Does an interactive whiteboard in my classroom have any health implications?

Friday, February 12th, 2010 | IWBs

An interactive whiteboard in your classroom has no major health implications, in the same way that a normal blackboard is not usually associated with health matters.

Keep in mind that an interactive whiteboard solution consists of three parts: the board, a computer and a data projector.  Any health considerations associated with these three components must be kept in mind when you ponder the impact of an interactive classroom on your health.  For example:

Radiation by your laptop or computer is minimal.

Be careful of looking directly into the light beam of the data projector.

Dirt always poses a health hazard – therefore keep your equipment hygienically clean.

Positive health considerations in an interactive classroom are:

Chalk dust will not bother you if you are asthmatic.

Getting up and moving around the room is far better for your posture than sitting behind a computer screen for a long time.

Common sense will help you to avoid the few things that could impact negatively on your health and that of your learners:

Be careful of tripping over connecting wires – with proper installation and equipment permanently fixed most lose wires can be eliminated.

If a platform is made for little ones to reach the board, ensure that there are no sharp corners or anything that may cause hurt.  Lowering the board is better than building a platform, but you must consider your own back before you decide!

Chemicals for cleaning the board must be stored outside of the reach of learners.

Whereas physical health is not impacted by bringing an interactive whiteboard into the classroom, you will be delighted when you experience the improvement of the educational health of your class.

Click here for more information about interactive whiteboards.

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