Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Why Whiteboards Are Preferred Over Chalkboards

By Dane Mcquiller

Whiteboard is a white, smooth surface used for temporary markings that is particularly intended for non-permanent marker. The whole functionality idea originated from the use of chalk board and innovated to become the modern White boards which have both the same purpose At the beginning of .1980's, whiteboards gained popularity above all the kinds of boards on that time. Numerous institutions especially in the aspect of education and in the field of business recognized the value of white boards.

Health issue is the main reason why chalkboards drop its influence to the market. Consumers start to discover another option that could assume their requirements as well without the health issues attached and whiteboard is the spotted answers to these needs. Dust particles derived in using chalkboards is not only detrimental to the health but also to computer chips. Moreover, a chalk dust can inhale by children during the lecture. With following reasons mentioned that took part in substituting chalkboards with health pleasant whiteboards.

Numerous types of white boards with specific components used to produce a white board:

Melamine: Made from melamine whiteboards are the most commonly used and it is cost-effective.. However this type of whiteboard has negative features like as earl ghosting effect (the markings leaves permanent on board), discoloration, etc., in a very short point in time and thus, sometimes are very low class.

Painted steel or aluminum: These types of whiteboards are made of steel or aluminum surfaces with white paint sprayed on them. This type of board has the advantage of lasting longer than Melamine boards and is also easy to wipe. However, the board becomes stained due to the porous paint surface and is also prone to scratches.

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: Though these whiteboards are prone to scratches, the boards do not retain stain as they do not absorb the inks of the 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. The most significant advantage of whiteboards over chalkboards is that the whiteboard markers do not generate dust like chalks. 2. The board is comparatively cleaner, and provides for a clearer presentation. 3. The availability of many colors of markers allows for an engaging visual presentation. 4. Whiteboards with non-reflective surfaces can also be used for LCD projection. 5. The marker is easier to hold and handle. 6. The markings are also not affected by 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 non-constructive 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.

The maintenance of whiteboards is also easy. Use only standard dry-erase markers on the whiteboard. Permanent markers should be avoided under any condition. After every use the board must be erased. If the board is used everyday, it has to be cleaned at least 3 times a week. The markings must not be erased immediately, while still damp, as this may smudge and cause ghosting effect. The 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.

Due to the many advantages of the whiteboards over other boards, it has become the most prominent and well known type of board today. With proper maintenance and careful use, the disadvantages of whiteboards can easily be solved and prevented.

About the Author:

0 comments:

Post a Comment