Using a LCD Projector For Classroom Use
Shop for a projector that minimizes distraction with lower noise ratings and a short throw. Many classroom projectors can be remotely controlled to reduce downtime and maintenance costs.
Look for a widescreen resolution to display more detailed source content. A high brightness level lets instructors show projected images in a variety of room lighting conditions.
Video Presentations
Using a projector to display PowerPoint presentations is a time-efficient way for teachers to provide visual aids that help reinforce key points. Instructors can also use projectors to show classroom videos or DVDs of field trips, experiments and other educational content.
LCD video projectors are used in classrooms to show clear, high-resolution images and video to a class. They replace traditional film and overhead projectors and offer many new applications. Falling technology costs make these devices affordable for even budget-conscious schools.
In addition to the traditional classroom slides, teachers can now use an LCD projector to show students’ lcd projector for classroom own presentations, as well. This can be a great way for students to share their research or work with groups in large classes.
Classroom projectors are ideal for showing educational videos, documentaries and self-produced classroom films. Students will love to watch their own movies on the big screen, and this will also promote a more engaged audience.
LED classroom projectors are more energy efficient than lamp-based models and produce less heat. They are also brighter, and the colors are more vivid. This means that they can be used in environments with lots of ambient light. Unlike other displays, LED projectors do not emit blue light, which can have a negative impact on student focus and mood. They are also designed to be more “light efficient” meaning that they require less wattage to produce the same amount of brightness as conventional displays.
Webcasts and Webinars
School instructors and administrative staff can participate in webinars or attend training sessions using an LCD projector that displays the session remotely on a computer. This lets them save travel expenses while also expanding their learning opportunities.
To ensure your classroom projects the best image possible, look for a projector with at least a VGA connector for a teacher’s computer and a composite video connection for video equipment. If you plan to use the projector with smartphones, tablets and other mobile devices, consider one with a Mobile High-Definition Link (MHL) port, which allows teachers to wirelessly project content from these sources.
MHL-enabled projectors also let teachers connect their Android smartphones to the device and charge them at the same time, eliminating the need to swap out phones between inputs. Look for an education projector that includes at least one HDMI input so you can easily switch between the various sources you’ll be connecting to it.
Lamp-based classroom projectors, which are still the most common in schools, require a replacement bulb and clean filters to keep them looking their best. However, LED classroom projectors offer a lightweight alternative that eliminates the need for these maintenance tasks and can deliver brighter images. Look for a model with built-in Bluetooth speakers that create room-filling sound and smart TV capabilities that make it easy to stream Kahn Academy, TED-Ed videos and other content from your favorite apps.
Interactive Whiteboards
An interactive whiteboard (IWB) is a large, flat surface that allows teachers to interact with students using computer software, online resources and multimedia presentations. These systems also allow school instructors to participate in webinars and training sessions without having to travel, saving valuable budget dollars for other purposes.
The best IWBs have touch interactivity, allowing students to approach the screen and use their finger or stylus to write intuitively on the board. This can be very useful for creating a concept map or working on math problems in a group. They’re also portable, allowing teachers to take them to student computers or group work tables.
A key consideration when purchasing an IWB is the resolution of the projector – measured in pixels per inch, or PPI. A higher number equates to a sharper image. Many of the top-selling boards like the BenQ Board have built-in lecture capture software that enables teachers to instantly record audio from the classroom and video from the screen in a file that can be accessed for review by students afterwards.
There are two main types of projectors that can be used with interactive whiteboards — DLP and Home LCD video projector LCD. The former uses micromirrors to project an image on the whiteboard, while the latter is typically less expensive and more resistant to overheating and rainbow artifacts.
Digital Cameras
Educators can now use projectors and flat panel screens to offer students new learning experiences. For example, a teacher can display school plans on Google Earth for geography lessons or show videos that help students learn a foreign language. Additionally, using videoconferencing functionalities, teachers can visit partner schools and communities for cross-collaboration lessons.
Teachers can also use a digital camera to connect to an LCD projector and display a paper document, book, magazine, transparency or three-dimensional object to the class. This is known as a visual presenter or document camera and can be purchased from most electronics retailers. ELMO offers one such device, the TT-LX1 Visual Presenter, that provides HD quality and the largest optical zoom in its class.
Pairing a digital camera with a document projector allows educators to mark up a projected image on the screen with a pen or marker to highlight important sections of text. This is often used by art teachers to display images of famous works of art and allow students to trace over them to get the feel of how the artist created it. The advantage to this type of marking is that the written notes can then be saved onscreen and later distributed to students or posted on a website. Another benefit is that the LED light source in many projectors can reduce maintenance costs by eliminating mercury lightbulbs and cutting energy usage by up to 45%.