at the sender’s risk.
The views expressed within are
of the contributors, and not
necessarily the TT.
Issue 3 available July 2011
Teaching Technology resources are available at
These include projector, LCD monitor and whiteboard comparisons
and free audio visual guides including Digital signage for
education guide and Touchscreens for education guide.
21 Training based on the belief that
technology doesn’t have to baffle
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Warners Digital
05 Getting closer with BenQ’s ultra
short-throw projector
22 Projector mounts
06 3D Beyond the hype
07 Improve test scores by teaching in 3D
08 Education projector comparisons
10 Some projector bulbs cost more than
a new projector
AV Limited
All information, models and prices are
accurate to the best of our knowledge, at
the time of writing and are intended as a
guideline only. You are advised to consult
individual manufacturers specification
sheets on interested products.
Wedgwood AV Ltd is registered in England
with registered number 3514877.
9/11/10 10:10:25
Copyright 2011 Wedgwood AV Ltd. All rights
reserved. Corporate names and trademarks
are the property of their respective companies.
Specifications subject to change without notice.
02_Wedgwood AV Ltd - 01754 769967
CONTENTS
04 Interactive teaching without
a whiteboard
Wedgwood
Untitled-1 1
We have organised an open day of new technology for you on Wednesday 29 June in Lincolnshire
(please see page 28 for details). We’d love to see you there. Your editor, Linda Adams
PRODUCTION
Warners Digital
PRINTED BY
Warners Group Publications plc,
West Street, Bourne,
Lincs. PE10 9PH
Tel: 01778 391117
Teaching Technology is posted quarterly to educational establishments in the
UK. Current and back issues will also be available on-line in .PDF format
for download at www.teachingtechnology.co.uk If you’d like to receive an
email when a new issue is ready for downloading please send your contact
details to [email protected]
I was watching local Lincolnshire news on TV recently, when Peter Beighton, Principal of Branston
Community College, came on to talk about their exciting distance learning project. Peter’s college
has been funded to pilot the use of high definition video conferencing to promote multi site learning
across seven schools. We’ve been invited to visit to see how this is benefiting the students. Issue 3
of Teaching Technology takes a look at distance learning in education. So, if you don’t want to miss
this and haven’t signed up already to receive either printed magazine copies posted to education
establishments in the UK or on-line versions, then please do so at www.teachingtechnology.co.uk
12 Review of new technology from
BETT Show 2011
14 Touch screens for education
18 A Sharp look at new technology
for teachers
23 Interactivity - the mounting system
24 A passing fad or a genuinely effective
educational tool?
25 Beyond assessment… beyond
the classroom
26 CleverLCD Touch Fusion a solution
for schools
27 Visualisers in action – a case study
at Brentside High School
28 Open day of new technology
30 Did you know?
19 Desktop virtualisation for schools
31 Total mobility
20 The simplicity of a whiteboard with
the power of a computer
32 Chance to win prizes in our free
prize draws
www.teachingtechnology.co.uk_03
“I like to make notes on my
presentation material whilst
teaching; it is much more
visual this way. So we
had to buy interactive
whiteboards and this
was expensive.”
Getting closer with
BenQ’s ultra
short-throw projection
Interactive whiteboards are costly and add
complication to a simple requirement. ViewSonic
together with Texas Instruments have worked together
to deliver a cost-effective, environment-independent,
non-touch pointing and control device – the interactive pen.
Interactive pen
The pen recognises
the exact location of the
pixel in the projected image
at which the pen is pointing, by
analyzing the location and transmits
it wirelessly to the ViewSonic iSeries
projector, which in turn displays the
information to your PC for processing.
The pen position is pin-pointed when an
image is projected onto virtually any surface
– an ordinary projector screen, a wall, or even
your clothes if you stand in between the projector
and the screen. With ViewSonic ultra-short throw
iSeries projectors it is possible to show the image as
large as 81-inch from just 1m distance.
Integrated 10W speakers
Going back to interactive whiteboards for a second, another cost
often incurred is the purchase of speakers. ViewSonic iSeries
have 10W integrated speakers and a teacher or presenter could
use a microphone to amplify their voice, so that everyone can
hear clearly.
Project via a LAN connection
ViewSonic iSeries projectors allow users to attach to the
projector remotely via the LAN and display their presentations via
IP (Internet Protocol). This negates the needs for expensive AV
cabling solutions and allows multiple accesses. The system also
allows for the simultaneous broadcast of the same presentation
to multiple projectors, useful for campus announcements.
Eco-mode and projecting profiles
High-brightness projection is necessary only when it is needed.
There are different situations when you would prefer to dim
the lights, or turn them off completely, to create a special
environment, or to enrich the perceptible colour experience
04_Wedgwood AV Ltd - 01754 769967
PROJECTORS
PROJECTORS
Interactive teaching
without a whiteboard
of your visual material. For that purpose ViewSonic has
implemented Eco-Mode where the lamp brightness
is decreased, and the projecting colour schemes
optimized for different presentation content that is
best for your presentation. Eco-Mode also increases
the life of your lamp significantly, and reduces the
noise produced by the projector fan.
With USB you can present
without a computer
The ViewSonic DLP iSeries projectors are
equipped with two USB connectors allowing
for mobile media devices such as memory
sticks or portable drives to be attached
and their content displayed. This is useful
for tutors who want to make a presentation without having to
connect their computer to project images.
Direct ON, Direct OFF
It has been always a precaution for projectors to wait until the
lamp cools down before you actually turn off the projector.
Turning it on was also a time consuming process, when you
had to wait until the lamp heated up. With the advancements
ViewSonic has made to its education range of projectors, time is
no longer wasted. You can now turn the projector on and start
your presentation in no more than 4 seconds. You can also turn
the projector off after completing the lesson, grab the projector
and leave the classroom without waiting for a lengthy cool down.
Standard projectors have their limitations. Not
all of them make a perfect fit for small-sized
classrooms or classrooms with limited ceiling
space. Ultra short-throw projectors allow you
to install the projector above a large interactive
whiteboard on the wall, thereby making
maximum use of classroom space. BenQ offer
one of the widest range of short throw projectors.
BenQ ultra short-throw projection for
effective teaching and learning
Designed with a special aspherical lens precisely calculated and
positioned to mirror large-screen projection in tight spaces, the
BenQ ultra short-throw projection design gives you 78” big picture
in a mere projection distance of 0.4 metres.
The installation of BenQ’s ultra short-throw projector is much
safer for IT personnel as it can easily be wall-mounted over your
projection screen or whiteboard – with the highly intensive beam
safely out of everyone’s sight. You can teach comfortably and freely
and invite students up for exercises and games. Also, with the
projector placed close to the screen, there’ll be no more shadows
popping up to interrupt your class from learning.
Less than a 50cm throw-distance from a
77" interactive whiteboard to BenQ's flat
mirrored MX880UST projector
BenQ’s range of short throw projectors include 0.3, 0.6 and 0.9:1
ratios. The ultra-short throw MX880UST has 0.3:1 ratio which
means you gain a 78” image from 0.48m distance away from the
board. The short throw MX812ST has 0.61:1 which gives an 81”
image from 1m from the board, whilst the MX613ST has 0.9:1 ratio
giving you a 55” image from 1m distance from the board.
a BenQ short throw
projector for all
budgets.
BenQ’s
projectors
incorporate
the latest DLP
technology
for filterless
operation, 3D
ready models
that make learning a
whole new experience, Wi-Fi, USB & LAN
connectivity options, as well as worry free warranties.
Healthy and safe learning environment
free of projector light
Ultra short-throw projection keeps the projector light from shining
directly into your eyes and your focus comfortably on your students.
Since the intensity of the projector beam may be potentially harmful
to the human eyes, by keeping the projector close to the screen or
whiteboard, you can maintain a safe learning environment effortlessly.
Future-proof your hardware purchase
Many of BenQ’s education models come with a manufacturer 3
year onsite engineer service for warranty cases, extra long lamp life,
is wireless upgradable, and all the latest BenQ models are 3D ready
for interactive learning.
BenQ would be happy to demonstrate their
ultra short throw projectors at your school,
college or university. For a demonstration
please telephone 01754 769967.
Led by the latest ultra close flat-mirror MX880UST model, the
new 8 series of whiteboard models tailored for board sizes and
brightness, to the budget arm mountable 5 series model, there’s
There are sceptics of the future of 3D and by some it is seen
as a new fad that will come and go like many others. The
entertainment industry is embracing the latest forms of the
technology making it more accessible to the cinema and more
recently home markets. But how does this apply to education
and to put it bluntly as one teacher asked ‘What’s the point?’
Benefits of 3D
North East based UK company ReachOut Interactives aims to prove that 3D
is not just a gimmick but will be a ‘must
have’ of all classrooms in the future. With
dedicated research based at Red House
School, Teesside and extensive trials with
Texas Instruments at The Abbey School,
Reading and internationally, they are
bringing together teachers and content
creators to use 3D to aid in explaining
often traditionally difficult to teach
subjects, and to engage with the latest
generation of digital natives.
The main objective of the research is not
to generically prove that just visualising
any material in 3D is beneficial but to
show how 3D combined with new teaching
methodologies can be used to increase
engagement, aid learners in understanding
and increase knowledge retention.
So far Texas Instruments trials have
produced statistics that show high
levels of improvement in retention and
recall. This can most clearly be seen at
The Abbey School through increased
achievement and understanding in test
results when classes using Reach-Out
Interactives 3D software, are compared to
traditionally taught controlled test groups.
3D Tutor: Maths KS3 &KS4
3D in the Classroom
Reach-Out Interactives uses many
teachers as sources of professional input,
and seek to collaborate on projects to
amplify benefits by concentrating on
problematic areas of understanding.
Combined with the revolutionary learning
platform, 3D-2-GO box, the software is
used across the curriculum. An interactive
virtual supermarket used for life skills, and
also functional skills at KS3 & KS4 to help
understand both maths and nutrition.
There seems to be no limits to the
systems application.
In ‘3D Explorer: GCSE Biology’, for
example, dynamic 3D interactive
diagrams are used and unlike traditional
diagrams can be animated and include
labelling connecting directly to the
intended sources removing confusion
and frustrations with textbook diagrams.
In ‘3D Explorer: GCSE Chemistry’ many
dangerous experiments are re-created in
an exciting yet controlled
manor, free from the risks
normally associated
with Health and Safety.
What the Teachers Say!
General consensus is that once you see
the software in action it is very easy to see
the immediate tangible benefits.
Ros Johnson, Biology Teacher at The
Abbey School was recently filmed and
interviewed by the BBC using Reach-Out
Interactives ‘Discover the Respiratory
System’ in a lesson. During the interview
she said “all of the biology teachers who
have seen it have said WOW...every single
one even the most cynical”.
“The three-dimensional visualisation
totally engaged my students and greatly
enhanced their ability to understand
and retain their knowledge.’’ Alex Taylor,
Headmaster, Red House School.
“A truly amazing, unique resource to
inspire children’s learning and bring the
fun back into the classroom. The amazing
3D graphics immediately captured the
children’s attention and enabled them to
be fully engaged in their learning. This
new inspirational resource brings 21st
century technology into the primary class
room.” Tiffany White, KS2 Coordinator,
Red House School.
Pupils at The Abbey School, Reading
Improve test scores
by teaching in 3D
Test scores improved an average of 32% after seeing a lesson in 3D
The innovators who captured the
imagination of movie-goers in the theatre
with 3D technology are now bringing the
same attention grabbing technology to
students in the classroom.
With 3D, lessons come to
life, in a whole new way
3D literally adds a whole new dimension
of excitement and accessibility to subjects
like geography and history by allowing
students to feel like they are there. It’s an
unprecedented educational opportunity.
3D Explorer: GCSE Biology
Research proves 3D
improves test scores
A recent government funded study on
the effect of use of 3D in the classroom
produced remarkable results. The study,
done in Rock Island, Illinois, USA, showed
that students’ pre-test vs. post test
scores improved up to 35% after seeing a
lesson in 3D compared to the mere 9.7%
increase experienced by the control group
who did not view the lesson in 3D.
3D Explorer: GCSE Chemistry
Reach-Out Interactives is a trading name
of Amazing Interactives Ltd.
To find out more about
3D-2-GO box and 3D software
please contact:
• 01754 769135
• [email protected]
• www.wedgwood-group.com
06_Wedgwood AV Ltd - 01754 769967
PROJECTORS
3D SOFTWARE
3D Beyond the Hype
3D projectors
Eiki 3D projectors
A 3D projector typically costs no more
than a standard 2D projector. 3D ready
projectors with DLP technology function
normally as a regular 2D projector, but
when you play 3D content, it can switch
from 2D to 3D and back again. Even if
you don’t implement a 3D curriculum right
away, it is important that your projector is
ready for 3D when you are. When you are
ready to create that 3D experience you
will need:
Most manufacturers now have DLP
Link products but Eiki 3D projectors are
towards the brighter end of the range
which gives them better appeal for larger
class sizes. If projectors are not sufficiently
bright enough, it can make viewing
difficult unless room light is restricted,
such as drawing blinds. The Eiki EIP D450
lets you see 3D images in clear details
even in higher ambient lighting conditions,
allowing your students to take notes easier.
• A computer with a quad buffered
graphics card
• ‘Active’ 3D glasses with DLP Link™
• 3D content
How does 3D DLP
technology work?
3D content is now available and more is
coming. There are many things you can
teach in 3D right now. You can explore the
Grand Canyon, disassemble the brain or
fly through the solar system.
Eiki EIP D450
Furthermore, when the data was
broken down into subgroups,
all groups showed gains from
29% to 35%. One student
in the study remarked, “If I
could learn everything this
way, my grades would go
from Fs to A+s.”
DLP (digital light processing) technology
uses millions of microscopic mirrors that
reflect light to create a stunning picture
for the best projectors on the market.
This imaging technology is so fast, it can
actually project TWO images on the screen
at the same time: one for the left eye and
one for the right eye. The 3D glasses
combine the two images to create an
amazing 3D effect.
This unit is compatible
only with computer
generated signals from
compatible graphics
card, and is not
compatible with
Sky 3D nor Blu-ray.
• 01754 769967 • [email protected] • www.wedgwood-group.com
PROJECTORS
PROJECTORS
Education projector
comparisons
Model
ANSI
Lumens
Weight
Kg
Pixels
Hours (up to)
Lamp life
Ratio
Contrast
Technology
Ready
HD
3D
Connectivity
Warranty
Manufacturer
Lamp Warranty
Manufacturer
SRP
Eiki EIP D450
4500
5.8
1024x768
3000
2500
DLP
No
Yes
RJ-45
3 year de/reinstall
1 year
£1,245.00
Eiki EIP D450 accessories
Model
ANSI
Lumens
Weight
Kg
Pixels
Lamp life
Contrast Technology
Hours (up to) Ratio
HD
Ready
3D
Additional
Information
Manufacturer
Warranty
Manufacturer
Lamp Warranty
SRP
PJD5211
PJD6221
PJD6241
PJD6251
PJD6531W
PJD5352
PJD6381
PJD7383
2500
2900
3400
3700
3000
2600
3000
3000
2.3
2.7
2.7
2.8
2.8
2.5
2.7
3.5
1024x768
1024x768
1024x768
1024x768
1280x800
1024x768
1024x768
1024x768
3000
4000
4000
4000
4000
4000
4000
4000
1800
2800
3200
3000
3200
3000
2800
3000
DLP
DLP
DLP
DLP
DLP
DLP
DLP
DLP
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
No
No
No
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
Yes
3 year swap out
3 year swap out
3 year swap out
3 year swap out
3 year swap out
3 year swap out
3 year swap out
3 year swap out
1 year limited*
1 year limited*
1 year limited*
1 year limited*
1 year limited*
1 year limited*
1 year limited*
1 year limited*
£369
£469
£579
£629
£539
£499
£589
£699
PJD7583W
3000
3.5
1280x800
4000
3000
DLP
No
Yes
3 year swap out
1 year limited*
£775
PJD7383i
3000
3.5
1024x768
4000
3000
DLP
No
Yes
3 year swap out
1 year limited*
£929
PJD7583Wi
3000
3.5
1280x800
4000
3000
DLP
No
Yes
3 year swap out
1 year limited*
£999
PRO8500
5000
3.5
1024x768
4000
4900
DLP
Yes
Yes
Audio
RJ-45
RJ-45
HDMI, RJ-45
HDMI, RJ-45
Short throw, 60” @ 1.1m
Short throw, 50” @ 0.68m, RJ45
Ultra short throw 80” @ 1m,
RJ-45 (image and video), USB, **
Ultra short throw 95” @ 1m,
RJ-45 (image and video), USB, **
Interactive, Ultra short throw 80”
@ 1m, RJ-45 (image and video),
USB, **
Interactive, Ultra short throw
95” @ 1m, RJ-45
(image and video), USB, **
HDMI, RJ-45 (image and video),
USB, 1.5 x Optical zoom, **
3 year swap out
1 year limited*
£1,499
AH-98102
3D Active Glasses - Xpand EDU 102 Glasses are ideal for the EIP0D450
£80
AH-98103
Battery Packs - Replacement battery packs for Xpand 102 glasses. Supplied in box of 25
£50
Features: The projector lamp can be changed without ceiling removal, RJ-45 wired network, filter-free design from front cabinet, built-in 10W (5Wx5W) speaker
3D Ready projectors need a computer with quad buffered graphics card, ‘Active’ 3D glasses with DLP® LinkTM and 3D content
ViewSonic Warranty is 3 year Premium Swap/Exchange Service, 1-year limited warranty on lamp, 1st year Express Exchange® service. **Crestron Roomview
Details, competitive prices and manufacturers specification sheets at http://www.wedgwood-group.com/viewsonic.htm
Projector throw distances
A torch shining on a wall in a dark room will
display a small circle of light close to the wall.
When the torch is moved away from the wall,
the circle of light gets bigger. When you move
a projector further away from the screen the
image projected gets larger. This is fine if you
want to position your projector near the front
of a university lecture theatre but it can be
preferable to mount a projector out of the way
at the back.
A long-throw lens is used to reduce the image
size to fit a screen when the projector is
mounted a long way away. A semi long-throw
lens works the same but for shorter distances.
A short-throw lens works in the opposite way
to a long-throw lens. Short-throw lens can be
used when a projector is mounted very close to
a projector screen or interactive whiteboard to
display a large image.
Ultra-short throw lens allows you to position the
projector even closer to the projector screen or
interactive whiteboard.
For Health & Safety reasons in the classroom
to avoid a projector beam shining in your eyes,
many manufacturers offer short throw and ultra
short throw projectors for education.
As a rule of thumb, and specifications will vary
by make and model of projector, if you want
to project a 78” image onto a 78” diagonal
interactive whiteboard, here are some options.
An ultra short throw projector could be installed
around 47cm away from the board for a 78”
image. An average short throw projector will
need to be installed around 95cm away, whilst
a non short throw projector will be installed
probably around 158cm away from the
whiteboard or projector screen to achieve the
78” diagonal image.
E.&E.O. Accurate at time of writing. Specifications subject to change without notice. Manufacturer warranties shown
are education warranties.
08_Wedgwood AV Ltd - 01754 769967
Here’s an example from a projector brochure:
a throw distance of 1.4 – 2.14:1 means you
need to position your projector a distance of
between 1.4 metres and 2.14 metres away from
the projector screen or interactive whiteboard
to achieve a 1m diagonal image. Once you
place your projector in the optimum position
(sometimes you have to take into account
things like air conditioner units in the ceiling),
you can use the projector’s zoom to make fine
adjustments.
Another example from a projector brochure:
a throw distance of 0.67:1 with fixed zoom,
image size 67” to 300”. You can position your
projector 0.67 metre away from the projector
screen or interactive whiteboard to achieve a
1m diagonal image. By positioning the projector
nearer or further away from the wall you can
achieve an image size of between 67 and 300”
diagonal.
Projectors usually come with a standard lens
fitted that will be fine for most applications.
On the back of projector brochures, there is
normally a chart that shows the projected image
size at a range of distances from screen. You
can use this to see where a particular projector
needs situating for the size of screen you are
using it with.
Details, competitive prices and manufacturers specification sheets at www.wedgwood-group.com/eiki.htm
Model
ANSI
Weight Pixels
Lumens Kg
Lamp life Contrast Technology HD
3D
Hours (up to) Ratio
Ready
Additional
Information
Manufacturer
Warranty
Manufacturer SRP
Lamp Warranty
BenQ MX615
2700
2.7
1024x768
3000
3000
DLP
No
Yes
HDMI, USB
3 year de/reinstall
3 year
£445
BenQ MX613ST
2500
2.5
1024x768
3000
3000
DLP
No
Yes
Short-throw 55”@1m
3 year de/reinstall
3 year
£550
BenQ MX660
3200
2.4
1024x768
3000
5000
DLP
No
Yes
HDMI, USB
3 year RTB
1 year
£565
BenQ MX710
2700
2.7
1024x768
3000
5300
DLP
No
Yes
HDMI, USB, RJ-45
3 year de/reinstall
3 year
£580
BenQ MX711
3200
2.7
1024x768
3000
5300
DLP
No
Yes
HDMI, USB, RJ-45
3 year de/reinstall
1 year
£610
BenQ MX750
3000
3.6
1024x768
2000
3000
DLP
No
Yes
USB, RJ-45, D-Sub out
3 year RTB
1 year
£725
BenQ MX810ST
2500
3.3
1024x768
3000
4600
DLP
No
Yes
Ultra short-throw 81”@1m, RJ-45, USB
3 year de/reinstall
3 year
£970
BenQ MP782ST
2500
3.8
1280x768
2000
2400
DLP
Yes
Yes
Ultra short-throw 95”@1m, RJ-45, DVI
3 year RTB
1 year
£999
BenQ MW811ST
2500
3.4
1280x800
2000
4600
DLP
No
Yes
Ultra short-throw 95”@1m, RJ-45, USB
3 year de/reinstall
3 year
£1,110
BenQ MW881UST 2500
3.4
1280x720
3000
3000
DLP
No
No
Ultra short-throw 87”@45cm, RJ-45, USB
3 year de/reinstall
3 year
£1,110
BenQ MX812ST
3500
3.3
1024x768
2000
4600
DLP
No
Yes
Ultra short-throw 81”@1m, RJ-45, USB, HDMI
3 year RTB
1 year
£1,170
BenQ MP780ST
2500
3.8
1280x800
3000
3000
DLP
Yes
Yes
Ultra short-throw 95”@1m, HDMI, interactive
3 year RTB
1 year
£1,200
BenQ MX880UST 2500
5.8
1024x768
3000
3000
DLP
No
Yes
Ultra short-throw 78”@48cm, RJ-45, USB
3 year de/reinstall
3 year
£1,260
BenQ warranty is 1st year swap-out, 2nd+3rd year RTB (return to base); some of their warranties carry a 3 year de/reinstall warranty for education. BenQ lamp warranty has a 2,000hr cap.
Details, competitive prices and manufacturers specification sheets at www.wedgwood-group.com/benq.htm
Pixels
Resolution
name
Aspect ratio
(screen shape)
Used by
800x600
1024x768
SVGA
XGA
Non-widescreen
Non-widescreen
1280x720
1280x800
1280x1024
1366x768
1440x900
1600x1200
1920x1080
WXGA
WXGA
SXGA
WXGA
WVGA
UXGA
WSXGA
Widescreen
Widescreen
Non-widescreen
Widescreen
Widescreen
Non-widescreen
Widescreen
Used on some older computers
Used by most computers with 15” LCD monitors
and most non-widescreen notebooks
HD Ready video
Used by many 15.4” widescreen notebooks
Used by most computers with 17” LCD monitors or 19” normal monitors
Used by some desktops when connecting to plasma/LCD screens
Used by many 17” widescreen notebooks
Used by many computers with LCD monitors above 19”
True HD (high definition)
The first thing to look at, is whether your
projector is still projecting an image but
the brightness of the image is poor. This
means that the projector is working OK
but you need a replacement lamp. If the
projector won’t switch on, or the bulb went
‘pop’, then it is best to contact the projector
manufacturer for a repair if still under warranty. This
is because there may be a fault with the unit that
is causing the bulb to ‘pop’ and putting in another
light bulb could be an expensive mistake. If the
projector is faulty and out of warranty, then look for
a replacement projector instead.
Many of the replacement projector bulbs cost hundreds of
pounds. When considering replacing your projector bulb,
do take into account the age of your projector and how
much warranty is left. It may not be worth spending this kind
of money on a replacement bulb for an old projector. You
can currently get a 1024x768 pixel (XGA resolution), high
brightness projector for under £350+VAT. There are also
widescreen projectors for use with widescreen notebooks
and whiteboards which have only recently come onto the
UK market. Having said that, if the projector is mounted in
a ceiling bracket, do check whether or not the bracket is a
universal one, i.e. one that fits any projector, or whether the
bracket is specific to the model of your projector. The cost of
installing a new projector may be prohibitive if you don’t have
a universal bracket. For current projector pricing please visit:
www.multimediaprojectors.co.uk
Education warranties
Another thing worth considering when replacing projectors is
the manufacturer’s warranty. Many manufacturers offer better
warranties for education, such as 3 year de/reinstall warranty
on the new projector and 3 year bulb warranty. A de/reinstall
warranty means that if the projector needs repairing during the
warranty period, then an engineer will come and remove it from
the wall or ceiling where necessary and reinstall it once repaired.
Sony VPL-FX500L projector
Projectors are becoming
more eco-friendly and it’s
not uncommon now to
see average bulb life hours
of 3,000 to 5,000 hours,
depending on make
and model.
The majority of projector
bulb manufacturers give
a 3 months RTB warranty
on new bulbs. This warranty
commences from the date of your
purchase invoice. As projector bulbs are
consumables, like printer cartridges, it’s worth checking
the price of replacement bulbs before you make your projector
purchase. As the cost of replacement bulbs can be anywhere in
the region of £200+VAT to £600+VAT depending on make and
model, with high-end projector bulbs more expensive than that,
it’s worth doing your sums.
Bulbs or lamp modules
Bulbs are consumables
New projectors are supplied with a new bulb (lamp) fitted,
which for the average projector lasts around 2,000 hours. In
education, using a projector on average 5-6 hours a day, 5 days
a week, the bulb should last over a year.
Lamp modules are more common place and can be likened to
car headlights, where you buy the “unit” which just slots in. To
replace a bulb module, you simply undo the necessary screws
on your projector, lift out the old module, insert the new module
10_Wedgwood AV Ltd - 01754 769967
Genuine projector bulbs
When you purchase a projector bulb from a manufacturer’s
authorized dealer, you will receive that manufacturer’s
genuine projector bulb. This will have been designed and
tested to work with your specific model of projector and will
carry the manufacturer warranty. Lamp modules comprise
the outer housing and the light bulb itself. There are now
alternative projector bulbs on the market to the manufacturer’s
own projector bulb and these normally cost less than the
manufacturer’s original.
When a projector has to go back to the manufacturer for repair,
or is swapped, or an engineer arrives onsite, according to
the warranty, the manufacturer can tell how many hours the
projector bulb has been used, and whether it is one of their own
projector bulbs. Any repairs resulting from damage done by a
projector bulb module which is not the manufacturer’s own, may
not be covered under your projector warranty.
Useful tips on prolonging projector bulb life
Manufacturers bulbs vary, but can be sold as “bulb only” or as
a lamp module. When replacing a new bulb into the existing
bulb module housing, it should only be undertaken by a suitably
qualified electrician or on-site professional. It is important to
ensure the terminals are not over tightened as the ceramic can
be cracked and reduce the electronic insulation of the bulb.
Similarly, if the bulb is under tightened, it can cause arcing on
the terminal which puts undue load on the ballast that can lead
to failure.
Not having to replace projector bulbs for up to 3 years can save
you quite a lot of your budget money, better spent on other
technology for the classroom.
Safety note: always let a projector cool before replacing the
lamps as they get extremely hot. You should always disconnect
from the mains as well.
Keep the air filters of your projector clean as blocked filters make
the bulb overheat, possibly causing earlier bulb failure. There
should always be good airflow around the projector.
DLP (digital light processing) projectors have a filter free projection
design. With no filter to clean or replace, this can save a school
or college money in maintenance costs. DLP projectors,
therefore have a lower total cost of ownership (TOC). BenQ,
Casio, Optoma, and ViewSonic’s range of projectors all use
DLP technology. Manufacturers who have both DLP and LCD
(Liquid Crystal Display) projectors in their range include Eiki, LG,
Mitsubishi, NEC, Panasonic, Sanyo and Sony. Manufacturers
who produce LCD projectors include Epson and Pro-Vue, who
both have interactive projectors in their range. For a list of current
projectors sorted by DLP, LCD and LCoS (liquid crystal on silicon)
projectors please visit www.multimediaprojectors.co.uk
Always switch off the projector using the remote control and
not by disconnecting the power. The projector will invariably go
into a cool down mode where the image is turned off and the
fan accelerates to cool the lamp in a controlled manner. The
temperature of an operating lamp is many 1,000’s of degrees,
so if you disconnect the power to the projector, prior to the
above process, the glass in the lamp will cool unevenly and
will result in stress fracture, causing early lamp failure. We are
led to believe that you can shorten your lamp life by up to 50%
simply by disconnecting the power instead of switching off the
projector by remote control and allowing the natural cooling
process to take place.
Several manufacturers have projectors in their range which are
designed to have quick start up and shut down. These are
great, for the last thing you want to do when you’ve finished a
presentation, is to wait around whilst the projector bulb cools
down. These models allow you to simply switch off and put
away in their carry case (for portable models obviously). Often
the carry case has ‘breathing holes’ to allow ample ventilation.
Projector bulb failure can also be due to mechanical shock and
vibration. A hot lamp filament is fragile and you should always
ensure the unit is turned off and the bulb is cool before moving
the projector.
Most projectors have a high/low lamp switch (standard/eco
mode), and you can extend your average lamp life by using the
economy position whenever possible. Eco mode is where the
projector brightness is lowered to make the lamp last longer.
Are there any projectors that don’t need
replacement
Casio XJ-A130
bulbs?
Yes.
There are projectors
on the market that use an
LED light source (Light Emitting Diode).
These tend to be pocket sized projectors which allow
you to show large images, for watching videos, etc. These usually
have a life of up to around 20,000 hours and when the projector
no longer works, it needs replacing.
Casio green slim projectors have mercury-free laser and LED
hybrid light source technology with a life expectancy of up to
20,000 hours. As they don’t have replacement lamps this
means there are no follow on costs, and no maintenance work
associated with replacing lamps, especially in ceiling mounted
projectors. Casio calculate that 220 days/year at 6 hour is
about 15 years of projector life and Casio’s education warranty
is 5 years or 10,000 hours swap out warranty. Casio projector
demonstrations available for schools and colleges.
What to do with your old projector if you
decide it is uneconomic to replace the bulb?
The UK WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)
regulations mean that you just can’t skip an old projector
anymore. They have to be disposed of and a certificate of
disposal obtained. If the projector is working, but the lamp is
just faint, then this projector is ideal for home cinema where
you can darken the room. Many projectors designed for
home cinema have a much lower brightness that a projector
designed for business or educational use. You could consider
selling the projector to an employee or sell the projector on
eBay. You could also consider donating the projector to local
charities or residential care homes, but make sure you get a
receipt for your records.
If the projector is broken, then you can still sell it on eBay.
You will obviously need to give information on the symptoms
and make it clear in the auction title that it is for ‘spares or
repair’. There are a lot of people who repair them at home or
use the parts to repair other projectors. If the projector won’t
even turn on, then the chances are that the bulb may still be
OK and even second hand, the light bulb has a value due to the
high cost of new light bulbs. Some of the leading brands seem
to sell very well, even broken ones.
• 01754 769967
For a current list of
• [email protected] projector bulbs please visit:
www.projector-bulbs.co.uk
FEATURE
FEATURE
Some projector bulbs
cost more than a new
projector
and tighten the screws. Obviously, specific instructions on
how to replace bulb modules will vary slightly from projector to
projector, so the instruction manual should be consulted and the
replacement undertaken by a suitably qualified person.
TurningPoint
BETT Award finalist five
times and winner of the
prestigious ‘Primary
and Secondary
Hardware of the Year’
award. TurningPoint
ResponseCard NXT
handset does everything
the other TurningPoint
handsets do, with the addition of a selfpace mode. This means that children can
work at their own pace, either
on their own or with others.
They submit their answers into
the system and the handset
gives the score back to them.
As an example, if you are
sitting next to me and I’m
working from the top of the
questions down, and you’re
working from the bottom
ResponseCard
and picking questions
NXT handset
randomly, it makes no
difference, as the system
will still let us work at our own pace.
ResponseCard Anywhere is an
accessory that lets the teacher take
the voting away from the computer,
which means the lesson can take place
anywhere inside or outside the school.
The combination of TurningPoint and
ResponseCard Anywhere was selected
as a BETT Awards 2011 Finalist.
Preview of
new technology
Taking place each January at Olympia
in London, BETT attracts more than
600 educational suppliers and around
29,000 visitors.
BETT is an indispensable part of the annual knowledge gathering process,
coming at a time when establishments are planning and budgeting for the
school year.
Over 600 exhibitors will be showcasing all that is new and innovative within the
industry, and as a visitor you will be able to pick up a wealth of knowledge to
take back with you to your school, college or university.
12_Wedgwood AV Ltd - 01754 769967
CleverLCD Touch Dual
BETT Award 2011 Finalist in the Digital
Devices category, CleverLCD Touch Dual
is a fully integrated touchscreen LCD
monitor. In sizes 32”, 42”, 52”, 55” and
65” diagonal, it has 4mm tempered glass
for safety in the classroom with 1080p
(Full HD) high definition (720p HD Ready
for the 32” size), for optimal viewing.
Built in PC option for
42”, 55” and 65”. Lynx
interactive whiteboard
software included on all
models.
Optional accessories
include speakers, a
choice of mounting
CleverLCD
options including desk
Touch Dual
stands, wall mounts,
mechanical and electric wall lifts or
electric trolley (not for 32” which includes
a desk stand) and upgrade to 3 year
onsite warranty.
Panasonic at BETT 2011
SMART Technologies Inc
BETT Award 2011 Finalist in the ICT
Company of the Year category, SMART
launched their SMART Board™ 400
series and 800 series of interactive
whiteboards for education.
The 400 series
comprises the
SMART Board™ 480
interactive whiteboard,
the SMART Board™
480iv interactive
whiteboard system
with short-throw
SMART V25 projector,
and the SMART
Board™
480iv, an
SMART Board™
800 series
interactive whiteboard
system with SMART V25
projector and integrated speakers.
The SMART Board™ 800 series is
available in sizes 77”
diagonal (SB880)
and 87” (SB885).
Two people can
instantly work together
anywhere on the
surface at the same
time using either their
fingers or a pen. A new
UF65 ultra short throw
projector is available
SMART Board™ with these boards.
480iv
Epson EB-450Wi
The Epson EB-450Wi interactive ultra
short throw projector with its interactive
pen and built-in sensor was a BETT
Award 2011 Finalist in the Digital Devices
category.
One of the key features of the EB450Wi is its built-in capabilities that
can turn virtually any surface into an
interactive display. Teachers can project
from ultra-short distances with a unique
mirroring engine that means even smaller
classrooms can benefit. The digital
pen gives teacher total control of the
presentation area where notes can be
made and saved.
How to get there
Olympia is centrally situated
and is easily accessible by train,
tube, bus or car. BETT is only 2
hours from Birmingham, 3 hours
from Manchester, 5 hours from
Newcastle and just 2 hours from
Bristol.
Olympia, Hammersmith Road,
London W14 8UX
By Train
Panasonic HD Visual
Communication System
Panasonic KX-VC500
Panasonic unveiled its KX-VC500 HD
Visual Communication System
Distance learning becomes engaging for
K-12 and higher education classrooms
with Full HD Video and 360° HD Audio.
Remote guest speakers or sharing
between schools enhances
learning, whilst the
system also facilitates
more frequent
and productive
administrative
meetings by
eliminating the need
Panasonic boundary
to travel between
microphone
schools. Pre-set
speed dials and a
one-touch connection allow time to be
spent on talking to other schools, not
setting up.
The Panasonic
anasonic visual
communication
systems
starts off
with the
VC500
conference
bridge unit
Panasonic camcorder
and remote control
to which are added
a choice of High
Definition Panasonic
screens, HD cameras
or camcorders, VPN
router, 360 degree HD
audio microphone.
Direct connections to Kensington
Olympia station can be made
with Manchester, Liverpool,
major towns in the Midlands,
London and the South East on
the daily high speed BR Intercity.
Alternatively, you can reach
Kensington Olympia tube station
easily from Kings Cross, Euston,
Victoria and all other main stations
in London
By Tube
The easiest way to reach Olympia
is by tube. Take the District or
Piccadilly lines to Earls Court then
change to the District line service
to Kensington Olympia
By Coach
National Express Coaches run
services to Victoria Coach Station
from all over the UK.
By Bus
These routes stop at the main
entrance to Olympia: 9, 10, 27,
28, 49 & 391.
By Car
It’s much quicker and easier
to travel to Olympia by public
transport, but if you are driving
Olympia is situated on the
Hammersmith Road within easy
reach of the M4, M40 and M3.
There are 16 car parks in the
vicinity.
Parking at or near Olympia can
be difficult and costly, but spaces
at the car parks at the venue
can be pre-booked using Visa,
Mastercard or Eurocard by calling
+44 (0)871 871 9809.
Panasonic AW-HE50
NEW TECHNOLOGY
NEW TECHNOLOGY
Here we review some of
the new technology you
may have seen...
Touch screens
for education
Introducing touch screens
for schools and colleges
LG LCD touch screens
In this article, we look at the educational uses of touch screens and also the
different technologies available to make touch screens “touchable”.
Touch screens are appearing
everywhere. Go into any high street
mobile phone shop and half the
phones have now had the buttons
removed. The interactive whiteboards
in your classrooms are giant touch
screens and touch screen information
kiosks are popping up in libraries,
university campuses and shopping
centres across the country.
Touchable technologies
Let’s look at touch screen mobile phones
first. Not exactly an education device,
but a good place to look at the different
touch screen technologies. Touch screen
phones are used with your fingers to
select button areas on the screen and
these use either capacitive or resistive
touch screen technology. You might be
thinking “so what?”, but the experience
of using a capacitive or resistive touch
screen phone is different, so even with
phones you need to get an idea of the
differences.
Resistive works by sensing pressure from
your fingers or other objects such as a
stylus or an upside down pencil. Resistive
uses several layers and pressure on
the top layer pushes against the next
layer and then the screen knows where
you are. There are two main types of
capacitive technology; surface capacitive
and projected capacitive touch. The
latter can operate behind weatherresistance or vandal-resistance glass.
Surface capacitive cannot be used with
a stylus as it requires a bare finger to
do the touching. This is because it uses
the conductive properties of your finger
to know where you are pressing, rather
than using pressure. Projected capacitive
touch uses finger or stylus.
Most of us have heard of the iPhone
and this uses projected capacitive touch
screen technology and you only need a
very light touch when swiping your finger
across the screen.
Now back to touch screens
in education
Mitsubishi LCD touch screens
We’ll start by looking at touch screens
in the reception area. Someone at a
secondary school governors meeting
Projected capacitive
touch (PCT)
Resistive
decides that it would be a good idea to
have a touch screen in the reception area
for visitors and parents to find out more
about the school. The IT Department will
create the software, which surprisingly
can be made with Microsoft PowerPoint,
which costs around £100 in the UK.
PowerPoint presentations can be created
with buttons (so that someone using a
touch screen can easily press them with
their finger) that allow the user to navigate
between different PowerPoint slides. You
can use videos, PDF’s, pictures, etc.,
in PowerPoint slides, to create a good
information system quite easily. The
Wedgwood Digital Signage for Education
guide, from www.teachingtechnology.
co.uk shows you how to do this. The
IT Department could look at other
commercial touch screen software or by
programming it with software such as
Microsoft Visual Basic, but this may be
quite costly either in terms of the cost of
software or the time it takes to write a
program.
Next they will need a computer base unit
to play the touch screen presentation,
which could be an old one kicking around
(it would need Windows XP, Vista or
Windows 7). Then you come to look at a
touch screen itself. This will look like any
other LCD or plasma monitor but will also
have a mouse cable that goes back to
the computer base unit. This cable sends
Surface capacitive
touch (SCT)
You can now start searching the Internet
looking at different touch screens which
will usually range in size from 15” to
82”. A good 17” may do the job costing
around £350+VAT. Comparisons,
brochures, current sizes and street prices
are available at www.touch-screens.co.uk.
The size of the screen is really going to
be determined by your budget. So you
narrow it down to the size and screens
you can afford. Then you come to the
choice of different technologies. We have
already looked at projected capacitive
(normally used on LCD screens 40” and
above) and resistive, but you will also
see optical sensing. Optical sensing
technology uses cameras to see where
the screen is touched, which is good as
you can use either your finger or a stylus
on the screen.
So which technology do I choose
for the reception area touch screen
information point?
In this case, because the parents or
visitors using it will be sat in a nice warm
reception area and using their fingers,
then it really doesn’t matter. Go for one
within your budget, as large as you can
afford and with the best warranty. Look
for a warranty with 3 years (or better) and
with the highest number of pixels in your
price range. The other thing to watch out
for is the cable type. We mentioned that
you need a “mouse cable” going back
to the computer. You need to make sure
the touch screen uses USB, which will
work with all your computers, unless you
specifically need serial and understand
the difference.
NEC LCD touch screens
Keep in mind that touch screens are not
vandal proof and should be installed in
areas that are monitored. By monitored,
we mean areas where there are usually
members of staff, such as in a reception
area. Some touch screens have
reinforced glass and although the glass
is vandal resistant the actual product
isn’t. Even the touch screen kiosks you
may have seen in shopping centres are
not completely vandal proof. Here too,
a shopping centre is a monitored area,
often with security guards and CCTV. You
can buy protective overlays but these do
not work with touch screens. A projected
capacitive screen would be suitable for
vandal resistant type applications.
There are LCD touch screen kiosks
sealed for weather resistance with
protective glass to deter vandalism,
for use outside a university or college
reception area.
As a side note, the window in your
reception area can be converted into
a touch screen so that people on the
outside can interact with it. This works
by having a standard projector inside
which is usually ceiling mounted, and
projects onto the inside of the window.
Now you may be thinking, “Why doesn’t
the projector light just shine through the
window?”. Well, the touch screen is a
piece of clear film (think of it something
like cling film in your kitchen) combined
with a rear projection film, such as MSSi
Super-Contrast Rear Projection film that is
grey in colour and this is adhered directly
to the inside of the window. This special
‘cling film’ combined with rear projection
film acts like a projector screen so that
the projected image appears on the
window but is also touch sensitive. This
means that someone on the outside of
the window can touch and interact with it.
The advantage of this solution is you can
have large sizes, over 100” diagonal, to
make an interactive window display with a
finish that is flush to the glass.
Alternatively, position an LCD screen
up against the window and then on the
inside of the window you have interactive
touch film, so that people on the
outside can interact with the screen. An
advantage of using the LCD solution over
the touch screen film, is that you don’t
have to worry about the brightness of a
projector nor throw distance and there are
no bulbs to replace.
Educational ‘graffiti walls’ to use for
art or just for fun
Some colleges and science museums
are installing “graffiti walls”. These are
basically large touch screens that people
scribble on by controlling applications
like Windows Paint with their fingers to
draw on. Now the technology used by the
touch screen does make a big difference
here. Drawing a line with your finger on
any capacitive screen is fine, however if
you try to annotate this gives you a jerky
line. Optical sensing would be a better
choice, especially as sizes are currently
available up to 82” diagonal. You would
also need an annotation package such
as Windows Paint or a bespoke
annotation package.
MSSi through-window
GlassVu interactive
touch screen
Samsung LCD touch kiosk
Optoma LCD
touch screens
DisplayLite NEC touch screen
Optical sensing technology has cameras
in the corner of the screen and a reflective
strip, so that it knows when you are
touching the screen. The bezel (surround)
on optical sensing touch screens is a
little bigger to incorporate the cameras.
One advantage of optically sensed touch
systems is that it can function with light
scratches and surface wear, as can
projected capacitive. Touch is activated
by bare fingers, gloved fingers or a stylus.
Optical sensing technology is ideal when
handwriting annotation is required. In the
classroom, an optical sensing technology
LCD touch screen can also be used in the
same way as an interactive whiteboard.
Obviously, you would need touch screen
software.
What if I want a video wall of
touch screens?
Video walls are made of multiple screens
close together, such as a 2x2 video wall
which has 4 screens. The computer or
video image is then spread across all
the screens. The
downside is that
there is a small gap
between screens.
When you watch
the news on a TV
channel, you often
see presenters
stood in front of a
Courtesy of 3M and Mentor Distribution
14_Wedgwood AV Ltd - 01754 769967
TOUCH SCREENS
TOUCH SCREENS
back where the user has touched on
the screen, so that the computer knows
where the mouse cursor should be. One
note: with a touch screen, when you want
to do a mouse click, you tap the screen
with your finger.
touch. It is mainly used for annotation
applications and tabletop touch screens
such as available by Mitsubishi and NEC.
You can put your hand on the table touch
screen and it recognises that and would
not act as a mouse until you tapped
the touchscreen. The disadvantage of
bending wave is that it is not suitable for
drag and drop routines.
What happens if I need to wear gloves?
If we were installing touch screens in
areas such as a biology lab in a university
or medical teaching hospital, then we
would need to choose the technology
carefully. Using a touchscreen to control
a computer, instead of using a keyboard
and mouse, in areas where medical style
gloves are needed, then out goes surface
capacitive technology as gloves will not
give the conduction that they need. In
this situation, you are left with resistive,
projected capacitive or optical sensing
technology. Optical touch and projected
capacitive are usually available in screen
sizes 32” to 82”.
I want a mobile touchscreen solution
There are
independent
bracket
manufacturers
such as Unicol
and ErgoMounts
who specialise
in safe brackets
and trolleys for
CleverLCD
Touch Fusion
education. There
are also all-inone-solutions like the CleverLCD Touch
Fusion, which uses infrared technology,
and positions the touch screen vertical, as
an easel or flat as a touch screen table.
For young pupils,
multi-touch
interactive
learning
centers, such
as the SMART
Table™, with
ready-made activities,
allows them to work,
play and interact together
on one surface.
SMART
Table™
The NEC
NEC 3M MicroTouch
MCUAS221WM 22-inch touch screen,
for example, uses 3M MicroTouch
surface capacitive technology which
is fully integrated behind the standard
NEC bezel. Surface capacitive touch
technology allows only single touch and is
used on small screens up to 32” diagonal.
Surface capacitive touch technology
has been around for a long time and is
mainly used for public access applications
and contaminant prone environments.
This is because it is largely unaffected
by contaminants such as grease, dirt
and water. Whilst this is good in biology
labs or medical teaching hospitals, the
disadvantage is it supports only finger
touch (no gloves) or a tethered pen and a
severe scratch can affect operation in the
damaged area.
I want to use drag and drop, is there
any technology I should avoid?
We haven’t mentioned DST technology
yet from 3M™. Dispersive Signal
Technology (DST) centres on the touch
creating a ‘bending wave’ through the
glass of the touchscreen itself. It works
with vibration and you tap rather than
16_Wedgwood AV Ltd - 01754 769967
Interactive whiteboards and
smart boards
We haven’t talked yet about the
interactive whiteboards that are used
in classrooms every day in schools and
higher education. Many people call them
‘smart boards’, in the same way we
might use the brand name ‘Hoover™’
to mean vacuum cleaners.
SMART™ who
manufacturer
SMART
Board™ was
one of the first
manufacturers
of interactive
whiteboards.
Don’t forget
that interactive
whiteboards
SMART Board™
are just big touch
screens, even though
you tend to use special pens and the
manufacturer’s interactive whiteboard
software. It’s the software that comes
with them that makes them useful for
class and meeting rooms.
SMART Board™ use resistive technology,
which means that you can use your finger
to touch them or other objects. You get
special pens and an eraser to use with
the whiteboard. The downside is that if
the screen surface gets damaged, then
the board becomes a write off as the
surface is the touch screen.
Interactive whiteboards also use
electromagnetic technology. The special
pens transmit a signal to the receiver in
the whiteboard. The downside to this
is that because the pens are electronic,
they tend to be expensive to replace and
if you lose the pens you can’t use the
whiteboard. The plus side is that you can
replace the surface if it gets damaged
as the electronics are in the pen and the
whiteboard’s surround.
Another two technologies used in
interactive whiteboards are infrared
and optical. Infrared uses the same
technology as in your infrared TV remote
control at home to create a curtain of light
across the board’s surface. You can use
either a finger or a stylus to operate the
board and the surface of the board can
be replaced if damaged. Optical uses
cameras which read microscopic dot
patterns on the whiteboard’s surface to
know where it is.
PolyVision eno wireless boards use optical
technology with a HD (High Definition)
camera in the pen, so when you touch
the board it knows where you are.
With whiteboards, the quality of the
software that is shipped with them
makes all the difference, rather than the
actual technology used. You may find
that a particular school has all one make
of interactive whiteboards so that the
teachers only need to learn one piece
of whiteboard software. ‘Open platform’
interactive whiteboards, like Panasonic’s
multi-touch, lets teachers run many other
education software programmes.
PolyVision eno
Interactive panels and wireless
tablet/slates
Interactive panels are generally 17” to 19”
touch screens, with class and meeting
rooms in mind, which work with special
pens. You use the accompanying pen to
control the computer and the software
to use it like an interactive whiteboard.
Dual touch panels are now available.
University lecturers facing their audience,
can use an interactive panel to annotate
over their computer presentation, whilst
the audience can see what is happening
on the large projector screen behind the
lecturer.
LCD touch screens with interactive
whiteboard software
Large format
LCD Interactive
(touch screen)
displays are
available with
touch pen,
eraser and
Samsung eBoard
pen annotation
software (interactive
whiteboard software). Images on the
screen, including any handwritten
annotations such as text or drawings can
be saved.
Wireless interactive tablets, also known
as slates, usually have a tethered pen.
Normally, a simple Bluetooth USB stick
plugs into a computer, a connection
wizard helps with the connection and you
are away. Using the pen allows you to
interact with the interactive whiteboard
without leaving seats. Some slates only
allow one to be used to control the
interactive whiteboard and are ideal if
you like to teach from anywhere in the
classroom.
The main thing
to weigh up
is the cost of
an interactive
Sharp interactive
projector
touch screen
and bracket; an
interactive whiteboard, projector, projector
bracket and on-going cost of replacing
projector bulbs; a large
format (65” or 70”) LCD
interactive display with
interactive software.
eInstruction (formerly
InterWrite), have
taken this idea a
step further. As
many as 9 MOBIs
can simultaneously interact with and
contribute to the same “whiteboard”
content, projected for the whole class
to see. This means a teacher doesn’t
need a traditional front of class interactive
whiteboard, only a projector and
computer. MOBI uses an electromagnetic
pen for its touch technology.
Other factors come into
play, such as ultra-short
throw, classroom space,
product durability,
quality of the interactive
software and budget.
Optical sensing (OS)
Infrared (IR)
Multi-touch lets you use more than
one finger or object to rotate or resize
images, scroll through menus and
operate your computer programmes.
Interactive whiteboards with multi-touch
are usually two finger (dual touch) or
three finger touch.
3M M2256PW
Touch screen overlays
Overlays are available that convert
existing LCD monitors or plasma screens
to touch screens. These sit over the top
of the screen and then you connect its
USB cable to the computer, plug it in and
away you go. Mitsubishi optical overlays
for example, are designed specifically to
fit their existing range of LCD monitors. If
you are looking to replace your existing
plasma or LCD screen, you might want
to weigh the cost of buying a new screen
and a touch screen overlay, or opting
for an LCD touch screen or interactive
whiteboard.
Panasonic
UB-T880/
800W
Mitsubishi optical overlays
SMART™ 8070i
Dual touch and multi-touch touch
screens and interactive whiteboards
Let’s go back to mobile phones for a
second. Many touch screen phones,
including the Apple iPhone® have
3M have a multi-touch desktop
screen which has 20-point (20-finger)
multi-touch, compatible with Windows
7. You can also use very light gloves with
this model.
What other touch technology is there?
Devices such as eBeam, turn dry-wipe
boards into interactive whiteboards. Many
manufacturers have interactive projectors
so you can project large images onto
most surfaces. Wireless pads, such as
ViewSonic 10-inch ViewPad, support
Windows 7 multi-touch.
Comparisons, brochures,
current sizes and street prices
are available at
www.touch-screens.co.uk
iiyama T2250MTS
multi-touch. This allows you to do things
(common gestures) like use pinching
and un-pinching type movements on the
screen with your thumb and index fingers
to resize pictures on screen. The point is
that two fingers are sensed at exactly the
same time and the software understands
them both and the direction they are
moving. Clever stuff. This is completely
different to traditional touch screens where
they are controlling the mouse cursor on
screen, which can only be in one place at
once. Touch screen phones don’t usually
display a mouse cursor, which makes
sense if you are allowing multi-touch.
Touch screens for Education guide,
free at www.teachingtechnology.co.uk
expands on this article and gives many
product solutions.
It is important to select the correct
technology for your application to avoid
very costly mistakes.
Mentor Distribution, Authorised Solutions
partners of both NEC & Mitsubishi work
with Wedgwood AV, authorised suppliers
to education, training and public sector.
They are able to provide demonstrations
of NEC, Mitsubishi, Iiyama, and the
3M 20-point multi-touch products.
Alternatively, our touch screen experts
would be happy to talk to you to discuss
your requirements and help you make the
correct decisions.
TOUCH SCREENS
TOUCH SCREENS
Courtesy of 3M and Mentor Distribution
giant screen, but when you look at the
screen you can see lines which are the
gaps between the screens that make
up the video wall. The size of the bezel
(surround) determines how big a gap
you get between the screens. Some
manufacturers, such as LG, Mitsubishi
and NEC now have touch screens that
can be used in video walls.
LCD MONITORS
LCD MONITORS
A Sharp look at new
technology for teachers
A Full HD LCD touch screen with interactive whiteboard software
Some schools use interactive
whiteboards, others use large format
LCD touch screens. Choice is often
down to what works best for you in
your classroom.
Desktop virtualisation
for schools
The advantage of interactive whiteboards
is the software, tailored for the education
market. The advantage LCD touch
screens have is that installation costs are
lower as you only need to wall mount
the screen and not a projector and
whiteboard. Also, with LCD touch screens
you don’t need a projector and on-going
costs of replacing projector bulbs.
LCD touch screens need someone in the
IT Department to create the touchscreen
software, which can be made with
Microsoft PowerPoint or a bespoke
touchscreen software package.
Sharp have a solution that lets you
integrate both ideas. The Sharp PNL601B professional widescreen, full HD
(1920x1080) 60-inch LCD touch screen,
that you can use with your finger or the
touch pen, an eraser and pen annotation
software (interactive whiteboard software).
Bright classrooms can cause problems
when students try to view the board,
however Sharp’s full array LED backlight
are evenly positioned across the entire
panel for uniform screen brightness
and easy readability even in bright
environments.
Sharp’s intuitive pen software allows
anyone to operate this touch screen
LCD monitor. The user-friendly interface
enables pen-colour and eraser selection
with a click of the touch pen button. Once
a document has been captured as a
.JPG image and displayed on the touch
screen, you can write or draw directly on
18_Wedgwood AV Ltd - 01754 769967
the screen surface using the touch pen
or your finger. The image on the screen,
including any handwritten annotations
such as text or drawings, can be saved or
exported for printout.
Ultra-slim bezel
video walls
There are dozens of notice boards on
walls through schools and colleges. Many
of these are used to display timetables,
results, displays of students work or
events information. Digital signage is
about using small and large LCD display
screens to display still and moving
posters which have different information
scheduled at varying times and can be
updated from a computer somewhere in
the building.
Video walls are made of multiple screens
close together, such as a 2x2 video wall
which has 4 screens. The downside is that
there is a small gap between screens.
Sharp’s PN-V601 60-inch LCD monitor
has an ultra slim bezel, which means the
gap is virtually seamless and you can
display one image across all the screens
up to a 5x5 video wall (25 screens).
Designed for 24/7 usage, in landscape or
portrait mode, images or digital signage
presentations can be used to effect,
especially when displaying exhibition work
in university reception areas or museums.
Classroom and
laboratory interactivity
Sharp PN-V601 ultraslim LCD monitor.
Sharp’s PNE range of full HD (High
Definition) LCD touch screens in sizes
42”, 47”, 52” and 60” diagonal, use
optical imaging technology. The screen
itself is 4mm thick tempered glass which
offers some protection against misuse.
These touch screens support 2-finger
multi-touch so that you can resize your
images using your thumb and index figure
or ‘throw’ an image from one side of the
screen to the other. They operate with the
lightest of touch – using a finger, gloved
hand or pointer, so these can even be
used in the biology lab of a university or
medical teaching hospital. Sharp’s PNE
touch series have USB HID controller for
plug and play and needs only one-time,
four point callibration.
A typical class of 30
students each has a
computer, keyboard,
mouse and a monitor.
The next generation in
desktop virtualisation lets
you run a network of up to
30 individual users from
ONE host computer.
LG E-Series Network
Monitors
The E series is the next generation in
desktop virtualisation. By using Ethernet
connection, it can run a network of up
to 30 individual users from a single host
computer over an unlimited distance,
each with their own monitor, keyboard
and mouse. It means improved green
credentials and more cost savings
for schools.
Students can enjoy independent computing,
ranging from using the internet to using
software such as PowerPoint, all at the
What about large format
displays for our
reception area?
Using a large format display in receptions
and welcome areas is becoming common
place in universities, colleges and some
schools. With the technology that is to
hand, managing the displays is becoming
easier. LG SuperSign is an easy to use
display management tool allowing News feeds to be displayed
in common rooms, staff rooms and receptions. Moving signage
can be created with welcoming messages informing people about
the school and its history, what the day’s timetable is or to display
lunchtime menus or student artwork.
The LG SuperSign management system could be integrated into
IT learning with pupils managing and creating signage and displays
for the school. LG’s large format range includes displays up to
65-inch diagonal.
Chance for you to win an LG NC1000
SuperSign signage player and software in
our next issue of Teaching Technology
same time. With LG’s i-com (included utility
software), you can monitor each user’s
computing to support the students in the
right way. You can ‘take over’ the student
session or ‘lock out’ the student(s) to gain
full attention and you can also broadcast
the images on the teacher’s console to all of
the students at the same time.
LG network monitors have a longer life
span than ordinary PCs minimising ewaste and cost. Furthermore the network
monitors cut the cost of a computing
system setup by 70% with maintenance
and energy savings of up to 90%.
Touch Screens
With the spread of touch screen mobile
phones and tablet computers, many
people have become used to using
touch screens as part of everyday life.
The use of touch screens in the
classroom brings a new interaction
with education and
furthers the possibility
in engaging pupils in learning.
The LG M4214T and M4716T touch screens allow a teacher to
have pupils interact and be part of the learning process. With the
technology many of them have and use on a daily basis, the use
of touch screen will be a natural progression for them to interact
with. Touchscreens allow the pupils to set-up their own interactive
learning to display on the screens, thus bringing another angle on
the engagement of pupils with learning.
If you would like to have a demonstration of
LG SuperSign at your school, college or university
in the UK, then please contact us.
• 01754 769967 • [email protected]
With the current trend of schools and colleges moving from interactive whiteboards
to interactive touch screens, what are the advantages of the Samsung E-Board?
The all in one E-Board solution does
not require a seperate projector like an
interactive whiteboard, this is an advantage
for small classrooms with limited space
for projector mounts and cabling. The
Samsung E-Board also eliminates the
problem of loss of light due to the half
life of the lamp in a projector, and also
does away with the shadow problem
which occurs when standing in front of a
whiteboard.
The multi purpose features on the
Samsung E-Board means better video
and data clarity during lessons. And by
utilising the expansion slot, the E-Board
is networkable – allowing content to be
distributed to students computer screens
via the school network.
The Samsung 650TS interactive E-Board
combines the simplicity of a whiteboard
with the power of a computer. The
interactive display enhances almost
any learning environment, giving better
visual presentation, increasing student
participation and generally making lessons
more efficient.
Have you
considered
digital signage?
There is an increased
popularity of using digital
signage solutions in
welcome areas, receptions
and all over school and
university campus’.
Samsung MagicInfo Pro is a
simple and affordable way to
manage display information
over a network.
With Samsung MagicInfo
Pro you are always in
control. It’s a dedicated
software solution which enables you to
broadcast content seamlessly across a
local area network (LAN), allowing photos,
audio, video and office files to be sent to
multiple screens. Unique content can be
created for specific screens; a welcome
message for the reception area and today’s
menu in the cafeteria – content can even
be scheduled to appear at certain times.
Forming part of Samsung’s MagicInfo
range of screens, the TSN range
incorporates Embedded Touch Panels.
These can be used as part of an interactive
digital signage solution, bringing all the
benefits of digital signage to life with the
enhanced touch features, thus allowing the
user to search and display the content they
wish to view.
Samsung MagicInfo is sold as a complete
‘all in one’ solution, including the
commerical LCD screen of your choice,
plus all the software you need to get your
digital signage network up and running.
On-site demonstrations are available
for colleges and universities in the UK,
where there is a pre-sales requirement
of 5+ Samsung LCD screens. Samsung
E-Board can be viewed at Samsung’s
showroom at Chertsey and Brentford
by appointment.
• 01754 769967
Samsung E-Board
20_Wedgwood AV Ltd - 01754 769967
Training based on the belief that
technology doesn’t have to baffle
As a training
provider, Nvest
firmly believe
that technology
doesn’t have to
baffle and this is
a philosophy
that is close to
each of their
trainers’ hearts.
Over the past year Nvest worked frequently with nurseries,
schools, colleges, universities and businesses to raise
awareness of interactive whiteboards, whether Hitachi, SMART,
Promethean or many others.
As a result of the close working relationship with both
manufacturers and you, the user, Nvest had to develop a
completely new and unbiased approach to training and
demonstrations.
Nvest look to work with you to develop and enhance the use of
new products by focusing on how you use them specifically to
ensure added value for all.
Training sessions
A typical half day training session can be broken down into
two steps:
Step one is an advance contact call from a trainer to agree
times, dates and location, also to make sure that all equipment
is installed and ready to use before any training takes place.
The second step is the training visit. A trainer will visit your site
to look at the basics of a product, such as an interactive
whiteboard. However, trainers are knowledgeable about most
AV technology and are happy to pick up almost any new
technologies at your request.
As a user, you will develop on to varying levels of intermediate
use and eventually move on to creating activities, lesson plans
and how to use your new skills to enhance your lessons. Just
like your own classroom environment, Nvest trainers utilise
interactivity to gain the best from their training.
Beyond training
Beyond training, Nvest offer ongoing support (Knowledge and
maintenance Retainer packages) to users. These give you a
year’s support based around training for further staff or increasing
knowledge per user.
Supporting education
Nvest was formed in 2004 by Pip Thomas, an expert trainer and
NLP (Neuro-linguistic programming) Master. Pip strives to
maintain a niche in a market where some manufacturers
demonstrate only product features to users rather than tailoring
to a users needs. Pip’s NLP business Edge also supports
education by offering coaching and training to teachers and
support staff.
Hertfordshire Business Awards
In recognition of this, Pip and Nvest have received the
Hertfordshire Business Awards ‘New Business Award’ in 2006.
As Managing Director of Nvest, Pip ensures all trainers are kept
up to date with current technologies and techniques. As an
NLP practitioner, Pip continues to focus on training methods
and the importance of providing a complete service that
exceeds expectations from the start, rather than just delivering
product knowledge.
See the technology for yourself
Nvest are able to offer manufacturer
demonstrations of selected brands
of interactive whiteboards, LCD
monitors and video conferencing
for you to see the technology
yourself. This enables you to
get the most out of your
investments, whatever product
you are thinking of purchasing.
To arrange your no obligation
demonstration please telephone
01754 769967.
TRAINING
LCD MONITORS
The simplicity of a
whiteboard with
the power
ower of
a computer
Choosing the system for you
The BSI PAS122 talks about carrying out a
risk assessment before installing a projector
taking into consideration the miscreant
behaviour by anyone that would result in a
pull-down force being applied to the projector
during normal use.
Interactivity - the
mounting system
With 47 years in the business of designing and
manufacturing mounting systems UNICOL provides some
simple guidelines on your interactive classroom choices.
multi-touch bundled in Windows 7,
which makes the interaction experience
much more effective and ultimately more
rewarding.
Whilst the Unicol Gyrolock system has been rated for projectors under 20 Kg, the GK1 has been tested to 140Kg in
ceiling suspension mode for 36hrs without mechanical failure.
It is now 10 years since Unicol designed the Gyrolock mounting system for projectors under 20Kg. The product is still
the choice of AV professionals providing versatility and ease of use in both bespoke and universal versions.
There are a number of Gyrolock versions to choose from and all have universal fixings for the most popular projectors.
There are close to ceiling, telescopic, and column versions. All are installation friendly and you
can use them through suspended ceilings or in high, low or normal head room situations.
A trim disc is available to tidy ceiling tile holes. You can then tilt or turn your projector
through any angle for an easy precise screen set up.
A Tetherloc® Anti-theft kit is also available with tough steel cables to prevent access to the
projector fixing screws and a special lock unit shields access to ceiling bolts.
Left: Projector &
Whiteboard on
powered height
adjustable trolley
Telescopic
Telescopic
Telescopic
From left to right: GK1U, Tetherloc fitted to a GKIU,
GK2U, GK3U and GK4U with 1m
column and CP1 Ceiling plate.
Choosing the system for you.
Ultra short throw projector mounts
The Hitachi A100 set new standards for ultra
short throw projectors and Unicol designed and
manufactured the official wall mount for Hitachi. Since
then a number of projectors have come onto the market
and Unicol have built on their experience to produce a
universal wall mount for these new ranges.
T Left: Hitachi A100 and wall mount
Top
Bottom Left: Universal Mount Arm
T Right: Epson EB410 fitted to arm
Top
Bottom Right: Security Cover for Hitachi
22_Wedgwood AV Ltd - 01754 769967
Of course these mounts can also be fitted to Unicol’s
Powa-Lift range of trolleys so that you have the flexibility
of moving the projector and screen from one room to
another, lowering and raising the whole system from a
remote control, manual switch, or lap-top. In addition
they have built security covers to deter thieves and offer
protection from damage.
AV MOUNTS
AV MOUNTS
Projector mounts
The interactive classroom has been with
us for some time now dominated mainly
with projected images onto white boards.
These vary in fixed to the wall systems
and, with the advent of ultra short throw
projectors, trolley mounted systems.
In competition with projector/whiteboard
systems are screens with touch overlays
and these have become more popular
as screens have become less expensive.
The main advantage with a screen over
projected images is that there is no image
shake when touching the screen and no
shadows cast, as is the case on non-ultra
short throw projected systems.The main
disadvantage is size of screen as a cost
comparison against whiteboards.
A number of advances have made the
screen option more viable. First of all more
screens have touch integrated with the
screen, rendering a bulky touch overlay
redundant leading to a reduction in cost.
Secondly Microsoft have introduced
Of course having just a screen is only part
of the interactive experience. Teachers
and more importantly children have to
have easy access to the screen, either
desk, wall or trolley mounted. Also if you
are using a laptop to provide content for
lessons you need to be able to place it
close to the action and therefore require an
adjustable shelf to place it on. Operation
of screen height adjustment is provided by
hand held remote, by manual switch (on
laptop shelf) or directly from the laptop via
a USB connection.
UNICOL have solutions for every way of
mounting screens but how do you choose
the right one for you? Well an obvious
consideration is the differing heights of
children as they progress through their
schooling and in contrast heights of
teachers who will also need to operate the
touch screen; therefore a height adjustable
screen is necessary. Is a dedicated system
for certain classrooms required or would
a mobile unit be more versatile and cost
effective? A wall mounted system will
always be more stable than a trolley
mounted system for obvious reasons but
UNICOL trolleys are very stable and have
been used in Education for over 47 years
and all UNICOL equipment is tested in
accordance with BSI PAS122/09 Safety of
AV equipment in schools and public areas.
Right: 65”
touchscreen on
powered height
adjustable wall
mount with
laptop arm
Above: 92”
touchscreen on
powered height
adjustable trolley
Below: 46” touchscreen table on adjustable trolley
Another great advantage of a touch screen
is to sink it into a desktop thus giving
access from all sides. The table can be
supplied at whatever height suits your
requirement and can be either static or on
wheels. Whatever your situation, or age
group UNICOL has a system suited to your
needs.
• 01754 769967
Beyond assessment…
beyond the classroom
Staff, parents and pupils in Theale
explore the limits of TurningPoint
We asked primary school teacher
and expert in the field Tom Barrett
for his views on multi-touch
technology, and its potential role
in the classroom of the future.
A passing fad or a genuinely effective
educational tool? We asked primary
school teacher and expert in the field
Tom Barrett for his views on multi-touch
technology, and its potential role in the
classroom of the future.
Multi-touch technology isn’t particularly
new; the concept of interacting with a
touch screen or touchpad using several
fingers simultaneously has been around for
quite a while. But what is new is its sudden
propulsion into the mainstream. Fuelled by
the huge popularity of the Apple iPhone
and iPod Touch, multi-touch has captured
the imagination of developers everywhere
and is now being applied to devices of all
shapes and sizes from computer screens
and trackpads to tablets, tables and wall
displays.
The massive potential for the application of
this technology in education was spotted
a couple of years ago by Tom Barrett, a
teacher at Priestsic Primary & Nursery
School in the former coalmining community
of Sutton-in-Ashfield in Nottinghamshire. “I
saw a press release for a large LG.Philips
LCD multitouch screen, and thought that
if it could be re-oriented into a horizontal
table it could have a major impact on
children’s interaction and learning,” he
says. “I contacted the manufacturers,
and they invited me to their headquarters
in Eindhoven to help design a prototype
product and write applications for it.”
Since then he’s been at the heart of the
development of multi-touch technology
in the learning world, and is now actively
involved with an ambitious four-year project
with Durham University’s TechnologyEnhanced Learning Research group who
are developing an innovative multi-touch
interactive desk.
Tom has been a passionate advocate of the
power of technology in the classroom since
he first dragged an interactive whiteboard
out of a corridor into his classroom while
24_Wedgwood AV Ltd - 01754 769967
on student placement, and Priestsic was
one of the first primary schools in the UK to
receive the Becta ICT Mark.
The school has had a SMART Board™
interactive whiteboard in every classroom
for several years, and as Tom points
out, Notebook™ software has made a
fundamental change to the way he and his
colleagues teach: “Working with Notebook
has changed the way we prepare, and has
made a big difference in terms of classroom
resources. We’ve gone beyond just using
the SMART Board as a glorified whiteboard,
and the kids are now encouraged to
use Notebook as authoring software
themselves.”
Now ICT Subject Leader and an Assistant
headteacher, Tom divides his time between
teaching ICT and supporting his colleagues.
As both an advanced user of SMART
products and an expert in multi-touch
technology, he was the ideal candidate to
test-drive the SMART Table, the new multiuser, multitouch table for primary schools
that caused such a stir at this year’s BETT
show. Although different in design to the
Durham University prototype, the philosophy
is similar: to allow small groups of pupils to
work together and simultaneously interact
with digital content.
Priestsic Primary School has had the table
for nearly a term, and early impressions
have been favourable. “The kids have
certainly found it engaging, and I think
there’s massive potential for this type of
technology,” Tom says. “The key challenge
will be to sustain their interest once the
novelty wears off. The media application,
which enables you to upload and resize
videos and images, is particularly good
and gives you access to video that you
couldn’t do in any other way. SMART will
need to develop the breadth and depth
of learning content available in all the
applications to make sure they remain
challenging.”
Although currently targeted at primary
education, Tom feels that multi-touch, multiuser products like SMART Table could be
suitable for all ages – depending on what
you do with it. “Like any technology, the
important thing is how imaginatively you
use it,” he concludes. “It’s now proven that
technology makes an impact on learning,
but balance and choice are vital. For some
kids, technology is the best way to access
information, for others it’s not. The important
thing is that we’re giving them a choice
between using an atlas or using Google to
learn in the way that suits them best – and
multi-touch technology is an important new
option for interacting with information and
people that will have a big impact in the
classrooms of the future.”
This article was taken from SMART Teacher,
the free termly newspaper for all education
professionals working with SMART
products. To register for your personal copy
please visit www.mysmartspaces.co.uk/
smartteacher
Steljes education team would be
happy to visit your nursery, primary
school or other UK education site
to demonstrate the SMART Table
and other SMART products. Steljes
are the authorised distributor of
SMART products in the UK and
Ireland. For further product
information or to arrange
a demonstration
please call
Wedgwood
AV, an
authorised
dealer, on
01754 769967.
Introducing the school
Theale Church of England Primary School is a singleform entry school catering for 250 pupils on the outskirts
of Reading, Berkshire. Attached to the school is a wellrespected special unit for autistic children.
Catherine Morley, the school’s Head Teacher, has been
in post for three years and is proud of the school’s
broad curriculum where Sports and the Arts are just
as important as Maths and English. Catherine and
her team look for talent in every child and create
opportunities for those talents to develop. They are
proud of their ethos of working with parents, teachers
and pupils alike for a more complete approach to
overall wellbeing. This approach has led to good Ofsted
performance in past reviews.
Why the school chose TurningPoint
Catherine was looking for a tool to help with the school’s
assessment agenda and, after exploring various options,
TurningPoint seemed like the ideal fit. “We like the fact
that the software is so easy to get to grips with and
yet allows us to drill in to such incredible detail around
individuals. It’s great for seeing how pupil learning
progresses as we teach a topic. We start with a quiz to
see how much they already know before tailoring lesson
activities to fill in the gaps. It’s just as easy to pick up and
use with little preparation on those occasions when all
we want is a little extra engagement.”
Pupil assessment… teacher
assessment
It’s overkill to claim that Turning Point does assessment
for learning but, as the BETT Awards judges have
found in the past, “This is a great tool for supporting
assessment for learning principles”.
Roanne Lawrance is a teacher at the school and has
discovered that the reports aren’t just for the pupils.
“Turning Point’s reports help me look at myself and the
way I have taught: Was I speaking clearly? Did I miss
something? What learning styles did I play to? Using
TurningPoint in this way helps me improve my own
practice.”
Beyond the classroom
The school has recently added ResponseCard Anywhere
to their kit. This handheld device allows them to extend
the use of their handsets beyond the classroom. A
normal system would require a computer to control the
voting but if a school adds ResponseCard Anywhere
to their existing kit the teacher is able to ask questions
without any preparation whatsoever, and without a
computer being present. This means people can take
their TurningPoint handsets with them anywhere they
like, from experiments in the school garden to full-blown
field trips. Moreover, since the teacher needn’t prepare
in advance, everything becomes much more agile
– the group can respond to questions about events or
observations as they happen.
Parent voice
Although Catherine and her team work closely with
parents on critical issues, it’s much more difficult to
gather feedback on more day-to-day matters. “The last
time I sent out 250 letters asking for specific feedback
only a small number were returned. The problem is this
doesn’t give me a representative cross-section, so what
can I do?”
The school recently used TurningPoint at their PTA quiz
night and the parents were extremely supportive of the
technology. Following this experience the teachers will
start using TurningPoint to collect the feedback the
school needs but is failing to get from questionnaires.
The future
Catherine and her team have only scratched the surface
with TurningPoint, yet they have found so many creative
ways of exploiting their investment in the technology.
Catherine summarizes by explaining, “We’ve done lots
but there’s even more we have planned. I’m delighted
we chose a system that can help us enhance school life
and management in so many ways beyond our original
plans. I can even see ResponseCard Anywhere in our
staff meetings because that’s a situation where you can’t
prepare the questions in advance and yet you still want
everyone to have a voice… at least on some topics!”
CASE STUDY
INTERACTIVE TECHNOLOGY
A passing fad or a
genuinely effective
educational tool?
Challenge
To support
assessment
principles
Solution
TurningPoint
handsets with
ResponseCard
Anywhere
Benefits
• Pupil and
teacher
assessment
• Outdoor
learning
• Parent voice
• Community
cohesion
plans
“With
ResponseCard
Anywhere
we’ve essentially
removed the
walls from the
classroom!”
Catherine
Morley
Head
Teacher
TurningPoint team
This year we’ll see TurningPoint becoming even more
closely integrated with laptops and mobile devices than
ever before, while retaining all the benefits it always has,
both inside the classroom and out.
Wedgwood, working closely with the TurningPoint team,
are happy to bring TurningPoint to your school, college
or university in the UK for a demonstration, if you’re
interested in seeing the system in action.
Brentside High School
Touch Fusion
Brentside High School, a specialist arts college in Ealing,
London has discovered that the Lumens visualisers
purchased for each of the school’s departments were also
ideal for many of its other video-based activities from
videoconferencing to student content generation for the
school’s digital TV channel and video streaming projects.
a solution for schools that
ticks all the boxes when it
comes to interactive table/
easel/whiteboard
Visualisers in action
Collaborating around an interactive table in a classroom
or breakout area has attracted schools attention for a few
years now. Many varieties of table have appeared on the
market, rear projection surfaces, projectors on special
mounts, interactive LCD’s on special table mountings
for example.
Technology plays an integral role at
Brentside High School, Ealing’s specialist
arts college and one of the UK’s five most
improved secondary schools.
Brentside has invested wisely in education
technology to support its 1,314 students
aged between 11 and 19, helping them to
achieve their full potential, in line with the
school’s ethic of ‘Learning and Achieving
Together’.
Inevitably a PC would have to be connected to the device, which adds to the
complexity of the solution, with additional cables, mounting issues and of course
cost. Typical costs for all solutions are double what schools are used to paying
for their interactive whiteboard solution, which has made the investment a harder
decision to justify, even more so with the diminishing budgets schools are facing.
Every one of the many classrooms in its
purpose-built premises is equipped with
an interactive whiteboard and projector
and access to a range of complementary
technologies including student response
systems and interactive tablets.
The CleverLCD Touch Fusion has picked up on the issues and offers schools a
device that is truly multitasking. At its core is a choice of 42” or 55” interactive
LCD screen, specially designed and built for the demands of the school market,
with all metal bezels and toughened glass.
The interactive LCD is fitted to a special trolley with a powered lift and tilting
mechanism. This lets the screen be used in three principal ways:
The school is fully networked with support
for wired and wireless connections and
more than 200 laptops are provided for
curriculum use alone.
1) When horizontal, as an interactive table for children to collaborate around
2) When set at an angle to be used by children in wheelchairs, easing their
access to all the screen content
Visualiser investment
3) raised to its fullest height as an interactive whiteboard. Changes to these
modes of operation are by a simple wired control unit
One of Brentside’s recent additions is a
fleet of high-definition visualisers from
Lumens.
The interactive LCD features a built-in PC running Windows 7 Professional 64
bit. The PC is fitted with a 250GB hard disk, 4GB system memory, HD Radeon
graphics card, 6-in-1 card reader, BluRay DVD player and DVD-re-writer. It also
comes with wired and wireless networking
to 802.11N standard. The wireless aerial
is contained in a special housing to avoid
damage / injury when used in table mode.
The screen is finished with smooth curved
corners, and all cables are hidden from view
to avoid accidental / malicious removal, and
ensure simple operation. The CleverLCD
Touch Fusion requires a single power cord for
operation, ensuring both minimal set-up times
and shutdown. The lockable wheeled base
is designed to fit through a standard door,
ensuring it can be used in all areas of a school.
Finally schools have a solution that ticks all the
boxes when it comes to interactive table/
easel/whiteboard at a price that is competitive,
and with a lifecycle of over 10 years.
26_Wedgwood AV Ltd - 01754 769967
CASE STUDY
CleverLCD
Head of Brentside’s four-strong, in-house
technology team, Robert Don recognised
visualisers would add another dimension
to the use of whiteboards, enabling
students and teachers alike to show and
share objects, and set about sourcing a
suitable product.
Robert wanted an affordable visualiser
that generated a good quality image,
simple to use and highly portable, all of
which he found in the Lumens DC120.
More than 30 Lumens units were
purchased as a first-stage investment
with at least one unit provided for each
of the school’s departments, to be
shared across the department’s various
classrooms.
The Science department for instance has
four units to share across its eight science
rooms.
Flexible and versatile
The staff and students took to visualisers
straight away and they are now in great
demand.
While each teacher tends to use them
differently, the visualisers are typically
used to show students’ work in exercise
books on the whiteboard, to share
resources such as books and other
printed materials, instead of using
photocopies and to create their own
resources from snapshots of work and
lessons to video-based work.
“The DC120 was obviously a good
product,” says Robert, “but it has turned
out to be even better than we thought,
because it is a flexible and multi-purpose
device.”
The combination of a flexible neck and
high quality, high definition camera means
it can also be used for capturing work
and lessons for the School’s VLE (virtual
learning experience) or even for schoolto-school video conferencing over Skype.
Wireless visualisers
No-obligation demonstrations of
CleverLCD Touch Fusion are available
in mainland UK.
• 01754 769967
You can turn your DC120 visualiser into the world’s first ever wireless visualiser with
the DC-A11 wireless base unit. It is true wireless technology (802.11 b,g,n) so there
is no loss in image quality. With a range of up to 95 feet (30m) your DC120 can be
moved around safely (with no trailing wires) in and out of the classroom.
Teaching
ing
technology
Digital signage for reception areas
• Repeat Signage digital
signage software
How to get there
The Vine hotel
An invitation to our
open day of
new technology
Touchscreens and multi-touch with pinch and zoom
in Lincolnshire
• Sharp LCD
touch screens
Here’s a preview of
the latest technologies
at our open day…
We’re not far from the sea so it’s a chance for a nice day out at the seaside
and to try out new technology to help you teach… and you don’t have to be a
teacher… any adults welcome
Ultra short-throw –
3D Ready – dual lamp –
interactive projectors
You are very welcome to come along, if only for
a coffee, a chat, a look round or to pick up a
few brochures. And please bring your colleagues
or friends.
There will be around 20 manufacturing partners
displaying the latest technologies including brand
names you are probably familiar with and perhaps
a few you aren’t. These include, AVerMedia, BenQ, Brooke, Chief, DisplayLite, eBeam,
Epson, iiyama, Lanta Lighting, LG, Lumens, Luminis, Magnetic 3D, Mitsubishi, NEC,
Optoma, Panasonic, Pro-Vue, Repeat Software, Sanyo, Sharp, SMART, TurningPoint
and Unicol.
Free prize draws
Chance to win an
AVerVision visualiser or
1 of 10 copies of Repeat
Signage digital signage
software in our free
prize draw
• BenQ ultra short-throw 3D projectors.
• Epson ultra-short throw interactive projectors
28_Wedgwood AV Ltd - 01754 769967
• DisplayLite NEC
multi-touch screens
• Chief flat panel brackets
• Unicol wall mounts and trolleys
Interactive learning
in the class
and beyond
• eBeam Edge and
eBeam Engage
• iiyama multi-touch
desktop screens
By car:
From Boston, take the A52 to Skegness
town centre. When you pass Morrisons
on your right, turn left into the one way
system and stay in the right hand lane
over two zebra crossings, then get in the
left hand lane signposted Seafront. You
will see the Clock Tower at the top of
this road, turn right just before the Clock
Tower, into Drummond Road, signposted
Gibraltar Point. After approximately 1mile,
turn right into Vine Road.
Free car parking.
From Lincoln, take the A158 to
Skegness town centre (approximately
one hour by car). After by-passing the
village of Burgh-Le-Marsh (just outside
Skegness), continue along this main road
to Skegness, past the Southview Park
hotel and the Welcome Inn and turn right
at The Ship along Roman Bank. When
you come to the one-way system, turn
left, signposted Seafront. You will see
the Clock Tower at the top of this road,
turn right just before the Clock Tower, into
Drummond Road, signposted Gibraltar
Point. After approximately 1mile, turn right
into Vine Road. Free car parking.
Railway: Skegness 1 mile
• Pro-Vue interactive
projector
• TurningPoint
response systems
• Mitsubishi high-end projectors
Multi-touch
interactive whiteboards
- wireless slates
• Optoma short-throw
3D projectors
• Sanyo ultra-short throw
interactive projectors
• Panasonic multi-touch whiteboards
• SMART Boards™ SMART Response™
and SMART Slate™
LCD monitors - network
monitors - glasses-free 3D ultra-slim LED backlit screens
One touch recording
HD visualisers wireless visualisers
• AVerVision visualisers
• Lumens wireless visualisers
• LG network monitors
Winners will be drawn at
random from all entries
received on the day.
Disclaimer: Every effort has been made to ensure that manufacturers and products illustrated will be available at
the open day. However, should unforeseen circumstances prevent any product being displayed we will make every
attempt to provide alternative brands.
• Mitsubishi touch
screen overlays
Ultra slim brackets - Powa-Lift trolleys
Taking place at The Best Western Vine Hotel
Vine Road, Skegness, Lincolnshire, PE25 3DB
on Wednesday June 29 - 11am - 4pm
Our friendly team are on hand to welcome
you to our manufacturing partners’ stands,
take in the latest technologies and enter our
free prize draws. Refreshments available.
• LG SuperSign digital media player
• Optoma SignShow HD media player
• LG large format and
hospitality displays
New technology in
sound and lighting
• Luminis 3D
signage player
• Lanta LED lighting
• Brooke mixer amplifier
Distance learning for schools
• NEC LED backlit screens
• Magnetic 3D glasses free screens
• AVerComm video conferencing system
OPEN DAY
OPEN DAY
Wedgwood
IT Group
uBoard
Did you know?
New products are often
created as a solution to a
particular problem. You
may be used to using an
interactive whiteboard in
your classroom, but would
welcome that interactivity at
home or in the staff room for
lesson preparation. There is
now a handy little gadget that
lets you do just that.
DuoPen digital interactive pen is an
innovative USB input device which
can convert any ordinary laptop or
desktop computer monitor into a fully
interactive touch screen device.
You clip the device onto the top of your
laptop or computer (maximum 17-inch
screen), plug the other end into your
USB input and this immediately upgrades
your laptop or computer to provide full
interactive functionality. This uses a
combination of ultrasonic waves and
infrared to plot or recognise the pen
located on the screen.
Using the interactive pen, you can now
write directly on the screen and it has
handwriting recognition and drawing
options. Gesture (motion) recognition
(also known as ‘pen flicks’), allows you
to execute various pre-defined functions
easily when using the internet, e-mail or
selected software.
Interactive Technology just got better:
less expensive, more flexible and mobile!
As DuoPen comes with a carry bag, you
can easily transport it, making this an ideal
accessory to accompany your laptop, at
around £140+VAT.
uBoard is a portable ‘carry anywhere’
virtual interactive system. This innovative
gadget consists of a small magnet-mount
system controller/transmitter and a
uBoard pen.
You mount the uBoard controller/
transmitter onto the edge of a
conventional dry-wipe board, or even
onto a clear, light coloured wall, and
any flat surface is then transformed into a
fully interactive teaching space. This then
gives you a 120” interactive area onto
which you can draw or annotate, with
full control of any standard software
installed on your computer.
The uBoard pen has an integrated laser
pointer and costs around £600+VAT.
Technology which allows pupils and teachers to interact
with digital content enhances and positively impacts
both teaching and learning. In recent years, interactive
whiteboards have been funded for this reason. However,
traditional interactive whiteboards are expensive, requiring
often costly installation; and school budgets are now
being cut.
and, again, contributions can be made from the children’s own
workspaces. The projected image is not obscured by groups of
children standing in front of the board. Everything can be seen
clearly, at all times.
eInstruction (formerly Interwrite Learning) is a worldwide supplier
of educational technology. The eInstruction MOBI (mobile
interactive whiteboard) lets you teach interactively, and with
more flexibility, and at a fraction of the cost of a traditional fixed
interactive board. Even if you already have fixed boards, you can
still get the full benefits of using the MOBI.
The MOBI comes with the Workspace™ software. If you already
use an interactive whiteboard, then you will be familiar with this
type of software. Workspace is the award-winning software used
to create and assemble interactive lesson content, which you
control with the MOBI (and you can still use all of your existing
interactive content too). Workspace’s open design allows you to
incorporate and work with teaching materials in multiple formats
from any source, including web-based content and third-party
curricula. It eliminates worries about any importing or compatibility
issues. Workspace includes more than 4,000 teaching resources,
from engaging images and animations to complete interactive
lessons, organised and searchable by subject area. Workspace
also houses an extensive Flash library called SIMS™ that contains
interactive animations and simulations you can use as warm-up
exercises, enrichment, and remediation to enhance the learning
experience.
Teach from anywhere in the room
With a MOBI you can move freely around the teaching space
and are not tied to the front of the room. The MOBI is a radio
frequency device: the receiver plugs into your computer, and the
MOBI tablet communicates with the receiver.
Teach in any teaching space
Connecting your MOBI to your PC/ laptop and a data projector,
you can project the computer image on to any suitable surface,
at any height - even in the main school hall! You are freed from
the constraint of the “whiteboard” being accessible by students.
No more “hands up” or “come to
the front”
The MOBI itself is the interactive surface, which can be passed
from person to person. If you don’t want children to come to
the front, they don’t have to. Children can work in pairs or small
groups and can contribute to the digital content from their own
working space. Shy children are encouraged to contribute.
Capture multiple contributions
Up to nine MOBIs can contribute simultaneously. The MOBI
system comes with Teacher pads and Learner pads; so, you
can divide the projected working space into up to nine sections
30_Wedgwood AV Ltd - 01754 769967
Total
Mobility
Full interactive whiteboard capabilities
in your hands
Use all of your
existing content
With the MOBI you can use all
of your existing content, and you
can use Workspace. This powerful
interactive whiteboard software
gives you all of the tools that you
would expect - and more.
“Teachers love the power, freedom,
and flexibility which MOBI gives!”
• 01754 769967
Chance for you to
win prizes in our
free prize draws
For a chance
to win a Unicol
Powa-Lift
Screen Trolley,
worth £1,170
(exc. VAT),
answer the
following
question.
You’ll find the
answer in this
issue of Teaching
Technology.
Win a Unicol PowaLift Screen Trolley
Electrically operated mount raises and lowers
a screen or whiteboard using a remote control
The Unicol Powa-Lift trolley units serve many
needs, from enabling young children or wheelchair
users to interact with touch screens, to simply
making it possible to move from one location to
another through doorways by lowering screens
under power.
Operated by hand held remote, screens can be
commanded to rise or descend smoothly through
675mm, stopping safely at any point.
Unicol’s in-house electronic engineers have
designed the circuit boards for the Powa-Lift to
ensure robust performance and availability of
spare parts. The trolley comes with 4-way power
socket and full cable management.
Unicol’s Powa-Lift trolley is designed for screens
with touchscreen overlays from 30” to 50”
diagonal, or for whiteboards 48” to 100” diagonal.
Maximum combined weight of 70kg.
How many years has Unicol
been in the business of
designing and manufacturing
mounting systems?
Unicol Powa-Lift series
Powa-Lift Projector Trolley
Model AVPPT
To enter the prize draw, simply go to
and create a free
online account.
Login and click
on the ‘Competitions’
link and enter your answer.
Closing date is midnight on 30 June 2011.
Powa-Lift Wall Mount
Model AVPPW
Powa-Lift Screen Wall Mount
Model AVMW
Powa-Lift Screen Trolley
Model AVMT (illustrated)
Free prize draw rules: Teaching Technology competitions are only available to the
staff of UK educational establishments. Winners will be selected at random by the
editor from all correct entries received by midnight on 30 June 2011. The winner
will be notified as soon as reasonably practicable after the competition draw. One
entry per person. Multiple entries will be discarded. The editor’s decision is final
and no correspondence will be entered into. There are no cash alternatives.
Powa-Lift accessories
Laptop arm
Remote control
Battery for remote
10 copies of Repeat Signage
2010 Standard Edition digital
signage software to be won
Repeat Signage 2010 is truly flexible digital signage software for
Windows. It allows pixel-by-pixel control of displays including
plasma screens, LCD monitors and projectors. It is one of the
easiest to use digital signage packages on the market. You simply
design the presentation for the resolution of your screen.
Digital download only
Free Prize Draw
For your chance to win one of ten prizes of a downloadable copy of this flexible
digital signage software, all you have to do is download a free trial copy at
www.repeatsoftware.com Then open the software and look at the bottom of
the main screen. You will see a 4 digit code in the format TT 0000.
Wedgwood
AV Limited
To enter the prize draw, simply go to
www.teachingtechnology.co.uk and create
a free online account. Login and click on the
‘Competitions’ link to enter the 4 digit number.
Closing date is midnight on 30 June 2011.
Wedgwood AV Ltd. Part of Wedgwood IT Group. www.wedgwood-group.com

Issue 2 free - Teaching technology for Education

Transcription

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