A whiteboard refers to a white, smooth surface on which once can make temporary markings using a specially designed non-permanent marker (commonly known as a whiteboard marker). White boards evolved from chalk boards and functions similar to a chalkboard. White boards began to gain popularity in the eighties and today the whiteboard finds its application in many places such as institutions, offices, meeting halls, places of education and other similar environments.
The whiteboard appeared just when the airborne particles from the chalks began to raise concerns in people’s minds. It was in those times computers were beginning to be introduced into classrooms and the airborne particles from chalks posed the threat of greatly damaging the chips of the computer. Moreover, chalks also render the surrounding air quality to be very poor, especially for the children. All these factors influenced the replacement of chalkboards with whiteboards on a large scale.
There are lots of types of White boards with different materials used to create a white board:
Melamine: whiteboards made of melamine are the most economical type and they are used extensively. But this type of whiteboard has disadvantages such as earl ghosting effect (the markings becoming permanent on board), staining, etc., in a very short time and thus, these are very poor quality.
Painted steel or aluminum: Whiteboards that are composed of steel or aluminum surfaces and sprayed with white paint. This type of board is better because it stays longer than melamine boards and the thing is, it is simple to clean. Though, the board becomes tainted due to the absorbent paint surface and is also easily scratched.
Glass: Glass whiteboards are more advantageous as they can be used with both permanent and non-permanent ink and ghosting does not occur.
Hardcore laminates: Even if these whiteboards are easily scratched, the boards do not preserve mark because it does not soak up the inks from markers – dry erase or permanent.
Porcelain: The boards are made of a ceramic surface on steel. The erasability of the boards varies depending upon the type of porcelain, but all types of porcelain boards are scratch resistant.
The benefits of a whiteboards over chalkboards:
1. A whiteboards marker has no dust dissimilar to a chalk for chalkboards that can have effect on the health of the users. 2. Whiteboard surface is completely white and clean that offers clearer visualization for the presentation. 3. Usage of multiple color markers is non-compulsory if you would like to make a colorful visual presentation. 4. Whiteboards can be utilized as an LCD projection since of its non-reflective surfaces. 5. Whiteboard marker is easier to hold and handler dissimilar to chalkboard. 6. A more vivid markings will not be affected by other external factors.
Whiteboards also have their own set of disadvantages.
1. Choose the right markers to use on whiteboards. It should be dry wipe kind of markers because there are some that is not suitable to use. 2. Boards with low quality can have ghosting effects that can be inconvenient for the upcoming markings on the board. 3. Too much luster of the surface can be a problem to those who have meager visibility. 4. To those who have visual impairment a white background can be reason them trouble in viewing the content. 5. Whiteboards are more expensive than black boards.
Despite whiteboards’ disadvantages, that cannot entirely influence the issues because the advantages can outdo all the unconstructive sides. Whiteboards are flexible to employ to those spaces that needs easy maintenance such as a small kitchens in homes to some huge meeting halls of the companies. They make confident ambiance with clean surrounding as well as offer the utmost comfort and exceptional visual presentation. And besides it does produce generate dust.
For whiteboard maintenance you can simply use standard dry-erase markers on the whiteboard. But be aware of some permanent markers, it should be avoided. After every use the board it must be erased or if the board is daily used then it has to be cleaned at least 3 times a week. If ever markings will not be erased immediately a smudge can cause ghosting effect. Cleaner must be non-abrasive (glass cleaner).
It is not necessary to clean non-magnetic whiteboards before using it. However, magnetic whiteboards must be stern clean by using a glass cleaner and rinsed with water before it is ready for use. Felt erasers must be used and change it immediately when it becomes dirty to prevent staining. If staining occurs, staining remover can be used but with normal conditions, the whiteboards must be rinse with water daily.
Whiteboards with their many advantages have become the most prominent type of boards now. Their disadvantages can be easily overcome by properly maintaining them and using them the right way.
Discover how white boards can assist in establishing work flow or enhance presentations. Using white boards puts the presenter in charge and are fundamental gadgets.
Loading ...
