Alternative Digital Whiteboards
There are several different options available as alternatives to digital whiteboards. Wacom pen displays, tablets, and document cameras are viable alternatives to create digital representations of handwritten notes and figures. Each device offers advantages and have differing levels of complexity to use them. Please see the device comparisons below.
It lets you…
- Digital whiteboard. Drawing, visual thinking. Annotating.
- Add touch screen capability to your computer.
How to setup for your class
Connect AC adapter to power and the USB and HDMI cable to your computer.
How to use with Zoom
Connect to your Zoom lecture using your computer. Share your screen. The WACOM is like an additional monitor (screen) for your laptop or PC, but with a touch screen, so it is not an additional tablet, it is just a touch monitor for your PC. You can start writing immediately using any app or the Zoom whiteboard.
Whiteboard Use Advantages
- Once connected to your computer it duplicates (or extends) the monitor. Easy to use.
- The touch screen only writes with the WACOM pen, it does not detect your hand or fist. Comfortable to write supporting your arm.
- 13.3 inches to write
Whiteboard Use Disadvantages
- It will need to install a hardware (one time only) on the computer where you want to use it, and calibrate the pen (one min process). If you keep using it in the same PC then it connects immediately.
How it looks in an online setting when using it for hand-writing
It lets you…
- Install apps as an independent device.
- Digital whiteboard. Drawing, visual thinking. Annotating.
How to setup for your class
Be sure it has enough battery and turn it on. Connect to WIFI. It does not need any cable connection.
How to use with Zoom
For online or remote classes, you need to install Zoom in your tablet and access your online class from your tablet (Wi-Fi required). Also, you could use your computer as well, connecting Zoom from your computer, so your students will see you connected as two different users (same Zoom account but using two devices).
Share your screen using your tablet, select “Whiteboard” if you want to start writing in a blank space, or if you want to annotate while showing your screen, select the “annotate” function using the Zoom controls.
Whiteboard Use Advantages
- The writing will display in an excellent resolution for the students.
Whiteboard Use Disadvantages
- The double connection to Zoom is sometimes tricky if you are not familiar with this software.
- For hand writing, the screen will feel your fist/hand, which sometimes creates unwanted lines or dots.
- If you need to write on an application that cannot be installed on a tablet, but requires installation on a computer, then you only can do annotations on the active screen.
How it looks in an online setting when using it for hand-writing
Video available at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PZXuHjNpTXwZVvSf7uPYkLI1YMNtP4Xt/view
It lets you…
- Magnify and project the images of actual, three-dimensional objects, as well as transparencies.
- Apply effects such as masking and Picture-in-Picture.
- Write on a sheet of paper
How to setup for your class
Connect AC adapter to power and the USB to your computer.
How to use with Zoom
Connect to your Zoom lecture using your computer. With a doc camera you don’t need to share your screen; just select the document camera as your preferred webcam in Zoom. Start writing on a piece of paper.
Whiteboard Use Advantages
- It is easy to use.
Whiteboard Use Disadvantages
- The resolution for handwriting is not as clear as using a digital whiteboard. Be sure to write with a good contrasting pen color, adjust lighting if needed, and write large enough to allow remote students to understand the letters/symbols/numbers written on the paper. The resolution that is streamed is slightly different to the resolution you see on your own computer.
How it looks in an online setting when using it for hand-writing
