Use an iPad (+ Griffin Stylus) & SplashtopRemote to create your own IWB instead of using a Tablet PC

I currently use a TabletPC and love its functionality. I can setup lessons in Microsoft OneNote, with links to all the resources I will be using for the lesson (including Geogebra applets). I love being able to using my table PC to write on the screen and have it automatically updated to the screen. Unfortunately I face losing my TabletPC and have been looking into other alternatives.

1. Epson BrightLink Projectors.
We have recently had these interactive projectors installed. Unlike a typical IWB, they project onto a normal whiteboard and you use a special pen to interact with the connected computer. I have found this quite freeing, being able to stand in front of the class, and point to exactly what I want. However, when it comes to digitally writing, the quality is not good enough and I retreat to my TabletPC to do any written work. The BrightLink is great for working with Geogebra!

 



2. iPad and Stylus with SplashTop Remote
I love Splashtop Remote as it allows me to control my computer from my iPhone (and and iPad, when I get my hands on one). This Griffin stylus is quite nice and it works (unlike the 50c one that I got on ebay). It is great with being interactive, but the quality of digital writing is not great - It's also difficult to get the exact point to put it on the ipad so when writing a 5, the top sometimes isn't joined to the rest of it. So, this solution is very similar to using the brightlink, with the added flexibility to walk around the room.



3. Wacom Tablet. I have seen these tablets used by Douglas Butler (TSM,Oundle) and have been very impressed with the precision he has with them. These are quite expensive, but look like the best solution for digital writing, if I do not have a TabletPC in the future.

I will write a post later about why a TabletPC is an essential tool for Mathematics Teachers.