The latest in educational technology! How does the ViewBoard by ViewSonic work in the classroom? I tested this product in my classroom during the 2021-2022 school year, and I have all the details!
The ViewBoard by ViewSonic is a useful tool in the world of educational technology. The ViewBoard can be used for interactive lessons, videos, livestreaming, and so much more.
In August 2021, I was given the opportunity to pilot the ViewBoard in my classroom. I had signed up for the Blended Learning PLC at my school to explore ways to incorporate technology in my classroom. With this new opportunity, I immediately researched how other teachers use the ViewBoard in their classrooms and what tips they had for new users. However, I struggled to find accurate, up-to-date information regarding teachers using the ViewBoard. Most of the information I found included tutorials on how to use the ViewBoard features, but not how to use these features in the classroom. I realized I was on my own and had to learn in the moment. And I was excited!
First Impressions
My students and I were so excited when the technology team came into our room to deliver our ViewBoard. My students thought it was just a fancy TV, but I explained that there was so much more that we could do with it. They nearly lost their minds when I told them it was touchscreen!
Using the ViewBoard with Students
When I first heard about the touchscreen feature on the ViewBoard, I knew I wanted to implement something where my students could use it every single day. I tried to think of how I could improve a system we already use. My first idea was to project a Google Slide on the ViewBoard with every student's name. When they first come into the classroom in the morning, they can find their name and choose their lunch for the day. This way, I could take their lunch orders and take attendance at the same time. Plus the students were ecstatic to use the touchscreen feature. This has worked every day since we started using the ViewBoard daily.
When I hear the announcement to take attendance & submit lunch count, I can look at the ViewBoard and immediately know who is absent, or who hasn't chosen their lunch yet. In this picture, I can see that there are 3 students absent. Of course I double check before I mark those students absent, but it keeps the students accountable for choosing their lunch for the day, and marking themselves present. I can also look and see that 13 students want "Hot" lunch, 2 students want the alternate option, 1 student wants a salad, and 4 students packed their lunches today. This is extremely helpful when having to submit the number of students per lunch to the cafeteria each morning.
As we started progressing through our new curriculum, I developed ways for the students to interact with the lessons. I found that students were more engaged in the lessons, knowing they would have an opportunity to interact with the ViewBoard. We starting finding ways to use it during ELA (English Language Arts) and during indoor recess/free time.
In this photo, a student is testing out the interactive pen. The pen allows the user to change colors, highlight, and erase.
Pros and Cons
With new technology, it is expected to run into a few road bumps. I believe that the pros outweigh the cons, but there could definitely be some improvements. Below is a list of some of the pros and cons that I have found:
PROS | CONS |
The "extend screen" feature is convenient and easy to use | The board will (sometimes) randomly disconnect, even when nobody is near the ViewBoard or computer. |
The video playback quality is fantastic | The touch feature (sometimes) lags/doesn't work (shown in video below) |
The connection is typically very strong and can last all day (one time I forgot to disconnect and I walked across the school. I played a video for someone and couldn't figure out why there was not sound. My neighbor teacher later told me she heard the sound come through on the ViewBoard in my classroom. Oops!) | The text does not (always) save on the slides |
It is FUN to use! The students are engaged when they are able to use the ViewBoard's touch screen feature, but are also intrigued just watching the teacher use it too. | You must be connected through HDMI to play movies (through streaming sites) |
It has been convenient several times. One example includes making dismissal time less stressful. I typically walk around the room, cleaning up, talking with students, etc. Instead of waiting at my computer to switch between the "parent pickup" and "bus" tabs, I, or a student, can walk up to the ViewBoard and easily switch between tabs with a simple touch. | The remote could have more features (I only use power, volume & freeze). I would love to use it to switch through applications and use it like a Smart TV remote. |
In the video below, you will see students interacting with the ViewBoard using an interactive application called Gynzy. In this video, you will also see where technology fails, just a little, when a student struggles to move text across the board.
The Final Score
Overall, I think the ViewBoard by ViewSonic is a major enhancement to the classroom. The pros definitely outweigh the cons, which I think is vital when looking for long-lasting technology to use while teaching. In my classroom, student engagement increased. I noticed that even I was more excited to teach using the ViewBoard because I was learning at the same time as the students.
If your school has the opportunity to pilot a ViewBoard for the classroom, you should definitely try it out. Technology is constantly advancing, so why not be part of the change? Using sites like Gynzy, Google Slides, Book Creator, and the myViewBoard whiteboard applications can increase student engagement, allow for student creativity to shine, and encourage blended learning in your classroom.
I would love to hear your thoughts on the ViewBoard by ViewSonic, especially if you have used it before. If you use a different program, how do you feel about it? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments!
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