Choosing a Projector For Classroom
Classroom projectors level the proverbial playing field by giving students from all backgrounds access to educational materials that would be out of reach without them. From displaying interactive maps and Google Earth to collaborating on concept mapping, these pieces of technology are incredibly useful in today’s classrooms.
When picking out an education projector, consider the room size and lighting conditions. Also, take note of the projector’s resolution.
Brightness
Brighter projectors can help teachers project large images in classrooms without the need for a screen. However, brighter projectors can also be distracting for students if they are too bright.
The brightness of a projector is measured in ANSI lumens. Generally, a lower ANSI lumen rating is better for schools. However, the brightness of a projector depends on ambient lighting and image size.
A projector’s brightness can be a problem for classrooms because it creates heat, which requires the use of fans to cool the system. Moreover, the fan noise can be distracting for the audience. Additionally, the heat generated by a projector can cause damage to the other components. Therefore, a projector should have a cooling system that minimizes this effect. Also, it should have a low audible noise rating.
Contrast
The contrast of a projector measures how dark or light an image wifi projektor appears. It’s important to note that contrast sensitivity and visual acuity are not the same thing. For instance, an eye exam chart with black letters on a lighted white background is not testing your contrast sensitivity, but rather your visual acuity.
Higher contrast ratios are more important for highly light-controlled spaces, such as theaters and lecture halls. In a typical classroom environment, however, contrast is less of a concern.
When comparing different models, read knowledgeable online reviews and watch YouTube videos of the product. Find ones that show side by side comparisons and real-world measurements using reputable equipment. It’s also a good idea to compare the full on/off contrast of each model, not just its ANSI contrast.
Image quality
The image quality of a projector for classroom is important as students need to be able to see the screen. However, teachers typically do not have a dark room, so contrast is less important than in business and church settings.
Some classroom projectors use a technique called scaling to display a higher-than-native resolution signal. This can create a softer image than if the original signal was displayed at native resolution.
The latest smart projectors have built-in lecture capture capabilities that allow teachers to instantly record their lessons and media content. This capability is not available projector for daylight in traditional LCD interactive projects from legacy brands. Additionally, LED and laser projectors do not require a warm-up or cool-down period, saving valuable time. They are also durable enough for frequent classroom use.
Audio
Education projectors with audio capabilities offer a way for teachers to show videos and presentations without disrupting students’ focus. These projectors can also be used to display image slide shows and other multimedia content, as well as amplify sound for large lecture halls.
Projectors can connect to computers and other devices using a variety of connection options, including VGA and HDMI. Some models feature Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) ports for displaying Android devices, too. Look for a projector with a high native resolution, which is the number of pixels in each horizontal and vertical row of an image, to ensure clarity for larger screens and more detailed information. Some projectors support interactive features, allowing students to interact with projected images by drawing and writing on them.
Screen size
Both DLP and LCD projectors are gaining ground in classrooms because they offer high-quality images that are easy to read. They work by beaming light through transparent LCD units that split the light into three polysilicon panels for red, blue and green. These units then produce the image on a larger screen.
Monitors may be a reasonable alternative for smaller classrooms, but the large sizes required in most schools mean that a projector is the best option. These units are also much cheaper than they used to be.
A good projector will display any resolution, but it will look better when the resolution is close to the native projector resolution. This is especially important for displaying data content. Higher-resolution projectors are also easier to read from the back of a room than lower-resolution ones.
Wireless connectivity
The wireless connectivity capabilities of an education projector enable students to connect their own devices and display their work on the big screen. Many models also support mobile screen mirroring for easy collaboration. Some even feature MHL-enabled HDMI ports that allow teachers to project content from Android tablets and smartphones without using external media players.
Higher-resolution models reduce or eliminate visible pixelation, for clearer images at larger sizes. These features are ideal for schools that use high-detail source content.
Brightness is another important consideration. A projector that is too bright can be hard on the eyes in a dark room, while one that is too low will look washed out in ambient light. Most teachers prefer a moderate brightness level. Some projectors also have built-in vertical keystone correction to minimize distortion.
Installation
When you’re not using your projector, it can be easily retracted into the ceiling and out of sight. This saves space and helps prevent damage to the equipment. Also, it allows you to use a less expensive drawing tablet PC or less expensive pen-based touch screen to mark up images that are projected onto the classroom screen.
With an LCD projector, you can show your class notes and materials in a crystal clear format that can be seen by all students in a lecture theatre or classroom. You can also display picture slide shows and narrate the images. These devices allow teachers to level the playing field for students by offering equal access to educational material and presentations. This can help promote a variety of learning styles, making your classroom more engaging for students of all abilities.