Interactive whiteboards for classrooms have become increasingly popular in K-12 schools over the last few years. When ESSER funding became available in 2020, many schools who did not previously have the budget to purchase this type of educational technology were now able to bring interactivity to most or all of their classrooms. Now several years later and as we are approaching the start of the 2025-2026 school year, many interactive whiteboards that were purchased with ESSER funding are likely nearing end of life. As Technology Directors and IT admin begin to plan for their technology refreshes, it’s important to note that there have been significant changes to interactive whiteboards for classrooms offerings. So, how do you choose the right one for your school’s needs? Whether you’re upgrading your current setup or starting fresh, understanding the key differences between the different types of interactive whiteboards for classrooms today is crucial in making the most informed decision.
Keep reading our evaluation guide below, as we break down the different types of interactive whiteboards, what each of these whiteboard types offers, and help you find the best match for your school’s classroom needs.
Understanding Interactive Whiteboard Basics
Interactive whiteboards for classrooms do more than just replace a chalkboard or dry erase board. Utilizing interactive technology fully in the classroom engages students for effectively, enables real-time collaboration, and boosts student performance. Before we dive into the specific types of interactive whiteboards for classrooms, it’s important to understand what makes a quality interactive display:
- Display resolution: Look for 4K resolution for crystal-clear visuals
- Touch sensitivity: Multi-touch capability (at least 20-point touch)
- Connectivity options: USB, HDMI, wireless casting capabilities
- Software: Should come with access to a digital whiteboarding platform as well as support the use of external educational apps and resources
- Durability: Anti-glare, scratch-resistant glass
- Warranty and support: At least 3-5 years of manufacturer support
For a more in-depth exploration of features to consider, you can check out our blog about evaluating smart interactive whiteboard pricing and features.
Breaking Down the Different Types of Interactive Whiteboards for Classrooms
Regardless of the manufacturer, there are really three distinct types of interactive whiteboards for classrooms in today’s market and they are differentiated by their native operating system – Enterprise Device Licensing Agreement (EDLA), Android Open Source Project (AOSP), and OS-free (aka no operating system). Let’s explore these different types of interactive whiteboards to help you make an informed decision based on your school’s specific needs and budget.
1. The Google-Certified Experience: EDLA Interactive Whiteboards
An EDLA-certified interactive whiteboard comes with a fully licensed version of the Android operating system with Google Mobile Services (GMS). This type of interactive whiteboard is best for schools who heavily utilize Google Workspace for Education and are looking for seamless, integrated experience with a wide range of educational apps.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Native Access to the Google Play Store: Users can access the Google Play Store right from their display and install apps like Google Classroom, Netflix, Kahoot!, and more directly onto their whiteboard.
- Seamless Google Integration: Seamless compatibility with Google Drive, Classroom, Docs, Slides, and other Google education tools. Teachers can open assignments, share files, and collaborate with students directly from the display.
- Enhanced Security and Updates: Automatic security and firmware updates for both the system and apps on the interactive display directly from Google.
- Device Management: Easy integration with Google Admin Console for centralized management.
Considerations:
- Cost: Generally, more expensive due to certification and licensing agreement.
- Google Account Dependency: May require an Education Standard or Plus license for full device management features.
2. The Traditional Experience: AOSP Interactive Whiteboards
AOSP interactive whiteboards are what most schools who bought their displays prior to the end of 2023/beginning of 2024 currently have in their classrooms. This type of interactive whiteboard run on the open-source version of Android without GMS. This means unlike the Android OS on a phone or tablet, AOSP interactive whiteboards offer a stripped-down version without Google’s proprietary apps (aka no access to the Google Play Store from the display). These interactive whiteboards for classrooms are ideal for schools that want the option to use their display as a stand-alone device and do not utilize Google Workspace for Education.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Lower Initial Cost: Generally, AOSP interactive displays are more budget-friendly compared to EDLA-certified options.
- Variety: Available from many manufacturers in various specifications and price points.
- Customizable: More flexibility for IT departments to tailor the system.
Considerations:
- No Play Store: The absence of the Google Play Store means you’ll need to find alternative ways to install apps, such as sideloading or a third-party app store, which can be more complex.
- Device Management: Schools will need to use an alternative MDM solution for device management.
3. The Simple Experience: OS-Free Interactive Whiteboards
An OS-free interactive whiteboard essentially functions as a large touchscreen monitor. As its name would suggest, there is no built-in Android operating system. Instead, to use these types of interactive whiteboards for classrooms, teachers need to connect an external device, be that a laptop, desktop PC, or slot-in PC, to power their lessons and content. This display type is ideal for schools that are looking for a budget friendly interactive whiteboard with a long lifespan and their teachers prefer to connect their external devices to drive the content on their interactive display.
Key Features and Benefits:
- Cost: These are going to be the least expensive interactive whiteboards for classrooms.
- Flexible: You can connect any external device to power the display, whether that be a Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, etc. device.
- Longer Lifespan: In order to upgrade the display, you simply swap out the computing module or external device. No need to purchase a new display.
- Security: Without an OS, there’s no environment for viruses or malware to run, significantly reducing the risk of cyberattacks. Plus, there’s no OS to update or for storing data locally, minimizing vulnerabilities and data breaches.
Considerations:
- Limited Standalone Functionality: Requires an external computer to operate. Without a connect device, it’s essentially just a large display.
- No App Ecosystem: Cannot install or run apps on its own.
- Screen Sharing: You are unable to use a wireless casting solution with this type of display.
Which are the Best Interactive Whiteboards for Classrooms?
When it comes to evaluating the different types of interactive whiteboards for classrooms, each one offers distinct benefits depending on your school’s needs. EDLA-certified IWBs provide the most complete and integrated experience with Google Workspace for Education, AOSP IWBs offer more variety and flexibility than EDLA displays while maintaining most Android functionality, and OS-free IWBs provide a simple, flexible, and device-agnostic interactive experience at the lowest price point.
Ultimately, the “best” interactive whiteboard will depend on your school’s current digital environment, specific needs in the classroom, and budget. Consider the following questions to guide your decision:
- What is your budget?
- Is using the interactive whiteboard by itself important to you?
- Do you prefer to connect your laptops/desktops mainly or solely to the display for use?
- If you’re using laptops, is casting/screen sharing important?
- Do you use Google Workspace for Education?
- Do you want to install apps?
Also consider engaging an EdTech provider to help you navigate your selection and providing you with a demo of the different types of displays to ensure you’re making the more informed and best decision for your school.
