Ten top tips on how to make the best use of your interactive flat panel displays

  1. Ensure faster response times

The computer you’re using needs to be connected to the screen via USB to work the touch function on the screen. Make sure the computer’s not doing lots of other tasks in the background. This could slow down touch and stylus input response times. To ensure optimum speed, why not invest in a dedicated computer? Ideally, look for a computer with an Intel i5 Chipset or faster and a RAM memory of 8GB or more. 

  1. Good connection

Avoid USB extenders as they slow down the signal. If you have to extend the USB to reach your computer/laptop, go for an ‘active’ USB extension cable, which boosts the signal.

  1. Multi user mode

Many education software programmes allow 2 users or more. With this feature, you can split the screen and have two or more students using the screen at the same time. Multi user mode works best on bigger screens. There are now 75” displays, which are around the same price as 65” screens were a couple of years ago.

  1. Immersive Sound

Create a more immersive and engaging learning experience by ensuring that your interactive flat panel display comes with good speakers. Some of the latest displays have front-facing speakers of 30W or more, enabling sound to resonate clearly enough for the entire class to hear. Alternatively, use the audio inputs on the side of your screen to plug in a soundbar.

  1. Engaging On-screen Picture

Engage more students with on-screen imagery that is exceptionally clear, bright and detailed. For the most powerful on-screen colour contrasts, go to the display menu and select the “game” or “movie” mode. Choose a screen that can offer at least a 400 Nit brightness level. Such screens are over 30% brighter than the average TV.

  1. Content

Are you going to stick with PowerPoint or explore the many free education apps on the web? If you want good apps, then check the many teacher reviews online. Remember that Google designed the app store for phones or tablets, so some may be in portrait presentation rather than landscape like your screen.

  1. Education reference websites

Teachers know best where to find the best free education content. Visit our blog here for a list of great sites.

  1. Care for your screen

Avoid using strong or abrasive cleaners. These could strip away the special anti-glare coating with which many interactive displays are now designed. Ideally, use an optical cleaning fluid and microfiber cloth to keep your display free from fingerprints, dust and dirt.

  1. Screen sharing/collaboration solutions

To boost productivity in the classroom, choose a display with a built-in screen sharing feature.Most displays are now designed to ensure that you can share your Windows or Android device on the big screen with Miracast or wireless screen software. E-share is another software option that works with Apple as well as Android and Windows devices. You can often connect to such software options using a QR code.

There are also USB dongle solutions. The screen acts as a hub connected to the master receiver, and you simply plug the dongle into your computer or tablet and press the button to connect. It’s a great way to engage with more students, as their work can be shared on the big screen.

  1. Save energy with screen scheduling

Many screens have a built-in scheduler, which enables you to set your screen to turn on/off automatically on pre-specified days and at pre-selected times. This helps to ensure that your screens are only ever on during school hours. With features, such as the HDMI Hotplug, you can also cut down on energy use, as the screen will only turn on when you connect it to your computer via HDMI.

This article is brought to you by Vestel, the world’s largest producer of interactive flat panel displays. For more information, please visit vestelvisualsolutions.com.

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