The ActivClassroom by Promethean is an integrated system of hardware, software, training and resources, designed to support teaching practice and assessment, improve student participation and strengthen the performance of all types of learners. Digital Learning catches up with Eugene Viskovic, Head of APAC and Emerging Markets, Promethean to understand more…
Tell us about Promethean`s award-winning software ActivInspire. What functionalities and tools does it offer?
Promethean`s latest software, ActivInspire offers cross-platform functionality that works on PC, Mac, Linux and any Interactive White Board, and two age-specific interface options. It combines the very best of our previous ActivPrimary and ActivStudio software onto a single platform – to provide a complete educational software solution.
“To enhance the Interactive White Board experience, we are releasing dual pen capability to our ActivBoard range through “ActivArena”. Achieved with a simple programme upgrade, the dual pen capability allows two users to use the ActivBoard at the same time, creating new levels of interaction and collaborative learning in the classroom.”
This new generation of software allows educators to choose which interface they want to interact withThis new generation of software allows educators to choose which interface they want to interact with – opting for the familiar bright and inviting skin for primary ages or a ophisticated, modern skin for learners aged 11 years and beyond. ActivInspire also allows eachers to choose the style the layout and operation of the software to suit their teaching and omfort levels, as well as save multiple user-profiles to meet the needs of particular lessons. Lessons come to life in full colour video, sound and graphics – a bounty of flipcharts, backgrounds, images and activities are included and ready to use. However, ActivInspire is uch more than just a stylish interface – fully functional, integrated tools like protractors, rulers, dice and shape recognition make the on-screen experience a real-world example unlike ny other. Furthermore, the connectivity with Promethean Planet (www.PrometheanPlanet.com), the world’s largest online lesson planning and support community for interactive whiteboard users, means the scope to create and share innovative esson content is virtually endless. Promethean’s latest software has also been esigned to make classroom life a little easier. For quick lesson-building, educators can choose rom a variety of themed templates, search for resources more easily in the improved rowsing tabs, and now, tools can be dragged on to flipcharts, while shortcuts can be embedded ithin pages to enable actions to be applied instantly. Straightforward navigation s complemented by a toolbar that updates automatically with the most frequently and last used tools. Existing resources, created in any Interactive White Board software can be incorporated—PowerPoint resources can be imported too. In addition, all Promethean’s Activ Classroom technologies are fully integrated in the software; Learner Response Systems can ow be seamlessly incorporated into lessons and true real-time collaboration is achieved with ual input capability at the ActivBoard or by using an ActivSlate from anywhere in the lassroom. ActivInspire is also compatible with a range of other non- Promethean software and products, making the ActivClassroom easier to manage than ever before. What are the eatures that differentiate Promethean Interactive White Boards from other available brands? ActivBoard is at the centre of the ActivClassroom – bringing all of the sights and ounds of interactive learning to life. It is operated using a wireless, batteryfree ActivPen, hich writes like a pen and acts just like a computer mouse – allowing exceptional levels of on-screen accuracy to be achieved. Its low-glare screen provides a high quality projection urface for crystal clear imagery and wire-free technology enables the ActivBoard to interact eamlessly with our other products. Easily mounted and secured to most walls, the ctivBoard as been built to withstand the rough and tumble of everyday classroom life. hanks to an electromagnetic grid that sits behind the screen, the ActivBoard will resist irtually any kind of screen damage and will remain unaffected by the warm temperatures nd humidity. Teachers and students can use their hands to steady themselves on the board ithout causing any screen damage or changing what appears on screen. Promethean’s latest odel, Activ Board+2, combines all the benefits of the ActivBoard with the added features of a height-adjustable stand and super shortthrow projector into a singe wall-mounted system. he tand easily raises and lowers, making the board accessible to students of all ages and heights, while the super short-throw projector minimises on-screen shadowing and delivers mages so clear that they demand students’ attention. In what ways do Promethean products bridge the gap between the present generation of students and their learning, especially in a ountry like India, where funding and infrastructure are major issues? The benefits of Promethean technologies to students and learning are the same in classrooms all over the orld. They offer the opportunity for enhanced teaching pedagogy, empowering educators to ncorporate ICT as an element in all curriculum areas and improve academic achievement y catering for the various learning styles of students. ICT is already a major investment area n education throughout India and there is a large number of Indian schools that lready have the funding and infrastructure to implement our interactive classroom olutions. Although infrastructure is a consideration for this region, many schools in India already have the necessary core infrastructure, including appropriate power outlets, to successfully introduce technologies. In addition, while internet connection is desirable, it is ot an essential for schools to experience the ActivClassroom. This experience will be enhanced s Internet connectivity becomes more widely available – opening up the potential for students to connect with peers from around the world and for teachers to join the global eaching and development community at Promethean Planet. Please tell us about Promethean Planet. Promethean Planet is a free online community that is designed to provide ActivClassroom teachers around the world with the ability to share new and nnovative lessons, access a wide variety of professional development materials, and connect ith fellow ActivClassroom teachers from around the Planet.
