Every interactive whiteboard composes of a white display of various sizes, which is touch-sensitive. The board is usually connected to a computer with special software via a cable or wirelessly. The image is transferred from the computer into a digital projector, which projects it on the whiteboard.
The Interactive Display whiteboard is controlled directly with a finger, pen or a special pointing device depending on the type, similarly to a computer being controlled with a mouse. In addition, an electronic eraser or buttons on the whiteboard itself can be used. The interaction is registered and transferred back into the computer.
By means of a student response system the extent of acquired knowledge can be identified and pupils are actively involved in instruction. They are asked a question and immediately even the pupils who are not paying attention are forced to respond. If the pupils do not respond correctly, there is a possibility to do an extra explanation thanks to the prompt feedback. It is no problem to export the results of response. A positive effect of the response system on the quality of teaching has been demonstrated in an investigation carried out. The author states that the interactivity of the teaching process was significantly improved thanks to the response system.
Wireless pen tablet, Interactive whiteboard Accessories, allows teaching from any place, even the rear corner of a classroom. This convenience is appreciated mainly by teachers who teach in large classrooms and need to move around. It is a peripheral device allowing control of the computer like a mouse, in case of the pen it can be used for free drawing. The wireless pen tablet is not aimed only at teachers, but also at pupils.
It is convenient that more pupils can cooperate simultaneously, of course each of them on their own tablet. The use of the tablet is recommended for students with a disability, who can get fully involved thanks to it. In cases when it is necessary to apply interactive instruction but the interactive whiteboard is not sufficient any more, interactive multi-touch display can be used.
Almost an integral part of the interactive white boards are loudspeakers, which provide the audio output, they transfer the electrical signal into sound. The loudspeakers can have various performances depending on the size of the classroom. Amplifiers are often used too.