Whiteboard

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This article is about the glossy surface. For the software, see Whiteboarding.

A whiteboard (also called a dry-erase board) is the name for any glossy surface, most commonly coloured white, where markings can be made. Whiteboards operate analogously to chalkboards in that they allow markings to temporarily adhere to the surface of the board. These markings are removed more easily than if one were to use a chalkboard. Before 1994, most classrooms used chalkboards, but around 1994-1995, whiteboards started to become more affordable and more classrooms started using them.^{[citation needed]}

However, instead of using chalk (as on chalkboards) to make the markings, a special whiteboard erase marker containing removable ink is used (see non-permanent marker). Whiteboards are normally constructed using porcelain enameled steel. Steel whiteboards are magnetic, so one can use magnets to affix notes or a magnetic eraser to them. Porcelain boards are more durable than standard melamine boards. Both porcelain and melamine will fade to a slight gray color over time and exhibit ghosting. Ghosting occurs, on melamine boards, dry erase ink seeps into the surface of the board making it impossible to erase marks using even the strongest cleaning solution. Recently, a third type of whiteboard, called the EverWhite whiteboard, has eliminated ghosting by using a special board surface. No ink is allowed to seep into the board surface and thus no residual marks remain after writing on the board.

The term whiteboard is also used metaphorically to refer to features of computer software applications that simulate whiteboards. Virtual whiteboards allow one or more people to write or draw images on a simulated canvas. This is a common feature of many virtual meeting, collaboration, and instant messaging applications.

Contents 1 Advantages and disadvantages 2 In use 3 See also 4 References

[edit] Advantages and disadvantages

Whiteboard ink markings are less susceptible to external influences, such as water or accidental erasure, because the ink adheres slightly more strongly than chalk adheres to chalkboards. The ink is also less messy than chalk, which generates chalk dust during use and erasure.

Another advantage is that a whiteboard can be used as the background for a presentation from an overhead projector. This allows the person giving the presentation to fill in blanks or make comments by writing on the whiteboard. For instance, a form can be copied onto the transparency, and the presenter can demonstrate how to fill it in, in the way just described. Even so, using a projector on a white board can produce a glare, making it difficult to read and therefore a projection screen is still a much better surface to project on.

Another advantage is, anybody allergic to chalk can use these boards as an alternative.

Whiteboards are slightly more expensive than blackboards. In addition, only special whiteboard markers are suitable for use on whiteboards; using other markers that resemble whiteboard markers but that contain the wrong kind of ink creates indelible (or very hard to remove) markings. However, in many cases these markings can be removed by filling over them using a marker with the right type of removable ink, and then erasing the ink.

You may find such use of whiteboards in school settings, where children may attempt to deface or mark the board with a permanent marker. In some cases, careless use of such a marker by a teacher will also result in a defacement. Using an alcohol, such as Isopropanol, ethanol or denatured alcohol, often found in the local science department will remove the offending marks cleanly and return the board to useful service. Many board cleaning sprays or wipes use alcohol and water mixes for such mistakes and are commercially available from the whiteboard manufacturers.

Also, the white background can cause contrast problems for people with vision impairment, and some people have allergies or sensitivities that are affected by the strong odor of most whiteboard markers. For the latter, reduced-odor markers are available.

[edit] In use

Whiteboards are excellent for collaborative sessions for design or problem solving. Portable whiteboards or meeting rooms with whiteboards are always a valuable commodity in any office situation.

Enterprising staff can even resort to using glass partitions with white paper backing to accommodate a lack of resources.

[edit] See also

• Interactive whiteboard

[edit] References