MINT software functions

At a basic level, the MINT software allows you to write over the top of any images / programmes that you have running on your computer. The writing, and image it relates to, can be saved for later use - a major advantage of interactive whiteboards in general!

As a standard writing (annotating) tool, MINT is easy to use and intuitive for teachers and students. (It is worth mentioning that the pen itself is smaller than most competitors - around the size of a normal whiteboard pen - and better matches the size of students hands.) The screenshot shows 5 basic colour choices on the left with the option of a full colour palette below.

On the right are 6 size choices from 10pt to 200pt - because the pen is so good, you actually can take advantage of the smallest size for fine work.

The top row in the middle contains pen mode, highlighter mode, and ink mode. The middle row starts with rubber options(choose the size), then erase all, and finally a smart tool where you roughly draw a shape and the software makes it perfect (this is only active on Vista and Win 7 computers).

The bottom row starts with the coloured button that lets you switch between the MINT programme and simply having the pen operate as a mouse. The middle button expands the toolbar to show more functions, and the last button shuts down the programme.

(We have a fullcopy of the software manual under 'Support' on our website - http://www.3pinteract.co.nz/) .

Interactive resources for remedial learners

One type of teaching resources that have been gaining momentum are those aimed at supporting remedial learning, or students with specific learning difficulties. Two that we can recommend are the "STEPS" programme by Learning Staircase, and "Clicker 5" by Crik Software. STEPS is a very carefully constructed programme that systematically develops students core literacy skills. It is a New Zealand developed product that is gaining a lot of followers here and overseas. Clicker 5 is the latest version of the very successful Clicker series and is highly customisable to suit individuals' needs. Both lend themselves nicely to being used on an interactive whiteboard, and for some students, the larger size of the items to click is a very real advantage.

MINT interactive whiteboard software

The uBoard interactive whiteboard system comes with fully featured software called MINT.

(Any New Zealanders reading this will smile as "mint' is used colloquially to mean "very good" or excellent - an appropriate title we believe!)

We'll discuss some of the basic functions in the next couple of posts.

The first thing that you will see, once setup, is the floating toolbar. it can be repositioned by dragging it, or you can change it to a 'strip' type bar with the click of a button. The basic (unexpanded) toolbar gives you quick access to the excellent drawing tools that uBoard is becoming famous for. Our view is that the quality of the handwriting is the best available from any interactive whiteboard system.

Part 4 - some advantages of the uBoard interactive whiteboard system

The fourth reason that uBoard is the best value interactive whiteboard available is price.

As a launch special, we are marketing the usb version of uBoard for $799nzd ($612usd).
The wireless version is $899nzd ($689usd). Compare these prices to any other system that you can name and you will find that they are market leading.

Postage is a flat $20nzd within New Zealand, $40nzd Australia. If you want to see the actual rate for any other international destinations, simply go to www.3pinteract.co.nz and add a uBoard to the cart. You can check the postage before confirming the sale.

We are happy to negotiate bulk purchase deals and will certainly reduce the per unit freight costs.

Part 3 - Some advantages of uBoard Interactive Whiteboard

The third reason we believe uBoard is the best value interactive whiteboard system is features.

Lets start with then pen:

• it's rechargeable via usb (one hour charge - 20 hours use)
• smaller than most competitors so easier to hold
• 2 function buttons (right click and either rubber or close window depending on mode)
• left click on tip
• replaceable tips
• built in laser pointer

The receiver:

• small (22cms / 8.5inches)
• 5 touch function buttons (calibrate, save, print, clear, internet)
• handles up to 3m / 120inches diagonally
• mounts with simple magnet system - no installation costs
• onboard ASIC chip to take load off your computer
• very resistant to interference
• very accurate positioning of pen
• patented VPLOT technology
• works on any flat surface / whiteboard

Software

• fully featured whiteboard functions
• either mouse mode or whiteboard mode
• over 900 included images / backgrounds
• ActiveLink (simple plug and play - no need to install software)
• no registration codes or licence fees
• can be legally used on multiple computers
• ability to add own images / content to galleries
• direct link to Flickr galleries
• full flipchart function
• compatible Microsoft XP, Vista, 7 (Mac December 2010)
• ...and much, much more!

Part 2 - Some advantages of the uBoard interactive whiteboard

The second reason that uBoard is outstanding value is performance.

The uBoard receiver contains a dedicated ASIC chip which takes the load off your computer and means that there is very little lag when writing or performing functions.
The pen operates with high accuracy which really helps when trying to write/draw intricate shapes. The system is also very resistant to interference due to the built in sampling software.

Despite the small size of the receiving unit (22cms long), it can read an image up to 3m diagonally. This is larger than needed for most classrooms/meeting rooms.

The pen is recognised as a native HID pen device in Microsoft Windows which means you have full control of the excellent Microsoft tablet functions (in Vista and Windows 7).

Part 1 - Some Advantages of the uBoard interactive whiteboard

Quality, performance, features, and price are the reasons we truly believe uBoard is the best value interactive whiteboard available.

Lets start with quality.
Experience: The manufacturers have nearly ten years experience in this type of technology and have 22 patents / pending patents involved with the product.
Quality: It is made in South Korea in the designer's factory rather than being cheaply made in a low labour cost country. This means that quality control is excellent and uBoard is durable enough to survive in hard use settings like classrooms. It also means that factory support is available and allows us to offer a 2 years warranty with confidence.
Every aspect of the product reflects this committment to quality. When you open the box you will find each component carefully and securely positioned.





The inner box itself is an attractive way to transport the system and closes securely with a magnetic latch.

New Interactive Whiteboard Launch

3Pi are excited to announce that they have launched their new interactive whiteboard product - uBoard!. The uBoard system provides the best value interactive whiteboard to educational institutions and businesses. It can be fitted to any existing whiteboard or flat surface in a couple of minutes. This removes the cost around a fixed board installation and also provides the flexibility to move the system as needs change. For full details, have a look at http://www.3pinteract.co.nz/

uBoard and Active Link

Several people have asked how the uBoard system can can be used without having to install any software. The answer is due to a very clever feature called Active Link®

Active Link® is actually a small usb device that contains all the software. You can still choose to permanently install the software if you want to, but there are several great advantages given by not having to.

Firstly, it means you can use uBoard with several computers without having to worry about the expense and hassle of buying multiple licences. It also means that you can use the system in very security conscious network environments because you don't have to install a programme.

The third key advantage is that it makes the system truly 'plug and play' - plug in Active Link® and start interacting!

Best value interactive whiteboard on the market

• 
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Our new product is called uBoard and is set to become the solution of choice for people looking for a top quality, top value interactive whiteboard.
  We are almost at the point of releasing full specifications, but can share the following now:
  
  No installation cost (it simply attaches to the whiteboard or wall with a magnet system).
• No software installation necessary (that's right, you won't have to battle with administrators)
• Extremely portable (receiver is only 22cms/8.5inches long)
• Handles large screens (up to 3m/120inches diagonally)
• True plug and play (simply plug in the usb cable (wired model) or wireless dongle(wireless model)
• State of the art technology (the manufacturer has specialised in this technology for over 8 years and has 22 different patents/ patent applications)
• Fully featured software (including annotation tools, flipchart, image galleries - you name it)
• Best handwriting (writing with this system is the best we have experienced at any price)

Best value (we are going to launch the product at a price that is approximately half of the latest model Mimio - a product that uBoard competes with head to head on features)

If you want to know more, or require a quote before we officially launch, please email us at 3pi@3pinteract.co.nz You will be impressed with this product!

So what's the "exciting new development"?

Apologies for the somewhat 'teasing' message on our homepage. The 3Pi team has not been this excited about a product since Johnny CL showed what a wimote could really do back in 2008! What we can tell you is that we are about to launch an interactive whiteboard system that is awesome.

It is technologically advanced, easier to install, easier to use and - outstanding value.

We are aiming to have the first systems in use within the next fortnight and will release full details as soon as possible - watch this space!

Creaza.com

This is a superb site that is set up brilliantly for a lesson using your 3Pi system. This site enables children to write comic style, make simple movies, and experiment with a simple audio studio. Really if you're looking for something that comes in just before MovieMaker and Garageband, then this could be for you. Simple for the children in your class to use, and the end product is saved in the "cloud".
The comic book/page tool is also very clever, but simple. Great for getting children in your class to re-tell instructions!

Maths Activity - Fractions Bingo

This site is worth visiting for a good, simple interactive fractions practice. You can use it for whole class reinforcement or group consolidation.

Have a look at Fractions Bingo.

Using your 3Pi as a split screen

We've found that having the ability to run your interactive board as a split screen (or extension) of your laptop or desktop can be quite advantageous. With the new Smoothboard 2 software it is possible to make your whiteboard interactive whilst giving you the flexibility to work on your laptop without your class seeing what you are up to! Obviously your whiteboard screen is still an extension of your laptop screen so it's not possible to work simultaneously if you need a mouse! However it can be useful if your class is using the whiteboard as a display only, and you need to tee up the next page e.g. your class might be watching something educational on YouTube, and you suddenly have a flash of brilliance and want to find something else on another webpage to enhance your presentation. So on your laptop screen you're hunting for that elusive clip of brilliance, whilst on the extended display on the whiteboard your class is watching something else!

Start up Procedure

What does a user have to do to start up their 3Pi system? This is a question that we are asked regularly. The answer is a simple 1 - 2 - 3

1. Click (on the desktop icon)
2. Press (the remote control button)
3. Calibrate (click four dots on the screen)

That's it!

Microsoft Onenote

The great 'unused' tool in the Microsoft Office suite is Onenote. It is fantastic for organising your lessons/notes/media/ etc/ into orderly, easy to retrieve files. It is just great as an interactive whiteboard resource because it comes with comprehensive built in annotation tools with easy to navigate tabs.

A feature that has proven very useful to many teachers is the built in range of background lines/grids that can be displayed. To access them, go to Format - Rule Lines, then choose.

(Advanced users can create their own templates with any background they like - useful if you have a specialist subject.)

Great Music Resource site

If you are wondering how to use your interactive whiteboard to help music students, then you should definately have a look at MusicEdMagic. It includes research information, useful software, and a whole lot more. All of the resources will work just fine on the 3Pi system.

Right Click in SmoothBoard

By default, the operation of the pen is set to left click. You can change that in the SmoothBoard control panel but usually it is easier to use the built in controls.

The first way to achieve a right click is to click on the 'L' icon in your system tray. It will change to a 'R' and the next click will be a right click.

The next way to do it is to simply click at the very bottom of the image just below the calibrated area. This is called a 'toggle' zone and will again make the next click a right click.

The third way to do it is change the floating toolbar to 'PowerPoint" and select the right click.

Experienced users get very quick at using the option of their choice.

SmoothBoard Version 2

The SmoothBoard team have been really busy over the last few months and they have now launched a major upgrade of their market leading software. All 3Pi customers will be issued with the new software from this date and if a previous customer wants the upgrade (free) then they should email us.

Some features to note in the new version include:

• More line options
• Built in lines/ gridlines
• More colours
• A floating toolbar that appears where the pen is rested
• Ability to resize existing toolbar
• Direct link to snapshots folder
• A part select tool
• An option to disconnect the wiimote on exit

Boon Jin and his team have really 'lifted the bar' with this version!

Calibration

All types of interactive whiteboards require the user to "calibrate" before you use them.

The calibration process simply lets the system know exactly where the pen is in relation to the image. The SmoothBoard software has four calibration points. The first one appears in the top left corner of the image. When it is selected, another appears at the top right, then bottom right and finally bottom left.

It is very important that the user clicks accurately in the exact middle of the crosses. If this is done without care, the pen tip and cursor will be in different places - very frustrating!

Cool Search Engine

If you are looking for an intuitive alternative to the mainstream search engines we suggest that you give Quintura a try. All a user has to do is put in their search term and the engine creates a cloud of 'tags' that relate to the term. Hover the pen (or mouse) over one of the tags and a new set appears. This process helps you drill down deeper into your search very easily. At the same time as the tag clouds are created, a suggested list of sites is generated alongside. Very handy.There is also a version for children which can really help them organise their searches.

Turning it On

A question we are sometimes asked is how complicated is it for a teacher to use the 3Pi interactive board. The answer is, "it's very easy!" There are only 3 things that you have to do to start the system up.

1. Click on the desktop SmoothBoard icon.
2. Push the remote switch.

3. Calibrate

That's it - done!

In fact, in many classrooms, students as young as 5 start the system up for their teacher at the beginning of the school day. All of the above takes around a minute!

Fabulous Web 2.0 Presentation Software

3Pi are always on the lookout for new, interesting, intuitive and exciting software to run the 3Pi system on. www.prezi.com is just such one of those programmes! Sick of old Microsoft Powerpoint like presentations. This free web based programme could well be just what you are looking for. And better still, coupled with the 3Pi system, it will be something that you will be using again and again to make your presentations come alive.

True wireless synching is here!

After a lot of development time and effort we are proud to announce that 3Pi has a true wireless syncing option! Firstly we need to explain what we mean by 'true'. Other sellers are already supplying wireless syncing, but what sets our product apart is how it is achieved. Our system is based around purpose designed and built wireless components that, crucially, switch the low power DC circuit to the wiimote. All other sellers have taken the quick and easy way to achieve the same result, which involves them 'reassigning' cheaply made mains power switches.

Our approach meant that we had to design and build a custom electronic device. We looked hard at using the cheap units that other sellers do, but in the end decided that to achieve our aim of developing this as a mainstream product (hence reliable, and safe), we had no choice.

Anything less is simply not good enough, or safe enough. We will discuss the new product more soon. Exciting times!

Awesome Software

Promethean (makers of ActivBoards) have released a free version of their very popular software that is awesome on wiimote interactive boards. Their 'personal' edition of ActivInspire can be downloaded free. It is a stripped down version of their main product but is still full of highly useful tools and features. One that is really handy in the classroom is the floating clock tool. It can be set to count down or up and can display in both digital and analogue, is completely resizeable and can be positioned anywhere in a window.

Another one that is very cool is the spotlight tool. Using this tool you can draw attention to particular parts of the screen and keep interest high as you reveal the whole image.

Calibration dots

When you start SmoothBoard up you need to calibrate the image so that the wiimote knows where the pen is. To do this, you use your computer mouse to click on "Quick Calibration".

A circle with a cross in it will appear in the top left corner of the image.

As you click on the circle another one will appear in the top right corner. There are four in total. If a circle won't disappear, it is likely that either your hand is blocking the wiimote's view or the wiimote needs to be slightly shifted towards that circle.

If the circles ever seem to click themselves without you doing anything, it is highly likely that there is stray infrared light in the wiimote's view. If so, it is time to pull a curtain.

Sound

One aspect that is sometimes overlooked when setting up an effective interactive whiteboard is sound. Many of the best resources that you will use on your interactive board contain sound, and sharing it over typical laptop/desktop speakers simply won't engage your audience.

Luckily, there are many better sound systems that you can buy for relatively 'bargain' prices.

As an example, in New Zealand you can buy a Logitech X-530 5.1 system for around $90nzd. (Currently $97 Bond & Bond).

Personal experience with this system in several classrooms shows that it is very effective.

Great site for educational games

PurposeGames is an outstanding site to use with your interactive whiteboard. It has a wide variety of strangely addictive quiz type games where you race against the clock to complete tasks such as naming all the American States or labeling 20 places in New Zealand. The site maintains a leaderboard for all the various games and we can guarantee from experience with our own students that your class will love them. A neat feature is that you can design your own quizzes and then see how the masses out there in the great world wide web like them!

2 Wiimotes Anyone?

We would be interested to know how many of you use the 2 wiimote function in SmoothBoard to ensure greater tracking accuracy and less possibility of a user's body blocking the wiimote's view. Opinions anyone?

Maths software

We are often asked which software to use with wiimote whiteboards. Our answer is usually, "whatever you want to" as the system works with anything that you can run on your computer.

However, there are various programmes that are particularly useful.

If you are a junior maths teacher then you should have a look at Virtual Pinboard.

It allows you to very easily and clearly draw polygons. It also comes with useful tools such as a ruler and protractor. Definately worth having in your favourites folder.

Mainstream Technology

Way back in 2008 when we first saw Johnny's video and had a go at making our own ir pen (paper clip, battery, a scavenged LED), a wiimote whiteboard was really only for the "tech geeks" amongst us - certainly most classroom teachers wouldn't have put up with the limitations and fiddly setup routines.

However, nearly two years later, the system has evolved to the point where it can legitimately be called mainstream. There are many partial solutions available on the market, ranging from sellers providing the individual components for the diy buyer, to kits that are made up of "reassigned" components, for example rechargeable batteries being used as power supplies.

We at 3Pi have worked hard to create custom designed and made components that are purpose built and when bought as part of our kits, provide complete systems that the 'average' teacher finds easy to use. Our kits are now being successfully used in schools throughout NZ, Australia and the USA. Our company mission statement of innovation, simplicity, excellence is what we are aiming for.

Useful Tip

For those of you using SmoothBoard, here is an interesting little tip:

If you have access to two ir pens, you can draw perfectly straight lines between them.
Go to annotation mode and select a pen colour. Then position each pen where you want the ends of the line to be and activate them. SmoothBoard will magically draw a perfect line between the two points. Very handy if your hand drawn lines look a bit 'wobbly' at times!

Setting up the 3Pi Classroom Kit - Part 3

Now that all the components are in place it is time to complete the last installation step.

All 3Pi kits contain a licenced copy of SmoothBoard as it is simply the best available software.

SmoothBoard connects to your computer through standard MicroSoft Bluetooth. As many computers come with another type of Bluetooth (or none at all ) we supply a small USB Bluetooth dongle in our kits. We give instructions on how to disable any preinstalled Bluetooth. After following them, you plug the dongle into any spare USB port and it installs itself using the MS Bluetooth.

Now install SmoothBoard (full instructions given), and start it up. The programme will show a screen like this as it searches for the wiimote.

When you see this screen, push our remote synch button in for a couple of seconds and release it. You will see the four blue lights on the end of the wiimote start to flash which shows it is in 'discovery mode'. They will keep flashing for 20 seconds. If your computer is slow, they may stop flashing before the connection is made. If this happens, simply press the button again. SmoothBoard will find the wiimote and connect to it. The first time you do this it may take a little while for the wiimote to be found, but after that it gets much quicker. When it is properly connected you will see this.

Now click on "Quick Calibration". A circle with a cross in it will appear in the top left hand corner of the screen. Take your pen and touch it to the middle of the cross. It will disappear and another one should appear in the next corner. You then repeat the action - there are four in total. If you are unable to make any of the crosses disappear, the wiimote is not pointing in the middle of the screen. Slightly adjust it and try again. When calibrated, you can start interacting!

Setting Up the 3Pi Classroom Kit - Part 2

Now that your mount with wiimote attached is securely attached to your data projector, it is time to connect the rest of the hardware.

Take the remote synch switch and put its red end plug into the matching red wiring socket.

You can then position the remote switch in a convenient location - you have 10m of cable so this should be easy.

Now plug the power adapter into its matching black socket. (Note: unless a customer species otherwise, the power adapter supplied will have the standard New Zealand/Australian pins. It will work on almost any international power system but you would need to source an adapter plug to fit your wall outlet. Let us know if you would like a different configuration.)

It is worth mentioning that our red power insert, that clips in where the wiimote batteries used to, has been designed and built specifically for the wiimote. It is not a rebranded rechargeable battery pack in disguise. It can handle a wide range of voltages and then puts out a steady wiimote friendly voltage and current.

Setting up the 3Pi Classroom Kit - Part 1

If you have purchased one of our kits you have everything you need to create a reliable wiimote based interactive whiteboard. We include setup instructions on both a CD and in written form. Firstly, we will discuss attaching the 3Pi bracket to your ceiling mounted data projector.

In the kit you will find two plastic clips that look like this.
There is a single screw that attaches each clip to the data projector mount. All you have to do is find two convenient holes somewhere near the two front corners of the mount and do the screws up. We usally manage to fit these with no tools as we supply them with easy to use wingnuts (as shown in the picture above).

When the two clips are attached, press the 3Pi mount tube into them so that it is parallel with the front of the projector mount. The tube will now be held securely in place.

You then simply screw the wiimote to the swivel at the end of the mount (our 3Pi power insert has a moulded in thread for this purpose) and plug the power cable into the wiimote.

This should all take you less than 5 minutes.

SmoothBoard Software

As you will be aware, 3Pi fully endorses the excellent SmoothBoard software created by Boon Jin. He has created a product that is light years ahead of the early demonstration software that Johnny Lee Chung started this whole system off with two years ago.

The latest version (SmoothBoard 1.6) is as easy to use as any of the other, much more expensive, commercial offerings. The user simply clicks on a desktop icon, and if they have a 3Pi kit, pushes the synch button. That is all.

Our next few posts will give a simple 'walk through' on how to set up one of the 3Pi kits.

New Tip Switch Pen!

3Pi are proud to announce that we are now supplying a "tip switch" infrared pen - The Groove - in all our kits. The pen can be activated either by pushing the red button on the case or simply by touching it to surface of the whiteboard. This feature makes the use of the pen in general, and handwriting in particular, very natural. We will be updating our website soon to reflect this exciting improvement to our range of products, but all orders from today onwards will be supplied with one of these pens.