While interactive whiteboards and smartboards share some similarities, there are also some key differences to keep in mind.

1. Resolution and Image Quality

The first difference is the image quality and resolution. This can vary from one product to the next, and even between different models from the same brand.

Good Quality Images Do Not Spoil the Vision of Students

Before making a purchase, be sure to compare the resolution offered by each interactive whiteboard or SMARTboard you’re considering. This can help ensure that you’re happy with the product you select and that it will meet your needs and the viewing needs of your students.

2. Software Programs

Each interactive whiteboard or SMARTboard you look at may offer its own software program. There are pros and cons between different programs, such as SMARTboard software vs Promethean interactive software.

Learning more about each program, how user-friendly it is, and its capabilities may help you make the decision about whether a SMARTboard or interactive whiteboard is right for you.

3. Writing Tools

When you purchase a SMARTboard, you and your students can annotate on the board using the included pen, your finger, or even other objects in the classroom.

It's Always Good to Have a Choice

If you’re looking at purchasing an interactive whiteboard, you’ll want to look for information about how you and your students will be able to write on the board. Some interactive whiteboards will only respond when you use the special pen, while others may respond to finger or objects as well.

4. Responsiveness

Next, consider whether you want multiple students to be able to write on the board at the same time. Some SMARTboard models are designed to allow up to 20 interactions at one time, meaning different students could be working side-by-side solving problems together on the board.

This Feature Is Important When You Want to Add an Element of Competition to Lessons

Many interactive whiteboards will only respond to one writing device at a time, which can limit collaboration and the ability to have multiple students working together at the board.

5. Available Training

Regardless of whether you purchase a SMARTboard or an interactive whiteboard, you’ll have a new program to learn. SMARTboards and some more popular interactive whiteboard software programs should have more available online training options than other less common programs.

Teachers Now Have to Constantly Learn Something New

If you think you’ll want the support of an experienced user, researching training options before making a final decision may be a good choice.

6. Price

A final, yet important, difference between SMARTboards and interactive whiteboards is price. Since SMARTboards included additional features that aren’t offered by many other interactive whiteboards, they are often more expensive. Keeping your budget in mind and weighing it against the benefits of having each tool in your classroom can help you make the right choice.

What to Choose for Your Classroom and Why?

Just as the decision between tables vs laptops in the classroom and your school or classroom policy are based on the needs of your students, the decision between choosing a SMARTboard or interactive whiteboard will also vary according to the students in your classroom and how you plan to use the tool. You can learn more about tablets vs laptops for school here and school cell phone policies here.

As you’re deciding which tool is best for your classroom, think about how you see using it for instruction, the age of your students, your comfort level with new technology, and your budget. Reading through the two sections above outlining the similarities and differences between interactive whiteboards and SMARTboards can help you determine which of these tools will best meet your needs.

Learning Something New Is Always Easier When You Don't Have to Do It Alone

You may also want to consult with your administration or other teachers at your school. If multiple teachers at a school purchase the same interactive tool (or they are purchased by administration or the school district), it can aid in helping teachers understand the new technology.

Trainings can be set up to help teachers learn how to use the new SMARTboards or interactive whiteboards, and teachers can share tips with one another to make the use of technology in their classroom easier and more beneficial to students.

Closing Thoughts

Both SMARTboards and interactive whiteboards enable teachers to use technology to help their students learn new things and engage with a lesson. These tools can make learning come to life for students and provide them with the ability to see and experience things that otherwise may not be possible in a classroom. Both SMARTboards and interactive whiteboards can be invaluable tools for learning. The decision between an interactive whiteboard vs SMARTboard for your classroom will depend on your budget, the subjects you teach, how you plan to use the technology, and, of course, the needs of your students.