Essentials when using the Interactive Projector
The Interactive projector turns your projected screen a tablet - a completely touch responsive surface! But its a lot bigger, so you may find you need to use different strategies when using the screen.
Use more than one finger to touch the board. Try keeping your fingers together, using your entire hand to touch an item. This will give the board more surface area to "read".
The board doesn't distinguish between kinds or sensitivities of touches. It will read a hand, marker or shirt cuff brushing the board as a touch. Tuck away loose clothing or roll up your sleeve.
Be patient with the board. It may take more than one touch for the board to register your touch. Sometimes, holding your touch or tap for a heartbeat longer than you usually would, helps the board to perceive your touch.
Be patient with your own learning curve. It will take time to develop the skills involved in using this type of presentation approach. Identify one or two areas you'd like to use the board in, and develop those skills first. For example, many people start with using the touch to advance their PowerPoint slides, and move on to using the pen and eraser tools. Scaffold your own learning of the board, by choosing specific new tools to try, when you are ready to try them.
Practice! Give yourself time to practice using the board without an audience. Most teachers feel most proficient with these boards after 2 years of consistent use. Reach out to the Educational Technology Officer for a guided practice session!
You can download the software to your home computer to become familiar with it before using it in class.
Download and print this handy guide to the buttons to take with you into class.
Contact the Educational Technology Officer to find a time that suits you to practice in one of the rooms, to get one-to-one coaching on using the boards, or to ask any questions you might have.