Application Review: Splashtop Whiteboard

Application Review: Splashtop Whiteboard
Reference: http://www.splashtop.com/whiteboard
Review/Summary:  This application is used for a variety of opportunities for students and the teacher to interact with content in a classroom.  The application itself is a streaming application used to view the screen of a laptop or desktop that is connected to a projector.  It can be used to annotate and exhibit PowerPoint and other documents.  This allows for both the teacher and students to interact with the content on the screen/board without them actually having to write on the board or be tied to the front of the room.   Its cost is $19.99 and is an excellent tool to use in the classroom.

Reflection:  Having personally used this tool, I find it truly amazing.  Throughout the year, I have been able to take my iPad and have the students write on it to display their work and thinking.  In a math class, this is absolutely critical for them to be able to do.   In addition to this, I am not tied to the front of my room.  As such, classroom management is much easier; it is also easier to ensure each child is on task.  Finally, this replaces the need for a Smart board.  This is positive in two ways.  First, it is much cheaper and easier to maintain.  Secondly, there is very little learning curve to using this application.