Alrighty, as I mentioned in a post before we are a pilot program for replacing the projector/SMART board combo with an interactive TV. In the long run, it’s cheaper and we’re seeing if it’s worth it.
Our response is… YES!!!
Do you ever use a piece of technology that fits so well into what you’re already doing you can’t believe you lived without it before? That’s how I feel about this TV. How have I ever presented to a class with my back to them? Since the world of educational bloggers seem to love top (insert number), I present to you my top four reasons you should replace your projector/SMART board with an interactive TV.
Reason One.
MONEY! Projectors are expensive to keep up. They cost about $500 dollars a year (at least) to maintain. Between cleaning them and buying bulbs, you’re losing quite a bit of money yearly. This was news to me. Upfront the TV costs about $1000 more than a projector/SMART board combo, but will more than make up for the difference in cost over the next couple years.
Reason Two.
DISPLAY! Ever been sitting in a lecture and the lecturer blabbers away about a picture you can’t see? The projector screen works by reflecting light. Depending on the light in the room, that may be just the projector’s output or also the light from outside. Most classrooms have windows. Windows =sun=faint pictures.
Reason Three.
COMPATIBILITY! TVs have been around the block a few times. They have been modified for maximum connections, visibility, and compatibility. Connect an iPad? No problem. Connect a computer? Sure! Watch cable? Even better. We have a USB cord and fire wire. Unfortunately, as of now, the PC is more compatible with the TV. We’ve got sound, video, and interactivity all in one little box!
Ahh…finally. Reason Four.
It’s cool. Seriously, a huge interactive display is just cool. Students have already been talking about the TV and incorporating it into their projects. In one week, it’s been the display for 2 Skype readalouds, the background for many Spanish newscasts, and an arena for a HUGE game of Angry Birds with the counselors. We’ve had more visitors in the library just to see it than anything else we have. If you have a SMART board, you know how it’s sometimes not so smart? We have not had any of the typical problems using the SMART software on our TVs which is a huge relief 
In conclusion.
Before I end this post, I feel like I should include this disclaimer. We’re lucky to be in a school that can test out new ideas like this. However, I know not all schools have this luxury. In the past at this time of year I know I was struggling to get paper to make copies for student worksheets and scrounging around for paperclips. I hope that by publishing these posts I can help provide some schools with new ideas after we’ve tested them out so they can make informed decisions.
photo credit: x-ray delta one via photopin cc
