When using interactive whiteboards, some teachers encourage classroom discussion and permit remote data entry by allowing students to freely interact on the board with their personal computers. Although this practice may at first seem beneficial to students’ learning, it typically results in the generation of mixed signals, on-screen nonsense, and an overload of inputs. In addition, teachers might experience problems if students use their remote access ability to create drawings or messages that are inappropriate or irrelevant to what’s being presented on the screen, leading to unnecessary disruptions and wasted teaching time.
High Cost of Purchase, Installation, Training, and Maintenance
Perhaps the greatest disadvantage of using interactive whiteboards is their high initial cost, which ranges from $1,500 on the very low-end to $6,500+ each, depending on the model. In comparison, traditional whiteboards cost anywhere from $25.00 to $600.00 each, and a ReMARKable Clear Whiteboard Paint 100 Square Foot Kit only costs around $315.00.
In addition, with electronic whiteboards, it’s necessary to pay for accessories, installation, and training to ensure that those who use the devices are competent to do so. Electronic whiteboards are only as effective as their users, and if proper training and accurate knowledge are lacking, the devices become useless. Periodic training updates are essential to gaining the greatest benefit from interactive whiteboards, and this also adds to their cost.
Regular troubleshooting, technical support, and maintenance, especially for advanced types of interactive whiteboards, also incur major costs. All of these factors adding to the high price tag of interactive whiteboards mainly affect schools with limited budgets, small businesses, and non-profit groups.
Negative Impact on Eye Health
Continuously staring at interactive whiteboard screens, especially in dark rooms, can strain the eyes and thus negatively impact students’ eyesight. This is an obvious disadvantage as individuals affected in this way may eventually have to seek medical treatment and so may incur a further expense for a school or business, especially if legal reparations are sought.
