How To Choose Whiteboard Software

Writing on a whiteboard is a direct way to share written information or demonstrate visual concepts. That's why brick-and-mortar classrooms always have a whiteboard or chalkboard. For virtual classrooms, online whiteboards propel this tried-and-true teaching and learning tool forward into the Internet age, helping teachers and students connect online to share concepts and ideas together in real time. While stand-alone electronic whiteboards are available, the best option is to choose one that is fully integrated into the learning management system that controls the virtual classroom. School districts that sign up to use the IQity Learning Management Suite find use of the online whiteboard an integral part of the learning process.

What to Look for in an Online Whiteboard

Online whiteboards are available from numerous vendors, but most are not geared to the educational market and don't work well for classroom activities. For example, some online whiteboards allow only one user to post information. The other users are limited to simply observing what is written on the online whiteboard. This is fine for a corporate presentation, but not useful for an interactive classroom. Other online whiteboards allow a limited number of users to add content. These programs facilitate a business meeting of four or five participants, but don't work for a class of fifteen or twenty students.

The online whiteboard that is part of the IQity Learning Management Suite allows the teacher and all students to write content that the others in the class can see on their computer screens. Teachers can use the online whiteboard to pose a question to the class, and students can post their answers. In addition, the teacher can assign group activities and students use the IQity online whiteboard to collaborate on the project.

Audio-Visual Component Adds Value

Most online whiteboards, while useful, are limited to the same functionality as a classroom chalkboard. That is, one person writes on the board and others can see what's been written. IQity Learning Management Suite features a much more robust online whiteboard called Liveboard. With a built-in webcasting tool, Liveboard allows teachers to webcast live in one corner of the computer screen, while at the same time using the electronic whiteboard to write notes or other content students can see. Since the students in a virtual class are not physically in the same location as the teacher, Liveboard simulates a classroom lecture by allowing the teacher to address the class in real time.

Liveboard also provides a forum for teachers and students to communicate in real time. By using the online whiteboard to communicate back and forth, students can pose any questions they may have about the subject matter under discussion, participate in classroom discussion, and work with each other.

IQity Learning Management Suite is a hosted service, meaning that there is nothing for schools to install, no need for special equipment like a dedicated server, no updates to purchase and nothing special to maintain. All that is needed is access to the Internet.

Content Must Challenge Students

Because today's Millennial students have been using computers since before they actually entered school , to challenge them learning must be presented in a variety of formats ranging from videos to virtual labs to interactive online whiteboards. With the IQity Learning Management Suite, in addition to the online whiteboard, educators have access to Reactor, a continually growing repository of electronic educational content including: lessons, quizzes, assignments, labs, study guides, videos, tests, and biographies, with a variety of delivery media available. All Reactor content is aligned with state educational standards.

Cost-Free Online Whiteboard

IQity is free to schools and school districts. To see how your school district can use IQity's e-Learning Management System, request an online demonstration of IQity guided by one of our elearning experts.