The former CTAP 4  staff met with several vendors at the 2009 CUE conference in Palm Springs, looking to determine the following three things.
•    How do their prices compare?
•    What are the strong points of each brand?
•    Who, in our region, is using each brand?

Each vendor has similar technologies, but each had one or two features that were uniquely their own. The chart below lists products alphabetically by vendor, and includes pricing information.

Interwrite

eInstruction makes the Interwrite board. One unique feature on the Interwrite is the Dual Board technology. Two users or up to four tablets can interact with the board at the same time. The new Mobi tablet boasts cool innovations as well with an LCD display on the tablet. The final thing that sets Interwrite apart is the ExamView. ExamView holds a bank of questions aligned with the state standards. These questions can quickly and seamlessly be integrated into lessons.

Talk with a Region e User about Interwrite:

• Kevin McIntyre; Coordinator of Educational Technology, Antioch Unified School District; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Mimio

Mimio is a solution for those looking for economical or portable equipment. Mimio folds in half and travels will ease. Mimio scales to different custom sizes and works on any flat surface. Do you need to record chart notes from a meeting, but don’t have a computer? Mimio’s physical ink capture has flash memory for just such an occasion.

Talk with Regional Users about Mimeo:

• If your  district is using Mimio and you’d be willing to have other educators contact you, please let us know, and we’ll include your contact information.

Polyvision

Polyvision’s eno uses a unique magnetized ceramic steel technology to create a durable board. This technology is baked onto steel and carries a life-time warranty. The board itself has no electronics or wires. This technology is the same type that is in the popular LeapPad products. Although this system comes with operating software, it will use any other whiteboard software as well.

Talk with Regional Users about Polyvision:

• If your district is using Polyvision and you’d be willing to have other educators contact you, please let us know, and we’ll include your contact information.

Promethean

Promethean’s ActivClassroom is recognizable from a distance by its bright orange components. Their online teacher community, Promethean Planet , evidences Promethean’s focus on an education-only market. Promethean also maintains a group of Teaching and Learning Consultants (TLCs) from across the nation.  All have a minimum of six years of classroom teaching experience. The Promethean system offers a high level of integration of their components.

Talk with  a Region 4 User about Promethean:

• Ann Kruze; Coordinator of Instructional Technology; Oakland Unified School District; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

SMART

SMART is the “Kleenex” of interactive whiteboards. They have the greatest market share overall. When we looked at their software, it was quite easy to pick up quickly. They have the tablet and student response system, but they also have integrated speakers and document cameras into their system.

Talk with a Region 4 User about SMART:

• Rick Stevens, Educational Technology Coordinator of the Fairfield Suisun School District; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it