Technology & Learning - April 2009 - (Page 36) PRODUCTGUIDE TYPE OF WHITEBOARD Luidia eBeam (Luidia’s eBeam Whiteboard System with Bluetooth is $1,200), www.luidia.com WHY WHITEBOARDS? “We already had whiteboards instead of chalkboards in every class. We wanted to turn them into multifunctional electronic whiteboards,” says Terrell Tucker, director of information and technology services. WE CHOSE THESE WHITEBOARDS BECAUSE “eBeam turns a projected image into an interactive image without the expense of a traditional electronic whiteboard,” says Tucker. “We were looking for function and convenience and affordability, and the Luidia makes any white surface interactive.” PANAMABUENA VISTA USD Bakersfield, CA; a 16,500–student district Dukane (the Dukane LB77S is $1,799), www.dukcorp.com CRESTVIEW ELEMENTARY Lubbock, TX; 830 K-5 students “We created a standard tech solution for all elementary schools,” says Denise Salmon, technology coordinator. “Whiteboards let the whole class interact with technology. Every student goes up to the board and is engaged.” “With Dukane, a small component operates the entire board. If there’s a problem, you just need to detach that component and attach a replacement. Also, students can actively manipulate it. Most other boards have a stylus; Dukane allows kids to use their fingers for tactile interaction.” ENTERPRISE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL DISTRICT Redding, CA; a 3,500-student district eInstruction (the Interwrite Board Model 1095 is $1,825), www.interwritelearning.com California students aren’t tied into a particular district because of where they live, so districts need to “compete for students,” says J.D. Wolfe, director of IT. “We wanted our tech offering to be the most appealing and beneficial for students.” Wolfe loved eLearning’s flexibility. “We bought just the components we wanted and integrated them,” he says. “Interwrite is only board I know that lets you use a regular pen. That makes it easier for teachers, especially those less comfortable with technology.” ROBSTOWN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT Robstown, TX; a 3,500-student district PolyVision (the 78-inch eno is $1,595. Pricing decreases for multiple quantities), www.polyvision.com The goal was to enhance education through technology, says Fred Zamora, the former technology coordinator. “We wanted to gain the attention of the learner, and with a board, all eyes are on the instructor.” “PolyVision proved itself,” says Zamora. “They listened to our needs and promised to deliver as much staff development as we needed—for no charge. We didn’t have to make the product fit into our plan; PolyVision made a product that let us do what we needed to do.” ROOSEVELT SCHOOL DISTRICT 66 Phoenix, AZ; a 12,000-student district Panasonic (the Panasonic Panaboard UB-8325 is $2,100), us.panasonic.com Two years ago, the district modified its technology plan to integrate more technology, says IT director Stacey Hawkins. “Our limited amount of computers couldn’t reach everyone. Whiteboards give more of our kids the tech access they need.” Hawkins had tested whiteboards and found that some were too small and others were too easily damaged. “The Panasonic board is more durable,” he says. Hawkins also likes that the Panaboard is bundled with curriculum software that lets teachers create and share lessons. 36 | TECH & LEARNING http://www.luidia.com http://www.dukcorp.com http://www.interwritelearning.com http://www.polyvision.com http://us.panasonic.com
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