Using uBoard with MS Tablet functions

You may recall that uBoard is recognised as a 'native' Microsoft tablet device which means that you can access all the excellent software functions that Microsoft include in their tablet package.
The first tablet function that people tend to use is handwriting recognition. Basically, you can handwrite on the screen and it is turned into typed text as you go! The latest version of this is very, very good, and easily handles my 'old school' cursive handwriting. This is very handy and can be used for taking notes, entering a web address in a form, signing a digital document, annotating a document neatly - a multitude of uses.


MS Vista also allows this functionality, but MS Windows 7 is the best. uBoard is the only interactive whiteboard able to access this software.

Portable Interactive Whiteboard

One of the greatest advantages of the new generation of interactive boards is their sheer portability and lack of need for specialists to install.

The uBoard receiver is just 22cm long (8.5inches).

It attaches to a standard whiteboard, or wall, by sticking magnetically to a small metal plate which is stuck on first. Mounting, or dismounting the receiver takes only moments - contrast this to the older technology which requires tradesmen to attach and hook up the necessary power cables and mounting points.

Earthquake in Christchurch

Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone in Christchurch, New Zealand, as they battle with the disaster that struck them today. Unbelievable.

Interactive solar system resource

If you are looking for a resource to use to explain the basics of our solar system, you need look no further than the MINT gallery included with uBoard. The individual elements can be moved around easily and you can use the spotlight or reveal tools to focus on particular pieces.

To find it, go to Galleries and open the Science folder. Double click on the images and they will load. You can resize or reposition as you wish.

Charging the uBoard pen

uBoard interactive whiteboard systems use a rechargeable pen. They are supplied with a cable that plugs into the end of the pen at one end and into a usb port (or usb charger) at the other.

From flat, they take 1.5 hours to charge which will give you approximately 15 hours of continuous use. Because it uses an advanced lithium polymer battery, you can part charge it whenever you like with no ill effects. A neat feature is that a red light glows in the end which goes out when the pen is fully charged.

Interactive music resource

Here's a handy site that will be useful for senior music teachers - Ricci Adams' Musictheory.net . It's full of tools that will help students learn a range of music theory.
It ranges from fairly simple exercises that test knowledge of notes to more complex activities around identifying various scales by ear. A great feature is the ability to customise the activities.

Installing a data projector - Part 2

The actual installation is sometimes left to school caretakers or maintenance personal and we strongly recommend that they read the previous post before starting. To help with the practicalities of the job, the tips below may be useful.

• Shift the whiteboard to the right height for the users.
• Connect the projector to the computer that will use it.
• Position the projector as close as possible to the screen while ensuring the picture is within the screen and no wider than 1.5m.
• Use a string with a weight on the end to mark on the ceiling where the projector mount should be fitted.
• Ensure that the mount is securely attached to the ceiling (we have several easy solutions for this – email us if you need advice).
• The projector will need a power outlet to plug into. If there isn’t a ceiling outlet, you can run an extension lead to it using commonly available cable channelling (ask at an electrical store).This channelling will also be needed for the VGA cable that will connect the projector to the computer. Make sure you know where the computer will be positioned so the channelling ends at the right place!