Collaborative Learning: 5 Technologies To Consider

Projectors are a great way to present information to your class, but learning can be limited if your projector doesn’t include an interactive component. The MimioProjector 280T Touch Projector pictured above turns standard whiteboards into touch boards and allows students to simultaneously interact with the projected image using their fingers or pens, enabling collaborative learning.

Interactive display systems allow students to easily communicate and share their thoughts with classmates. If your classroom participates in 1:1 or BYOD, you may want to looking into an interactive display system that allows for interaction from mobile devices. Sharp’s AQUOS BOARD Display and its Touch Display Link software enables multifaceted wireless communication where students can interact with the display from their laptop, smartphone or tablet. Furthermore, users can capture onscreen images and save them on their mobile devices for future reference.

Collaboration doesn’t have to be limited to the classroom. If you want your students to be able to create and share ideas even if they aren’t physically in the same room, you may want to look into a collaborative technology that allows for video conferencing. The InFocus Mondopad pictured above allows for video conferencing with up to four people, allowing students who are not in the classroom to interact with their peers who are.

Technology is most useful in facilitating collaboration when students feel comfortable using the technology with their peers. The Epson BrightLink 595Wi interactive projector allows students to touch, draw, select and interact using intuitive and familiar gestures on any smooth, lightly-colored surface. Without having to use complicated tools or devices, students can focus on working together to learn and complete assignments.

If your lesson plans often include group presentations, you may want to look into an interactive whiteboard. The SMART Kapp IQ pictured above is an Ultra HD display with a built-in whiteboard that enables students to contribute to what it being written or highlighted on the whiteboard from their own device. Furthermore, their classmates can see those contributions in real-time. An interactive whiteboard like the SMART Kapp IQ is great for group presentations, where students can use the technology to contribute their thoughts and ideas on what is being presented.