Lesson 14: Maximizing the Use of LCD Projector and the Chalkboard

LCD Projector

• An LCD projector is a type of video projector for displaying video, images or computer data on a screen or other flat surface.
• Because they use small lamps and the ability to project an image on any flat surface, LCD projectors tend to be smaller and more portable than some other types of projection systems. Even so, the best image quality is found using a blank white, grey, or black (which blocks reflected ambient light) surface, so dedicated projection screens are often used.

Advantages of LCD Projectors

• Cost of LCD Projectors 
• Sharp Images 
• Greater Zoom Magnification 
• Less Power Consumption 

Disadvantages of LCD projectors

• Limited lifetime 
• Contrast
• Screen-door effect
• Dust issues
• Dead pixels

The Chalkboard

• A chalkboard is a reusable writing surface on which text or drawings are made with sticks of calcium sulfate or calcium carbonate, known, when used for this purpose, as chalk. 
• Except in extremely deprived classrooms, every classroom has a chalkboard. In fact, a school may have no computer, radio, TV, etc. but it will always have a chalkboard.

Practices that help us in effective use of Chalkboard

• Write clearly and legibly on the board. Take note that there are children in the last row.
• Have a hard copy of your chalkboard diagram or outline.
• Do not crowd your notes on the board.
• Make use of colored chalk to highlight key points. Color will also make your board work appealing.
• Do not turn your back to your class while you write on the chalkboard. Write side view as you talk. Do not lose your eye contact with the class.
• For the sake of order and clarity, start to write from the left side of the board going right.
• If you teach the grades and you think the lines on the chalkboard are needed for writing exercise, then provide the lines for your board.
• Look at your board work from all corners of the room to test if pupils from all sides of the room can read your board work.
• If there is glare on the chalkboard at a certain times, a curtain on the window may solve the problem.
• If you need to replace your chalkboard or if you are having a new classroom with new chalkboard suggest to the carpenter to mount the chalkboard a little concave from left to right to avoid glare for the pupils’ benefit.
• If you need to have a board work in advance or that need to be saved for tomorrow’s use(say a quiz or sophisticated diagram), write “Please Save” and cover the same with a curtain.
• Make full use of the chalkboard. It may be a traditional educational technology but it serves its purpose very well when used correctly.

Chalkboard Techniques by James W. Brown (1969)

A.   Sharpen your chalk to get good line quality.

B.   Stand with your elbow high. Move along as you write.

C.   Use dots as “aiming points”. This keeps writing level.

D.  Make all writing or printing between 2 and 4 inches high for legibility.

E.  When using colored chalk, use soft chalk so that it can be erased easily.