The new interactive projectors offer intelligent teachers, trainers and students simple and flexible visual solutions for an optimal presentation of learning content. They are a growing market segment.
By Adriana Ramírez
Writing about the projected images and being able to save the notes, integrating the projector with computers, mobile devices or the internet and a more dynamic presentation of the information, are some of the options through which interactive projectors are changing the experience of students in the classroom.
This is a segment in which projector manufacturers have been working in recent years, developing new products and that is why there are several novelties that can be found in the market and, above all, being increasingly easy to use for anyone.
But what is called interactivity? In this regard, the three experts consulted in this article agree that interactivity consists of the possibility of writing about the projected images and the connection with computers and mobile devices. In this way, the student's learning experience is totally changed.
Rodrigo Troncoso, Regional Product Manager Video Projectors for Education at Epson, indicated that "by being able to generate a direct participation between the teacher, content and students through interactivity, an improvement in the learning process is allowed. The use of interactive technology as a means to teach, generates a positive and totally different perception and disposition on the part of the students in front of the subject that is being learned".
What's new
Among the novelties of the latest interactive projectors, says René Arauz of Panasonic, the equipment of this company offers the possibility of using two interactive pens simultaneously, admitting to divide the screen, if necessary, for the greater participation of students in the lesson. It also provides self-calibration, which allows to reduce the time of configuration of the equipment, as well as an easy and hassle-free writing.
For its part, Nec Display Solutions now has the new UM series of ultra-short-range LCD projectors, which provide new generation classrooms with improved interactivity, quality and flexibility. Juan Chávez, representative of the company, explained some characteristics of these projectors.
"The eBeam Interactive System and software turn a standard whiteboard into a complete interactive surface for notes and collaboration at the local level through web meetings. The Ultra Short Shot Lens (0.36:1 range ratio) eliminates shadows on the screen. Remote monitoring and control of the projector over the network saves the IT employee time and reduces costs related to the operation of the projector," he said.
In the case of Epson, which currently goes in the third generation of interactive projectors Bright Link, highlights features such as the no need to install drivers, you can use interactive functions without using a computer, full connectivity including wireless option, among others.
Variable distance
One of the main aspects that must be taken into account when installing a projector is the distance between it and the surface where it is going to be projected. The distance required for the proper projection will vary depending on the size of the image and the resolution you want to achieve with the equipment. This will be the first factor, and perhaps even the most important for the appropriate and desired outcome in any projection.
In the case of interactive projectors with an educational approach, the development of new technologies has allowed the distance to be smaller and smaller. In the case of Panasonic, images can be projected on an 80-inch wide screen from just 0.90 meters away, so it is convenient for teachers since being short throw the projector, they can dictate the material without being uncomfortable by a team right in front of them.
Rodrigo Troncoso, added that "Epson currently has interactive projector models with Short Throw and Ultra Short Throw projection. This allows to eliminate the generation of shadows in the projection achieving an interactivity of excellent performance". In the case of NEC projectors, they can be mounted on the wall just above the screen using the mounting kit.
Another important aspect for the assembly of the projectors is the surface on which it will be projected. Ideally, it should be projected onto a smooth, uniform white surface . But the projectors that are on the market today have technology that allows users to use the pencils on textured and colored surfaces.
René Arauz said that "In case the wall is not white and smooth, the projector can help correct the color scheme, including for light yellow, light yellow, pink or dark green surfaces. However, we must emphasize that no additional or special slate is necessary to carry out interactivity."
The Bright Link technology, brought by Epson projectors, can project and interact on any type of surface. It does not require that this is necessarily a white board since it can be used directly on the wall, cement, wood, etc. Thanks to a manufacture of lightweight and robust pencils, they can be used on surfaces even with texture levels.
The company NEC, explained Juan Chávez, has a complete and simple solution so that the projector can create an interactive system using the eBeam, which is sold as an optional accessory. The eBeam converts a standard whiteboard into a complete interactive surface for local annotation and collaboration, so only a flat, white surface is required for optimal operation.
Strong in Latin America
In Latin America, interactive projectors for education have become an important segment in the industry. Manufacturers report significant growth in unit sales in the region. Rodrigo Troncoso explained that Epson has a 57% share in Latin America and by 2014 industry growth is expected to be over 30%. In addition, it has seen in recent times that there are more and more competitors.
Juan Chávez reports that NEC closed the year very well for the education market. "Our experience in the primary school market due to budgets the preference is the acquisition of a more austere projector and an interactive system outside the projector brand. This trend will continue as it is dependent on government budgets. Specifically, our interactive projectors in education are considered for higher educational levels where the preference is for state-of-the-art technology."
The three manufacturers consulted for this article identified the countries in the region that are installing these projectors the most. All countries in the region, according to Epson, are showing steady growth in this product segment.
"While the growth in the private education market, interactive projectors have gained a lot of ground especially in replacing traditional interactive whiteboards. There have been countries that are investing heavily in technology in public schools, including interactive projectors. Of these, bidding processes carried out in Chile, Ecuador, Colombia, Brazil and Peru stand out," added Rodrigo Troncoso.
René Arauz said that particularly in Colombia is where this type of projectors is increasingly getting a better reception and demand for all its benefits and the dynamics they provide to classrooms.
"Panasonic's intention is to continue projecting growth, particularly focusing on this educational sector, through the promotion and installation of interactive projectors, but also providing solutions to organizations and companies that seek to change the way they carry out their meetings and presentations, so that interactivity becomes synonymous with the technological and structural progress adopted in the region," he concluded.
Challenge for students and teachers
Undoubtedly, new technologies pose challenges to students and teachers, who must adapt the educational processes to obtain greater benefits with these tools. Together with a computer, this teaching tool improves the student's attention and interaction in the classroom, increasing their retention.
René Arauz explained that new technologies "Teachers as well as students can get more out of this type of experience by being able to interact directly with the material presented, learning can be made easier and retention even greater. Schools that manage to adapt the interactive projection to their lessons are observing this positive change rapidly, which has led to an increase in interest and demand for this type of product."
For his part, Rodrigo Troncoso indicated that "Several countries have adopted the decision to massify the use of interactivity in public schools, mainly with projectors due to a convenient final cost compared to traditional interactive whiteboards. Countries such as Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Brazil, Mexico and others have implemented the use of Epson interactive projectors as a key element in the process of improving education in public schools."
He added that in the world of private education there has been a steady growth in the use of this type of technology. We have examples of success in the implementation of interactive technology in virtually every country in the region.
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