School District Upgrades Teaching and Learning Capabilities with ViewBoard Interactive Displays and myViewBoard Software

Aug 16, 2023

SOLUTION BRIEF

School District Upgrades Teaching and Learning Capabilities with ViewBoard Interactive Displays and myViewBoard Software

Imagine driving the same car – or using the same edtech – for 20 years. That’s how long this district had relied on classroom projectors and pull-down screens. The time to replace them was long overdue. The push to purchase new front-of-classroom display technology came from a newly appointed superintendent, who intended to update classrooms for 21st century learning. Café seating and other flexible furnishings were planned to support active, project-based learning. The edtech director was asked to find a complete solution that would support this classroom modernization.

The edtech professional mindset deeply considers teacher perspective. This viewpoint closely guided the districts’ team as they explored display options. Top of mind was the desire for a solution that would ease the transition for teachers unaccustomed to modern instructional technology. They likewise recognized that a solution that untethered teachers from their desks would allow them to take full advantage of the updated classroom and evolving pedagogical direction. A final consideration was delivering a simple, stable solution that would provide 100% uptime – or as close to it as possible.

After some months of research, the team determined that interactive flat panel displays would meet all of these criteria. They narrowed the field to ViewSonic® ViewBoard® interactive displays with myViewBoard® software, which provided them with an ideal combination of features. The edtech director commented that the reliability, price point and intuitive use, along with the training and support offered by ViewSonic, were the deciding factors that made the ViewBoard solution the sweet spot among the competition.

At the annual kickoff meeting the edtech team demonstrated the solution’s capabilities, including the handy toolbar with one-touch access to apps, pens, and other front-of-glass tools; the ability to share and receive content using the ViewBoard Cast™ software; and the smooth 20-point touchscreen.

After piloting the solution in 14 K-6 classrooms, the edtech and IT teams together recommended that the district outfit all learning spaces with ViewSonic ViewBoard interactive displays. As with any change, some teachers were initially resistant. At the same time, teachers in the pilot classrooms began talking about how much they enjoyed using the new displays, commenting on the improved clarity and brightness of the images, which enabled them to keep the lights on and shades open. The most tech-savvy teachers added embedded educational videos or activities to enhance lessons.

The district purchased 300 ViewSonic ViewBoard IFP7552 75-inch interactive displays with myViewBoard software, which would be installed in waves following the start of the next school year. At the annual kickoff meeting the edtech team demonstrated the solution’s capabilities, including the handy toolbar with one-touch access to apps, pens, and other front-of-glass tools; the ability to share and receive content using the ViewBoard Cast™ software; and the smooth 20-point touchscreen. The goal of building positive anticipation for the devices was clearly met, as evidenced by the audible gasps when the team demonstrated the ability to draw 3D shapes. Resistance among change- and tech-averse teachers was waning.

In line with the district’s reputation for commitment to professional development, leadership agreed to compensate teachers for time spent training with the ViewBoard displays prior to their installation. A ViewSonic trainer held 10 two-hour Zoom trainings, each covering the same ViewSonic Level 1 Module 1 lessons. Teachers were paid for their time spent after contracted hours and were allowed to attend the trainings as many times as they liked.

One week after the training, the most ambitious teachers were getting students out of their seats, working at the boards, and mirroring content to and from their Chromebooks. Other teachers were getting their feet wet with the intuitive teacher-centered tools on the one-touch toolbar. Student enthusiasm was palpable. Younger cohorts enjoyed anything from simple annotation, starting and stopping the timer, and erasing content – all perfect step stones for where the technology would take them. Virtually all students were more engaged with content displayed on the ViewBoard displays.

With around 70% of the ViewBoard interactive solutions deployed, the edtech director reported that the next steps would include training in using the myViewBoard lesson creation software, which will enable teachers to develop and share content from their Google Drives.