8 Things to Consider When Investing in an Interactive Flat Panel for Education

Interactive flat panels are quickly becoming a wave of the future when it comes to connecting people digitally in real-time. However, despite their popular usage and applications, many prospective buyers are not sure what to look for when purchasing an interactive flat panel for use in education or corporate settings. When a school administrator, educator, or businessperson is tasked with purchasing an interactive flat panel for the workplace, the pressure can be overwhelming, particularly if they are not sure what they actually need.

The Future of Education Is Now With Interactive Panels

Choosing to work with a reputable AV integrator is the ideal way to navigate the process of selecting an interactive flat panel. These professionals will speak with their clients to help determine exactly what is needed for the space to provide the ideal solution. Some of the considerations in determining the best interactive flat panel for the client will typically include questions regarding:

• Budget
• Size of Panel Needed
• Easy Connectivity/Wireless Access
• Device Sharing
• Software and Operating Systems
• Training Required
• Backend Controls/Monitoring Capabilities
• Failure Rate

1: Budget Considerations for an Interactive Flat Panel

A decade ago, developers were still examining interactive panels and projectors and the infrastructure that would likely be required to do a full audiovisual integration or installation. The installation then would have required power in the ceiling, projectors in the ceiling, mounting hardware, and wall cabling, to name just a few things. To make it a truly successful venture and cover all the extra hardware needed, the end result was an exorbitantly priced product.

The industry has grown by leaps and bounds in the last ten years. Today, interactive flat panels can be put on a wall or a mobile cart easily and in a much more budget-friendly manner, primarily because it is one single piece of technology versus many different pieces of hardware. Today's panel installation is greatly simplified compared to that of a decade ago because it only consists of:

• One board
• One location
• One install spot

The cost of LED 4K displays is starting to come down across the board. If we compare the cost of an 85-inch interactive display eight years ago to now, it has dropped from $15,000 to less than $5,000, and that generally holds true regardless of the manufacturer. Interactive flat panels are becoming more budget-friendly every day.

2: How to Select the Size of an Interactive Flat Panel

When it comes to interactive flat panels, there is usually not a one-size-fits-all scenario. These panels come in sizes such as:

• 55-inch
• 65-inch
• 75-inch
• 86-inch

The key to choosing the size you need for a classroom will largely depend on the distance the students will be from the panel. To better determine the right size panel for a classroom or boardroom, the AV integrator will typically use tried and true mathematical calculations and formulas. A side perk of an interactive panel despite the size, is not having to worry about the ambient lighting from windows or lighting in the room affecting the brightness of the screen.

Most of these panels have roughly 50,000 hours of life before they dim to half-life status. While it is not recommended to leave the panel on all day, if it were accidentally left on, it should not be enough to burn out the lamp. This can also be a budget saver compared to audiovisual equipment that constantly requires lamp replacement.

3: Easy Connectivity and Wireless Access for Interactive Flat Panels

One of the main reasons educators are turning to interactive flat panels in increasing numbers is because they are so easy to connect to and provide wireless access. This allows them to take content they have created and effortlessly present it on the display for students. When plugging in a laptop to the panel and sharing the screen, having the HDMI input, USB, and USB-C can make an educator’s content easily accessible.

This setup allows the user to plug the laptop into the panel without having to worry about loading any software on the laptop to facilitate interconnectivity. Once connected, the display essentially becomes a wireless mouse for the computer, enabling wireless presentations and connectivity.

It is worth noting that the ability to connect in a classroom, corporate space, or elsewhere is different from at home, so it is important to choose a panel that considers wireless speed, network speed and other factors. In other words, be sure to choose a panel that can account for multiple devices on one network at the same time.

Sharing via wireless access in schools is invaluable. In many schools, students use Chromebooks and iPads, or they bring their own devices, which can create a mishmash of devices from different manufacturers all trying to access the panel. This is why having an open architecture is so important.

4: Device Sharing and Interactive Flat Panels for Students

Screen sharing is crucial in enhancing collaborative experiences by allowing users to wirelessly share their screens from various devices. In a collaborative learning environment, it is key to be able to share more than one device at a time with the interactive flat panel. This can be instrumental, particularly in comparing Excel charts, pictures, graphs and more.

5: Software and Operating Systems for Interactive Flat Panels

When selecting an interactive flat panel, the software and operating system it comes with can significantly impact its functionality and ease of use. Popular choices include Android, Windows, and Chrome OS, each offering unique benefits.

• Android provides a user-friendly interface and seamless integration with Google services, making it ideal for educational settings.
• Windows, known for its versatility, supports a wide range of software applications, enhancing productivity in both classrooms and corporate environments.
• Chrome OS, designed for web-based applications and cloud storage, is lightweight and perfect for schools that rely heavily on online resources.

Additionally, some manufacturers offer proprietary software tailored to maximize the panel’s capabilities, providing features that enhance the user experience. When choosing an interactive flat panel, consider the software and operating system that best aligns with your needs, ensuring it supports the tools and applications you rely on.

The kind of software and operating system a flat panel comes with should be key for the person who will be operating it. Interactive whiteboards offer significant capabilities and benefits, including integration with Google services and enhancing collaborative learning experiences. Essentially, the goal is to have the panel be so easy to use that it simulates using a large tablet.

For users in education, the panel software should facilitate easy lesson planning. If the user is in the corporate environment, it should facilitate collaboration and allow real-time changes to graphs or spreadsheets on the spot. It is possible the software the user has always employed may also work on the new panel. If so, the user can hit the ground running more easily. But for those for whom the old software will not work, they can take comfort in the fact that most new software programs are much more user friendly than those of yesteryear.

6: How Much Training Does an Interactive Flat Panel Require?

Modern interactive flat panels are designed to be intuitive and user-friendly, minimizing the need for extensive training. However, some basic training can help users fully leverage the technology’s capabilities. The amount of training required varies depending on the panel’s features and the user’s technical proficiency. Many panels come with built-in tutorials and guides, making it easy for users to get started.

Understanding how to navigate the interface, use touchpoints, and access additional features is crucial. Typically, the training required is minimal, akin to learning to use a new smartphone. This ease of use allows educators to focus more on teaching and less on mastering new technology, ultimately enhancing the learning environment.

7: Backend Controls and Monitoring Capabilities

In order to ensure that all panels are turned off or on at a specific time, it may be helpful to choose a panel that offers backend controls and monitoring. This means it can be added to the network so a push of a button can turn off or turn on all connected panels at the same time. This can be particularly helpful in delivering digital signage when the unit is on but not being actively used, and it saves a school district or IT department from having to put boots on the ground to access the panels.

8: Failure Rate

A reputable AV integrator will also consider and check the panel's failure rate and know what type of warranty is covered. Partnering with an AV integrator means that any issues can be addressed by a technician onsite, which eliminates the need to uninstall or reinstall the interactive flat panel in most cases.

The integrator should also have a maintenance plan available to ensure their client's solutions are able to stay up and running, keeping boardrooms and classrooms productive. Technology will continue changing and improving as time marches on, and working with a trustworthy AV integrator is the best way to make sure your school or business can stay competitive and make the most of the solutions put in place.

Collaborative and Intuitive Design

Interactive flat panels are designed with collaboration and ease of use in mind, making them ideal for dynamic learning environments. Key features include multi-touch points, which allow multiple users to interact with the screen simultaneously and foster a collaborative atmosphere. Seamless collaboration is facilitated through real-time file sharing, screen sharing, and integration with classroom tools, enabling students and educators to work together effortlessly.

The intuitive interface ensures that users can navigate the screen and access features with ease, reducing the learning curve. Additionally, built-in microphone arrays provide clear audio, even in noisy environments, enhancing communication during in-person and virtual sessions for corporate environments. These features collectively create a more engaging and interactive learning experience, promoting student engagement and collaboration.

Conclusion

Interactive flat panels are a powerful tool for enhancing student engagement, collaboration, and learning outcomes. With their intuitive design, seamless collaboration features, and range of software and operating systems, they offer a flexible and effective solution for a range of educational settings. 

By working with a trusted AV integrator to review the key features and benefits of interactive flat panels, educators can make informed decisions about integrating this technology into their classrooms and improving their students' learning experience.

If you're looking to integrate interactive panels into your school, let's chat. Our team will take the time to understand your needs and help you identify the right technology to upgrade your classroom.