E Beam Technology

The Ministry of Education of Trinidad and Tobago recently distributed eBeam Systems to select Secondary Schools as part of the Secondary Education Modernization Programme. Let us have a look at how effective this system is for classrooms.

The system distributed by the MOE included software and hardware in the form of an eBeam receiver, an interactive stylus and an Interact software compact disc.  It is quite portable with the receiver measuring 6" across and weighing approximately 4.5 oz.  This allows the system to be moved from room to room and to be stored safely after use.  This is beneficial for schools where property damage and theft by students are issues.

The eBeam system basically turns any whiteboard into an interactive electronic whiteboard and allows the teacher or student to access anything on a connected computer from the board. The teacher does not have to stand behind the computer nor does she have to leave the front of the class. This allows the teacher to focus more on her learners. For a complete overview of the features of the eBeam system, please visit

http://training.luidia.com/certification/?id=34 

So did the government make a wise investment in the eBeam? The answer to that would be a resounding "Yes". This technology can be applied to every class and to every area of the curriculum, not just one subject area. Lessons are enhanced by the use of graphics, text, images, animation and sounds which appeal to learners of all types. The easily accessible pen and text tools allow the teacher or student to record responses next to images and create a presentation right before their eyes. Students respond positively and learning becomes more enjoyble and effective. Lessons come alive with the embedded web browser which allows instant access to information on the World Wide Web.

The eBeam system saves every stroke of the stylus on the whiteboard in an electronic form on the computer. This makes review of a lesson a simple process and going back is never difficult when a student does not understand. Going over the steps in a math problem becomes an easy task, unlike using an ordinary whiteboard and having to write it all over again. The teacher can save, print, share, launch an application, browse the internet, open and close saved files, or show a slide presentation with a simple tap of the stylus.

For a report of the effect eBeam technology has had in the classroom, please visit http://news.becta.org.uk/display.cfm?resID=34253&page=1658&catID=1633

So are there any drawbacks?  Very few.  For the system to work effectively, calibration must be done whenever the system starts up.  If this is not done accurately, accessing the tools may become frustrating since the tools you require are not the ones that open.  Minor difficulty which is easily solved by a steady hand.  Other users have complained of the suction cups being ineffective and the receiver falling off the whiteboard.  Other than that, users are quite satisfied.

 The only challenge there may be in using it in Trinidad and Tobago is the need for a computer in the room, or use of a computer lab.  The reality is that not schools have working computers that are easily accessible, and there certainly is not one in each classroom.  What makes it quite suitable for our culture is the fact that it can be removed to safety after use.  The portability and flexibility of the eBeam system makes it suitable for any classroom in any part of the world and I would highly recommend its use.

Shazara Baksh