Projector technology has come a long way, from the “Magic Lantern” of the late 1800s to the overhead projectors that generations of students grew up with throughout most of the 20th century.(1)
While projectors are tools teachers can use to demonstrate a concept clearly and efficiently to an entire classroom, they fall short in effectively engaging students. Even the most compelling educator can struggle to hold their students’ attention in today’s digital landscape, where the educational experience is expected to be immersive and interactive.
Many schools recognize that keeping students engaged can help improve learning outcomes and turn to newer technologies, such as interactive flat panel displays (IFPs), to achieve this goal.
Unlike projectors, IFPs feature high-quality displays optimized for interactivity, versatile connectivity options and built-in software teachers can use to create collaborative lessons that motivate and engage learners.(2)
The emergence of digital learning has been a significant factor in the growing demand for IFPs. Schools are investing in this technology because of its potential to propel student engagement. IFPs enable teachers to incorporate videos and online content to convey information in several ways, keeping students captivated by the lesson more than a typical lecture.(3) Students can also interact directly with the panel – moving diagrams around, writing on it or participating in real-time quizzes – which can help boost engagement levels.
Teachers can even use IFPs to gamify their lessons, such as having students participate in “Jeopardy!” to prepare for an exam or playing games like bingo and Scrabble to learn vocabulary and spelling.(4)
With nearly limitless opportunities for interactive and innovative learning, it’s no surprise that schools are phasing out projectors in favor of IFPs.
Because of their connectivity and interactivity, IFPs are an excellent fit for many classrooms and learners from kindergarten through high school and beyond. They can do so much more than a typical blackboard and projector, including:
IFPs aren’t the only interactive technology available. Some schools have opted for interactive projectors because of their lower initial cost. However, many districts, like Dallas Independent School District in Texas, want a more durable, higher-quality option and are switching to IFPs after years of using interactive projectors.
Other school districts that typically relied on SMART Board® interactive displays have transitioned to IFPs, as their original SMART Boards have reached the end of their lifespan, and schools cannot obtain replacement parts.
With dozens of IFP options available, evaluating how they will be used is essential. This will help you decide which panel is the best investment for your school.
Some considerations to keep in mind:
Whether you’re looking for a top-of-the-line panel that can withstand the daily stressors of a classroom or a mobile display that’s easily transportable, IFPs are an investment worth the cost if you’re aiming to increase student engagement. They offer nearly unlimited learning potential and equip teachers to deliver more opportunities for collaboration.
Interested in learning more? Discover ideas for using IFPs to improve learning outcomes and get tips for building a digitally responsive educational organization.