An intriguing approach to delivering IWB functionality, in a smart, affordable, portable package.
Late last year I did a series on Interactive Whiteboards. I spent a good deal of time trolling the Internet, watching YouTube videos, and talking with vendors to learn about products, but I have to admit that this one just slipped under my radar.
The Mimio Interactive Bar is an approach to IWB that I really want to learn more about. Frankly, I think some institutions may have gone a bit overboard by placing SMART Boards or other IWB's in all of their classrooms. This is an admirable investment in Ed Tech and our students, but I have to imagine that there are cases where a portable tool like this may be a better investment.
This video shows more about how this portable white board tool works:
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Following our research into different IWB's last year, we ended up procuring a PolyVision ēno board, which we are just starting to trial in a classroom. I'll post an update about that once we feel we've given it a good workout.
In the meanwhile, I'm going to learn a little more about the Mimio bar, and consider giving one a try (I'll share my experiences here if we do end up testing one).Â
If you are reading this and you are familiar with the Mimio Interactive Bar, please drop a comment and share your observations! Thanks.
Related posts (if the above topic is of interest, you may want to check these out):
Learning about Interactive Whiteboards for the Classroom
9 insightful videos about using SMART Boards in the Classroom
Online Interactive Whiteboards
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[…] of interest, you might want to check these out): Interactive (online) Whiteboards – Part 2 of 2 Mimio’s unique approach to Interactive White Board technology Learning about Interactive Whiteboards for the Classroom 9 insightful videos about using SMART […]
Whoa there Dallas, you’re getting pretty deep on us! I do agree that there are plenty of amazing technologies on the horizon that offer intriguing possibilities for educators.
And yes, indeed, these things are being worked on today. Here’s an example of an application I blogged about last year that illustrates some of the concepts you mention.
Hi Emily –
Thanks for your informed insights. I’m awaiting a trial Mimio bar that’s being sent to me by Ketchum Public Relations. Obviously Starrmatica is a big fan of Mimio. I’m looking forward to checking it out.
We still seem to be in the “product” oriented mode rather than the “function” mode as we make the transition from traditional ed to the new paradigm.
The future of whiteboards is irrelevant compared with the future of “interactive.” New developments will target the function of humans interacting with data in increasingly ‘natural’ ways. Gestures, subvocal commands, eye movements, and the like will make any surface “smart,” maybe even via a heads up display through a contact lense.
Such concepts are not theoretical. They are already in development.
As an interactive content company, we chose to bundle our content with mimio interactive whiteboards for several reasons. 1. Price –Great value for classrooms 2.Portability–Allows teachers to continue using their traditional marker boards (and allows for ink capture) 3. Easy-to-learn software– I train schools on all brands of IWBs and have found mimio to be the easiest for teachers to learn. And for me to teach:)