What Are The Best Practices for Using Interactive Flat Panels

Imagine a classroom where the blackboard is replaced with an interactive flat panel. Students who were once yawning at your explanation will instead be filled with excitement.

Why so? Put simply, a classroom interactive board makes learning more engaging and enjoyable. It is like facilitating students with a TV but for educational purposes.

Still, most teachers are pretty new to interactive panels and unsure how to utilise their full power. In this article, find out how you can bring your class to life with an interactive panel.

Top 10 Best Practices for Using Interactive Flat Panels

1. Take a Moment to Learn About the Features

Each brand of interactive flat panel (IFP) can offer different features, and taking the time to familiarise yourself with these can make a significant difference in your teaching.

Before you start using interactive panels for digital learning in the classroom, explore its capabilities first.

Many panels come with features such as multi-touch recognition, screen sharing, annotation tools, and integration with educational software.

Understanding what your panel can do helps you unlock its full potential, making it easier to tailor your lessons accordingly.

If you want to learn more about the topic, here are smart board features every teacher should know.

2. Ask for IT Support from Experts

When incorporating an interactive flat panel into your classroom, it’s essential to seek IT support from experts.

They can install all the necessary and useful software, such as interactive whiteboard applications, educational tools, and any other relevant programs that can enhance your lessons.

Besides, an expert can also ensure that the IFP connection is running well and integrated with other classroom technologies, such as projectors and audio systems.

If you live in India, contact Saptshankari to get assistance for interactive flat panel installation and maintenance.

3. Always Ready for the Worst Scenario

Technology is fantastic when it works, but it can sometimes be unpredictable.

That’s why, it’s important to have a backup plan in case things go wrong, such as a sudden electricity outage or a technical malfunction with the IFP. Always be prepared to switch to manual teaching methods if necessary.

Keep traditional teaching aids, such as whiteboards, markers, and printed materials, readily available.

This ensures that you can continue your lesson without significant disruption, maintaining the flow of the class and ensuring that you can achieve the objective.

4. Comprehensive Preparation and Simulation

If you are not familiar with using an interactive flat panel, it is crucial to prepare and simulate your lessons in advance.

Spend some time practising with the board outside of classroom hours. Create mock lessons and test out the various features, such as interactive quizzes, drawing tools, and media playback.
Undoubtedly, this practice will help you become comfortable with the technology, ensuring that your lessons run smoothly and without technical hitches.

5. Keep the Students Engaged

One of the key benefits of using an IFP is its ability to keep students engaged. Involve your students by inviting them to use the board themselves:

• Encourage participation through interactive activities such as drawing shapes, searching for information online, or watching educational videos.
• Utilise the shape recognition feature to create geometry lessons or the text search tool for quick access to information.
• In the middle of your study sessions, incorporate quizzes to assess understanding and maintain interest.

These interactive activities will make learning more fun and memorable for your students.

6. Record the Lesson and Upload It Online

Recording your lessons and uploading them online can be immensely beneficial for students. Why? Because they can replay the sessions to reinforce their understanding or catch up on missed classes.

If you are using the IFP for remote teaching, there are several digital boards tips for remote education to consider:

• Ask questions periodically: To maintain student attention, ask questions regularly throughout your lesson. This encourages participation and keeps students engaged.
• Provide quizzes: Incorporate quizzes based on the lesson material to reinforce learning and assess student understanding in real time.
• Foster collaboration: Use screen sharing to promote interactive communication and collaboration. Students will be able to present their work and engage more deeply with the lesson content.

7. Ask for Feedback

Feedback is a valuable tool for improving your use of interactive flat panels.

Regularly ask your students for their opinions on the lessons and how you are using the technology.

While it seems like a simple tip, sometimes students can provide insights into what is working well and what could be improved.

Additionally, feedback helps students feel involved in their learning process and shows that you value their input.

8. Regularly Update Software and Firmware

Updates often include new features, security improvements, and bug fixes that can enhance the functionality and reliability of your panel.

For that reason, make sure that the software and firmware of your interactive panel are regularly updated.

Regular maintenance checks can also prevent technical issues and ensure smooth operation.

9. Create a Comfortable Learning Environment

Another tip to capture students’ attention is to create a comfortable environment for learning.

For instance, your students won’t be able to focus on the lesson, when they can’t even see the board, right?

So, place your interactive panel at an appropriate height and angle to ensure that all students can see and interact with it comfortably.

Plus, consider the lighting in the room to avoid glare on the screen, and arrange the seating to facilitate easy access to the board for all students.

10. Contact the Distributor or Manufacturer for Issues

If you encounter any problems with your smart board, do not hesitate to contact the distributor or manufacturer for support.

They can provide troubleshooting advice, technical support, or even training to help you resolve any issues.

Promptly addressing technical problems ensures that your teaching is not disrupted and that the technology continues to enhance the learning experience.