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.