Presentation Technologies

Extract from Becta Information sheet 2001

With the increasing emphasis on whole class teaching, many teachers have realised that the computer can be an ideal tool to use. However, to be effective for this purpose, the display needs to be fairly large. There are a number of options available for increasing the size of a computer display, including connection to a television, projector or interactive whiteboard, all of which enable large groups and whole classes to view a single computer screen.

Television screens

This is the simplest option for getting started and has the advantages of being relatively inexpensive using existing resources. However, detailed material can be difficult to see on screen on account of the low resolution unless the connecting device has a zoom facility.

During the project, each school was given a "Corioscan Select + MM100/200SE & PSU" device, which connected a the PC to a standard TV. This device was chosen for its ease of use, remote control and zoom facilities.

Suppliers: There are many suppliers. Please contact County Supplies

Approx Cost: £200

Click here for notes to help with setting-up.

Corioscan Select + MM100/200SE & PSU

• Automatic screen adjustment
• Full-feature infra-red remote control
• 2xzoom & pan
• On-screen display for ease of use

Projectors

A projector connects to the computer and projects the image directly onto a screen. Prices range from around £1,000 to over £8,000. The price tends to reflect the resolution, brightness, and weight of the equipment. A projector has the advantage of:

• projecting large enough for a very large audience to see, for example in the school hall
• SVGA (800x600) being acceptable under normal circumstances
• accepting video as well as data input in most cases.

When choosing an LCD projector, you will need to make sure that

• It is bright enough - for use in a light room, 1100 ANSI lumens are recommended,
• If it is to be moved around school, it is light enough. In recent months the size and weight of LCD projectors have reduced. 3-3.5kg makes for an portable LCD.
• You ask about expected bulb life. Some bulbs have guaranteed lives as low as 1500 hours, although the cost of the replacement bulb, which can exceed £300, costs the same as the longer lasting ones.

Additional features of LCD projectors that might be considered are remote-control and keystone correction facilities.

Details about presentation technologies and whole class teaching, including links to suppliers and case studies, can be found on this web site.

• www.becta.org.uk/teaching/pedagogy

Becta sheets

• Display Technologie in summary
• Display Technologiesn full as a pdf file