Splashtop Whiteboard
Confusing alternative to popular tool is no match for the real thing
Subjects & Topics
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Splashtop Whiteboard
Pros: The large selection of tools and pre-created templates are designed to engage students and promote critical thinking.
Cons: A confusing design and slow response times make it frustrating to use.
Bottom Line: Teachers who don't have access to an interactive whiteboard may appreciate many of the app's features, but the smaller scale and confusing interface keep it from reaching its potential.
Teachers can use Splashtop Whiteboard in a classroom where they don't have access to an interactive whiteboard or when working with students in a temporary environment. The available tools make it best for whole-class instruction, where teachers may want to present information to the class and call students' attention to specific points. It may also work well for individual or small-group presentations by students.
Splashtop Whiteboard creates an interactive whiteboard by connecting a tablet to a computer. First, teachers download and install the Splashtop Streamer application on their presentation computer and the Splashtop Whiteboard app onto a tablet. Teachers can then use the tablet like an interactive whiteboard to control the computer's display. The tools allow teachers to annotate or draw on top of websites, videos, text files, PowerPoints, and other digital content. Within the app, teachers will also find a selection of pre-created templates and graphic organizers, which they can use to take notes or display information for students.
For teachers without an interactive whiteboard in the classroom, Splashtop Whiteboard may provide a cheaper and effective alternative. When it works, that is. Occasionally, slow response times and a confusing design can make it more frustrating than engaging. And while the design features a wealth of tools and functions, it lacks intuitiveness and precision. This means it will take time for teachers to get used to swiping, pinching, and other hand motions to control the tools. However, if teachers and students can figure it out, Splashtop Whiteboard has the potential to make instruction more interesting, interactive, and entertaining, just like a full-size interactive whiteboard. It will not, however, provide students with the same feel as an actual interactive whiteboard.
Learning Rating
Monitoring students and keeping them engaged.
This product is great to allow the teacher/user the ability to move about the room and not be chained to the front board. I believe it gives flexibility and proximity that many students require. I think it is positive for student monitoring and therefore student learning.
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