Digital whiteboards are appearing in classrooms around the world. These presentation tools help to energize learners and enhance lessons.

A digital whiteboard acts like an interactive slide show. Students are able to write on the board and manipulate digital objects during lessons. Furthermore, teachers are able to set up lessons before hand, save lessons to reuse, and jump back and forth between slide.

Whiteboards come in a range of prices and types. The most expensive types are rear projection boards that can cost between 10K - 25k. The screens are nice because no projector is required and students don't have to worry about their shadow when they are in front of the screen.

The less expensive boards are front projection boards, which can range between $1200 - $10 000. These board still work well and are durable. Teachers do have to set up a projector in front of the screen or have one mounted on the ceiling, but the board will still be interactive like the rear projection boards. The other drawback is that students need to get used to writing on the board, as their shadow will cover up the board if they stand directly in front of the board, making it difficult to read.

There are several companies that make whiteboards. SMART technologies is the main company that sells various rear and front projection screens. Promethean is another great company that has front projection screens that work seamlessly with their software, student response systems, and tablets. Before you purchase a digital whiteboard make sure your educators are on board and willing to take the time to learn how to use this new tool in their everyday classroom.

Mr. L. Kent is an experienced educator and president of www.MrKent.Net - Education Technology Made Simple.

www.MrKent.Net has developed web communities and web classrooms for schools and educators. If you are interested in having us develop a site for your school or classroom visit http://www.mrkent.net