Education Technology

Penveu is a new device that allows you to turn any surface into an interactive display. It's a small, handheld device shaped like a teardrop. It has four buttons, a scroll bar, and a toggle switch for changing between pen and mouse modes.

It can be used up to 40 feet away from the screen. There is no other hardware required and it doesn't require any drivers or software installation and works on any platform. You can also use it to store screenshots on it's internal memory.


It seems like it's a combination of a presentation remote control and interactive white board pen. Ti's wireless and interacts with the image on a flatscreen or a projection on a wall. You can draw directly on the screen or surface, just like on a tablet or IWB, and even gesture in the air to control things and add notes and annotations.

There is a table top box that doubles as the connection and a storage area. It connects to the screen or projector using a VGA connection.

It's less expensive than an IWB and portable. It will be available this coming July. The 8GB education version starts at $500.

This could be very useful for educators and conference presenters who want to have an interactive display without needing other equipment.

Here's a video showing how it works:




Related:

MimioTeach system - great tools for teachers - IWB, CRS, Doc Camera, and more

now!Board is a portable interactive whiteboard system from Learning Resources. It turns any whiteboard into an "interactive" whiteboard. It is very small, consisting of a sensor and a stylus that fit in a small case and then connects to your computer via USB cable.

It is $499 retail, which is less expensive than most interactive whiteboard products. You obviously need to provide the computer, whiteboard (or other surface, even a wall), and projector.

The software installs quickly on your computer and then you calibrate the sensor just like you would with a SMART Board or Mimio system. The sensor sits near your projector and you have to move it to get it to line up. It was not as quick and easy as I expected. The Mimio system is easier to set up since the sensor mounts right on the whiteboard itself. (The Mimio is also very portable). The stylus is easy to hold and use.

The software has similar functions to other IWBs, but there is not as many features or pre-made lessons at this time. The software does allow you to annotate, draw lines and do screen captures.

The construction felt a little cheap as it is very lightweight plastic and the calibration took longer than it should. But, it is inexpensive and very portable so it might be a good fit for many teachers.

I have a Mimio system in my classroom that I use and love. It is more expensive than the now!Board, but less expensive than a SMARTBoard. It is also portable and the software is similar to SMART Notebook.

This is another resource that teachers can use. Like everything else, personal preference is a factor and you should try out different products before purchasing.




Related:

MimioTeach system - great tools for teachers - IWB, CRS, Doc Camera, and more