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Digital Whiteboard (build one for under $80)
Digital whiteboards are rapidly becoming a standard classroom tool (and on every teachers wish list).
Generally referred to by the product name --- Smartboard, this outrageously expensive but incredible piece of hardware allows teachers and students to control a computer from the front of the classroom. However, the average cost of this tool is around $2500 --- ouch. And with the current state of our economy and cutbacks in education, who can afford this tool?
- Answer: we all can!
- And we can thank Johnny Lee for his $80 creative alternative. He uses an inexpensive WiiMote (Wii remote game controller) in a very creative manner.
- This solution has 80% of the Smartboard capabilities for 3% of the cost.
Begin with Johnny's presentation (just watch the first 3 minutes).
If you're not familiar with a Smartboard, check out this short video
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Video Demonstrations of the WiiMote:Required Software:- Smoothboard (free download)
- Easily transforms your flat screen display (whiteboard or wall) into an interactive whiteboard with just a Wii Remote and IR Pen (infrared pen).
- Smoothboard provides a simple interface that enables users to interact with their computer directly at the screen.
- WiiMoteConnect 0.6 (Free download. Select "wiimoteConnect 0.6)
- This software assists in autoconnecting your BlueTooth with your WiiMote Controller.
Directions on connecting your WiiMote to a PC.If you're install a Bluetooth (assuming one was not built-in), then you'll see a response similar to the illustration below:  Uponlaunching the Smoothboard software, you'll see the following illustration on your screen. Simply hit the 'Calibrate button', touch the 4 corners of the screen, and you're set to go.
Required Hardware: - Wii Remote Controller $39.95 (Amazon)
- Infrared (IR) LED Pen (for Wiimote Interactive Whiteboard) $9.95
- IOGear GBU421 Bluetooth $19.95 (Amazon)
- If your computer doesn't have built-in blue tooth
Useful Resource Links:
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 Updating...
WiimoteConnect-0.6.zip (428k) Barry Jahn, Mar 24, 2009, 6:29 PM
WiimoteSmoothboard0.4.6.zip (374k) Barry Jahn, Mar 8, 2009, 9:25 PM
Ċ Barry Jahn, May 31, 2011, 6:19 PM
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