After pilot testing, the Archdiocese of Baltimore selected BenQ RP Series interactive displays as the new standard for its 37 Catholic elementary schools.
“BenQ’s displays build onto what teachers are already familiar with but add creative yet intuitive features that take it to the next level,” says Nancy Reed, technology integration specialist for the archdiocese. “In some cases, that meant some of our teachers use them with their old whiteboard software but take advantage of being able to access their Google accounts right from the screen. In other cases, teachers have jumped right into recording lessons and screen sharing to foster student engagement.”
Benefits of the Interactive Displays
Cloud-integrated, the interactive displays’ EZWrite software lets teachers get started without extensive training. EZWrite’s cloud whiteboard capabilities allow teachers as well as students to interact with the screen from their Chromebook, Surface, Mac, or any mobile device. Teachers tap the screen to select from options available in the Floating Tool menu to make presentations and content more interesting. They can write on top of any app, video, website, document, or image. Whether using Windows, Mac, Chrome, or Android, a teacher can take notes on top of any content and save them to their chosen cloud platform, including Google Classroom and Dropbox. The screen capture capability lets teachers capture all — or just part — of the screen.
BenQ’s interactive displays integrate with many of the tools and applications that the teachers are already using, including Google, Zoom, whiteboard software, and other applications. BenQ’s Account Management System (AMS) allows them to access and manage their personal files, accounts, and settings like they would a computer. Schools also have the option of giving their staff personalized NFC cards, which provide convenient panel login and access to their files and favorite programs when swiped in front of the NFC card reader built into the display.
Engagement for Both In-Person and Remote Students
There are more than 100 displays deployed throughout the archdiocese’s K-8 schools. In the fall, when the organization opens the new pre-K-8 school, Mother Mary Lange Catholic School, every classroom will be equipped with an RP Series interactive display.
“The classroom is a rigorous environment, where both students in the classroom and those joining remotely must be equally engaged and have the tools they need to learn — but without sacrificing classroom time or removing the teacher’s attention from students’ progress,” concludes Carly Burton-Sallay, digital marketing manager at BenQ America Corp. “The Archdiocese of Baltimore is a great example of how the intuitive RP Series alleviates the stress that technology can introduce for educators while providing fun, innovative tools that expand learning opportunities.”