Digital Podium

What is a Digital Podium?

A Digital Podium, also known as an Electronic Lectern, plays a crucial role in seminar halls, conference rooms, lecture halls, schools, and colleges. This is a cutting-edge presentation tool that combines modern technology with the traditional concept of a podium. It is very effective and gives a unique experience in educational institutions, conference rooms, and lecture halls, due to its amazing features. Users can connect their laptops with this podium and showcase their laptop’s screen on other screen by attach the cables. It combines modern technology with the traditional concept of a podium, revolutionising presentations and public speaking.

How Digital Podium Works?

A Digital Podium (also known as an Electronic Lectern) is an essential tool in seminar halls, conference rooms, lecture halls, schools, and colleges. Let me break down how it works:

  1. Components:
    • Touchscreen Computer: The podium integrates a touchscreen computer that allows presenters to control multimedia content.
    • Document Camera (Visualizer): This device captures and displays physical documents, books, or objects on a larger screen.
    • Inbuilt Speaker System: Ensures clear audio for the presenter without requiring an external speakers.
    • Amplifier with Lockable Utility Box: It provides sound amplification and secure storage.
    • Interactive Screen: Allows presenters to display graphical content, videos, and engage the audience.
    • Customizable Features: Some podiums offer customization options based on user requirements.
  2. Integration with Equipment:
    • Touch Panel: Enhances presentations by allowing presenters to highlight points, write, and interact with the content.
    • Smart Classroom Integration: Easily connects with existing smart boards, benefiting differently abled educators.
    • Real-Time Interaction: Presenters can engage the audience using visual aids, improving attention and confidence.
  3. Quality and Support:
    • Make in India Product: High-quality materials and rigorous quality checks ensure reliability.
    • Service Support Warranty: Comes with the years of service support backed by a nationwide team.
    • Superior Audio and Visual Output: Ensures a great user experience.

Benefits of Digital Podium

Digital podiums offer a range of advantages, particularly in educational settings. Let’s explore some of the key benefits:

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  1. Enhanced Engagement and Interaction: Digital podiums make presentations more dynamic and engaging. With features like touchscreens and real-time annotations, educators can interact directly with content, keeping students actively involved.
  2. Seamless Integration of Multimedia: These podiums allow seamless integration of videos, images, and interactive graphs, enhancing visual appeal and overall impact.
  3. Data Interpretation Made Easy: Presenters can use digital podiums to highlight key points and draw annotations in real time, creating a more immersive experience for the audience.
  4. Eco-Friendly Presentations: By reducing paper usage, digital podiums contribute to environmental sustainability.
  5. Seamless Remote Collaboration: Digital podiums facilitate real-time collaboration and feedback, making them valuable tools for both in-person and remote learning
  6. Accessibility and Inclusivity: These podiums cater to diverse learning needs, making education more accessible. They provide access to multimedia resources and offer interactive teaching tools.

Features of Digital Podium

Digital podiums offer a range of advanced features that enhance presentations and teaching experiences. Here are some key features:

  1. Interactive Touchscreen Display: Digital podiums come equipped with touchscreens, allowing presenters to interact directly with content and make annotations in real time.
  2. Multimedia Integration: These podiums seamlessly integrate multimedia elements such as videos, images, graphs, and animations, making presentations dynamic and engaging.
  3. Integrated Computer: Digital podiums include an integrated computer (mini PC) with configurations like i3/i5/i7 processors, RAM, storage, and operating systems.
  4. Document Camera (Visualizer): The document camera allows presenters to display original scripts, diagrams, or content in real-time, enhancing credibility and understanding.
  5. Powerful Audio Equipment: High-quality speakers, amplifiers, and microphones ensure clear audio during presentations.
  6. User-Friendly Design: Digital podiums are easy to use, with accessible features and functions.
  7. Security Features: Locking mechanisms provide security for drawers, trays, and shelves

Specifications of Digital Podium

The Promark Digital Podium offers a range of advanced features for dynamic presentations in modern classrooms and conference rooms. Here are the key specifications:

FeatureSpecification
Display21.5-inch LCD touch screen with a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels & Anti Glare and scratch-resistant screen.
Screen PropertiesAnti-glare and scratch-resistant
    Built-in PCIntel Core i3, i5, or i7 processor & Adequate storage (up to 1TB HDD)
Audio and MultimediaTwo high-quality speakers (50 watts each) & Document camera (visualizer) with 5MP resolution.
ConnectivityUSB 2.0 and USB 3.0 ports ,VGA and HDMI ports and SD card slot.
Dimensions and WeightOverall dimensions: 740mm x 670mm x 1180mm & Weight: 95 kg.

Conclusion

Digital podiums revolutionise presentations, making them more engaging and efficient. Whether in educational institutions or professional settings, these versatile tools enhance communication and knowledge sharing.Digital podiums are not just a replacement for traditional lecterns but a transformative tool that redefines the presentation experience. By embracing this technology, presenters can deliver more impactful, interactive, and engaging presentations, meeting the demands of modern audiences and making a lasting impression.

Also Read

Smart Classroom Equipments for Better Teaching and Learning in 2024
Traditional Board vs Interactive Whiteboard

Traditional Whiteboard vs. Interactive Whiteboard: Which is Better?

Traditional Whiteboard

A traditional whiteboard is a large white surface that is used for writing and drawing in the classroom. Educators use chalks or markers for writing on this whiteboard. These traditional boards come in 2 types: black boards and whiteboards. The blackboards are the black large surface and whiteboards are the white in surface. Educators can write using colourful or white chalks on blackboard and use duster to rub the board. On the other hand the educators use black markers on whiteboards for writing and can use a dry cloth or duster for rubbing the board. These traditional whiteboards or blackboards have too many limitations as compared to interactive whiteboards. 

Interactive Whiteboard

An interactive whiteboard (IWB), also known as an interactive board or smart board, is a large display board resembling a whiteboard. We can also say that it is an electronic touch screen display that can help to enhance the education and classroom experience. It can function independently as a touchscreen computer, allowing users to interact with content using touch gestures or physical interactive pens. Interactive Whiteboard enhances collaboration, Multisensory Learning, Environmentally Friendly. Educators can use interactive whiteboards the same as traditional boards. They can write, draw or present something on the screen by touch on the panel. This interactive whiteboard has many other advanced features available like: educators can use 3d shapes, they can use the internet, educators can access the digital notes at any time. This interactive whiteboard or smart board comes in many different sizes. Educators can choose the size according to their classroom dimensions. 

Reasons in favour of using interactive whiteboard

Interactive whiteboards offer several benefits in the classroom. Let’s explore some compelling reasons to use them:

  1. Enhanced Engagement: Interactive whiteboards improve student engagement by allowing teachers to present content using a mix of media (photos, videos, audio files) and keep students invested in the material.
  2. Collaboration and Teamwork: Students can physically interact with content on interactive whiteboards. Clear communication is crucial for effective teamwork. Students should understand their roles, responsibilities, and team goals. Group collaboration projects are easy and become more engaging, and students can work together on tasks or assignments. 
  3. Resource Digitization: Teachers can digitise existing resources like textbooks, worksheets, and lesson plans, Google Slides, PDF worksheets and display them on interactive whiteboards to make them more engaging and accessible to students.This eliminates the need for printing and makes materials easily accessible to students.
  4. Real-Time Digital Note-Taking: Interactive whiteboards allow real-time note-taking during lessons. Teachers and students can create and update digital notes as information is presented or discussed.
  5. Multimedia Capability: Teachers can incorporate video, moving diagrams,Visual Engagement and Real-World Context to explain difficult material effectively. The multimedia features of interactive whiteboards provide flexibility in conveying information

Comparison Between Traditional Whiteboard and  Interactive Whiteboard

Traditional WhiteboardInteractive Whiteboard
Marker-based writingTouch screen interaction
Analog writing surfaceDigital, interactive platform
Less expensiveGenerally more expensive
Varies based on markersBright display
Limited compatibilitySeamless integration
Limited functionalitySupports diverse software
Standard interactionCaptivates student attention

Why Interactive Whiteboards Worth the Purchase

An Interactive whiteboard like the SMART board is more than 10 times the price of a Traditional whiteboard but worth buying interactive whiteboard.

Traditional WhiteboardInteractive Whiteboard
PriceApproximately Rs.10,000 to Rs.20,000 according to sizeApproximately Rs.1,50,000 to Rs.2,50,000 according to size and configurations
Size4.25’ to 6’ Tall65”, 75”, 86” and 98” 

Is It Time for Your School to Switch to an Interactive Display?

 Switching to an interactive display can offer several benefits for schools:

  1. Enhanced Engagement: Enhanced engagement is a hallmark of interactive whiteboards, as they captivate students’ attention and make learning more interactive and dynamic. Unlike traditional teaching methods that rely solely on verbal instruction or static visual aids, interactive whiteboards offer a multisensory learning experience that appeals to diverse learning styles and preferences.
  2. Multimedia Integration: Multimedia integration is a key feature of interactive whiteboards that enhances teaching and learning experiences by allowing seamless integration of various multimedia content, including videos, images, audio clips, and interactive simulations.
  3. Collaboration: Students can work together on interactive projects. Collaboration is a cornerstone of effective learning, and interactive whiteboards provide a platform for students to work together on interactive projects in innovative ways.
  4. Resource Digitization: Resource digitization is a key benefit of interactive displays, as they reduce the reliance on physical materials and offer a more efficient and environmentally friendly alternative. With interactive displays, educators can digitise a wide range of teaching resources, including textbooks, worksheets, lesson plans, and multimedia content
  5. Real-Time Annotation: Real-time annotation is a powerful feature of interactive whiteboards (IWBs) and some educational software that allows teachers to add notes, explanations, and highlights directly onto the digital content they are presenting during a lesson. This enhances the traditional role of a whiteboard by offering a dynamic and interactive layer of information.
  6. Versatility: Versatility is another key advantage of interactive whiteboards (IWBs) compared to traditional whiteboards. Unlike their static counterparts, IWBs are not limited to dry-erase markers and basic diagrams. Their ability to support various software and applications unlocks a whole new world of instructional possibilities.
  7. Future-Proofing: Prepares students for digital environments. Interactive whiteboards (IWBs) can play a vital role in future-proofing classrooms and preparing students for the digital environments they’ll encounter throughout their lives.

Conclusion

The choice between traditional whiteboard and interactive whiteboard is not a simple one. Traditional whiteboards remain a valuable tool, particularly for classrooms prioritising simplicity and affordability. However, for educators seeking to create a more dynamic and engaging learning environment, interactive whiteboards offer a wealth of possibilities. Ultimately, the best choice depends on the specific needs, resources, and technological comfort level of the classroom. As technology continues to evolve, both traditional and interactive whiteboards are likely to adapt and improve, offering educators an ever-growing arsenal of tools to create effective and engaging learning experiences for their students.

Smart Classroom Setup

What is the Smart classroom setup?

A smart classroom is a set of tools and softwares that is used in modern education. It’s an intelligently designed environment that leverages technology to enhance the teaching and learning experience. Beyond traditional setups, smart classrooms integrate various technologies to create a connected and intelligent ecosystem within the classroom. This environment helps to create engagement and enhance the education experience in the classroom. These smart classrooms utilise education technology to enhance the learning experience and engage students.

Here are some key features of smart classrooms:

  • Interactive Displays: Smart classrooms feature interactive flat panel displays, interactive whiteboards, and other multimedia tools that create a dynamic learning environment and enhance education experience. 
  • Flexible Teaching Methodology: Teachers can use other methods such as flipped learning, collaborative projects, and teaching with multimedia presentations.
  • Access to Digital Resources: Students have access to educational websites, online text books and multimedia presentations such as Pdf, images, spreadsheets, etc. 
  • Real-time Feedback and Assessment: Smart classrooms facilitate real-time feedback through quizzes, surveys, Question & Answers and polls.
  • Adaptability and Flexibility: Smart classrooms offer greater adaptability to different learning and teaching styles and preferences.

Difference Between Traditional Classroom and Smart Classroom

Let’s compare traditional classrooms with smart classrooms across various dimensions:

Traditional ClassroomSmart Classroom
Rows of desks facing the front, with teachers using chalkboards or blackboards.Interactive displays, digital whiteboards, and multimedia tools for creating an engaging environment
Relying on lectures, notebooks, and printed materials.Encouraging innovative methods like flipped learning and multimedia presentations
Primarily relying on notebooks and printed materials.Access to digital resources, online notes, and interactive content
Varies; some students passively absorb information.Promotes active learning through interactive activities and multimedia presentations
Written exams, quizzes, and homework assignments.Real-time feedback through interactive tools through surveys and polls
Fixed layout and less resources.Greater adaptability to diverse student needs

Educator’s Challenges Overcome with Smart Classrooms

Implementing smart education systems faces challenges and resistance, but the benefits are immense. Here are some challenges and how they can be addressed:

  1. Engagement and Fun Learning:

Traditional classrooms may not always provide an engaging experience and have lots of problems in classrooms like blackboard visibility, rely on notebooks etc. Smart classrooms have a very fun and engaging experience with interactive whiteboards, touch-enabled screens, and augmented reality tools. 

  1. Attendance and Absenteeism:

Traditional classrooms struggle with student’s attendance. Absenteeism affects continuity and engagement. Smart classrooms offer remote learning options. Students can access education from anywhere, reducing the impact of absenteeism. A teacher can teach remotely and students can learn from anywhere, anytime. 

  1. Assessment and Feedback Challenges:

Traditional exams may not accurately assess a student’s understanding. A teacher has very few ways to check the students’ feedback.  But the Smart classrooms use continuous assessment, personalised feedback, and students analytics. Teachers can tailor interventions based on student performance. 

  1. Monotonous Teaching Methods:

Traditional teaching methods can become repetitive, leading to disinterest. Smart classrooms incorporate gamification, simulations, and virtual reality. These dynamic approaches make learning engaging and memorable.

  1. Limited Resources and Infrastructure:

Traditional classrooms often lack modern facilities, such as multimedia projectors, interactive whiteboards, and high-speed internet. But Smart classrooms invest in technology infrastructure. They provide digital resources, online libraries, and virtual labs, enhancing the learning experience.

7 Steps to Set Up a Smart Classroom

Setting up a smart classroom involves several steps:

  1. Understand Objectives: Define your objectives and understand how a smart classroom can benefit students and teachers. Also define how it will enhance your teaching and learning experience.
  2. Assess Infrastructure: Evaluate existing facilities, classroom dimensions, and environmental factors. Infrastructure is the main point while setting up a smart classroom. You can choose the right size of tools according to the classroom dimensions. 
  3. Select Hardware: Choose appropriate interactive displays, cameras and  other technology tools. Make sure, Invest in the right configuration tool based on your uses and classroom requirements. 
  4. Invest in Educational Software: Acquire software for interactive learning and management of your study material. 
  5. Set Up a Learning Management System: Organise content and track student progress. Train your teachers and students on using the Learning management system effectively. 
  6. Provide Professional Development: Train teachers to effectively use smart classroom tools. These smart classroom variety of tools have a lot of features, teachers must have the knowledge of every feature. 
  7. Monitor and Evaluate Progress: Continuously assess the effectiveness of your setup. Check regularly to assess the impact of smart classroom solutions.

Smart Classroom Setup Cost

The cost of setting up a smart classroom can vary based on factors and features like brand and quality. Generally, a smart classroom solution may cost around ₹1.5 – 2 lakhs, depending on the components used. However, government initiatives are also investing in creating smart classrooms in schools, with budgets allocated for this purpose.

Remember that investing in smart classrooms not only enhances the learning experience but also prepares students for the digital world and evolving job markets. It’s a step toward creating dynamic, engaging, and effective learning environments.

How Promark Helps Create Smart Classrooms

Promark is at the forefront of empowering educators with innovative technology solutions. From interactive displays, cameras and audio systems to collaborative software platforms, Promark offers a comprehensive suite of products tailored to the needs of modern classrooms. With Promark’s expertise and support, schools can seamlessly transition to smart learning environments, unlocking new possibilities for teaching and learning.

Conclusion

Smart classrooms represent a paradigm shift in education, leveraging technology to create dynamic and interactive learning environments. By embracing smart classroom solutions, educators can overcome traditional challenges, engage students more effectively, and prepare them for success in an increasingly digital world. With the support of industry leaders like Promark, the future of education is brighter than ever.

Smart Classrooms – FAQs

Q: Are smart classrooms only suitable for certain subjects?

A: No, smart classrooms can enhance learning across all subjects by providing access to a wide range of digital resources and interactive tools.

Q: Can smart classrooms accommodate students with disabilities?

A: Yes, smart classrooms can be customised to meet the needs of students with disabilities, such as providing captioning for videos or interactive software for tactile learners.

Q: What technical support is available for smart classrooms?

A: Promark offers comprehensive technical support services, including installation, maintenance, and troubleshooting, to ensure smooth operation of smart classroom technology.

Smart classroom equipments with interactive panel, camera, ops and speakerphone

Smart Classroom Equipments for Better Teaching and Learning in 2024

Introduction

Smart classroom equipment is revolutionising the way teaching and learning happen. Cutting-edge tools like interactive panels, digital podiums, and information kiosks enhance the educational experience by promoting interactivity. Smart classroom equipment can significantly enhance the teaching and learning experience. we will discuss the smart classroom equipment list in 2024.

Smart Classroom Equipments List:

    Interactive flat panel displays serve as the centrepiece of modern smart classrooms. It offers vibrant, 4k high-definition screens with touch-sensitive capabilities. These displays enable educators to deliver engaging presentations, annotate content in real-time, and facilitate interactive learning activities. With intuitive touchscreen interfaces interactive panels empower teachers to create dynamic and interactive lessons that cater to diverse learning styles. Interactive panels can help the educators by seamless connectivity of educational softwares. Educators can access the internet by using the interactive panels.

    Pro A3 SeriesPro RK SeriesPro T9 Series
    65’’ 75’’ and 86’’sizes65’’ 75’’ and 86’’sizes65’’ 75’’ and 86’’sizes
    Android 11.0Android 13.0Android 11.0
    RAM: 4GB | ROM: 32GBRAM: 4GB | ROM: 64GBRAM: 4GB | ROM: 32GB
    Resolution: 3840×2160 (4K)Resolution: 3840×2160 (4K)Resolution: 3840×2160 (4K)
    Speaker 20W x2 (60)Speaker 20W x2 (60)Speaker 20W x2 (60)

    While the Interactive Flat Panel Display offers a cutting-edge experience, Promark recognizes the value of familiarity for some educators. Interactive Whiteboard bridges the gap between traditional blackboards and the digital world. This interactive whiteboard retains the familiar format of a blackboard but integrates touch screen functionality and connectivity options. Educators can utilise traditional methods like writing with a digital pen while also incorporating digital elements to enhance their lessons.

    Information Kiosk serves as a versatile information hub. In Educational institutions, providing students, faculty, and visitors with access to essential resources and services. Featuring a user-friendly touchscreen interface, the kiosk offers self-service functionality for tasks such as wayfinding, campus maps, event schedules, etc. With its customizable design and windows-based management system, the Information Kiosk enhances communication, efficiency, and convenience across campus.

    The Electronic Lectern combines functionality with sophistication, offering educators a comprehensive solution for delivering engaging presentations and lectures. Featuring integrated audio-visual controls, microphone support, and multimedia connectivity, the electronic lectern enables seamless integration of multimedia, enhancing the impact and effectiveness of presentations. Its sleek and modern design complements any classroom or auditorium, while ergonomic features promote comfort and ease of use for presenters. 

    Document Camera is a versatile tool for capturing and presenting visual content in the classroom. With its high-resolution camera, educators can easily capture documents or 3D objects and display them in real-time on the interactive panels or projectors. The document camera promotes active learning, facilitates discussions, and enhances visual comprehension, making complex concepts more accessible and engaging for students.

    Wireless Microphone/Speaker system offers educators flexibility and mobility in delivering lectures and presentations. With its wireless connectivity and portable design, educators can move freely around the classroom while maintaining clear and audible communication. The system enhances engagement and participation by ensuring that every student can hear and interact with the instructor, regardless of their location in the room.

    Cameras play a vital role in smart classrooms, enabling educators to capture and share instructional content, student presentations, and classroom activities. Whether integrated into interactive flat panel displays, or standalone recording devices, cameras provide educators with the ability to document teaching moments, assess student progress, and create multimedia resources for future use. Camera plays an amazing role in online classes. With it educators can interact with each other remotely. With high-definition video capabilities and remote access features, cameras facilitate distance learning initiatives and promote collaboration among educators and students.

    Mini PC (OPS) is a compact and powerful computing solution designed specifically for integration with interactive flat panel displays and digital signage systems. With its modular design and high-performance specifications, the Mini PC enables educators to run resource-intensive applications, multimedia content, and interactive software directly on the display, without the need for additional hardware. Its energy-efficient design and remote management capabilities ensure reliability, scalability, and ease of deployment across multiple classrooms.

    Comparison between Traditional boards vs Smart boards in the Classroom:

    Traditional BoardSmart Board
    Uses chalk or markersInteractive digital display
    Limited interactivityHighly interactive with touch capability
    Manual writingDigital content creation and manipulation
    No multimedia supportSupports multimedia content
    Limited accessibilityAccessible for all learners
    Moderate engagementHigh engagement with interactive features
    Takes up space on the wallCompact design with wall-mount options
    Limited versatilityHighly versatile with various applications
    Limited collaboration optionsSupports collaboration among users
    No real-time feedbackProvides real-time feedback on interactions
    Low initial costHigher initial cost but long-term value
    Minimal maintenance requiredRequires software updates and maintenance

    Conclusion 

    Smart classroom equipment represents a paradigm shift in educational technology, offering educators a comprehensive suite of tools to enhance teaching and learning in 2024. From interactive flat panel displays and digital podiums to information kiosks and document cameras, Promark’s innovative solutions empower educators to create dynamic, engaging, and immersive learning experiences. By leveraging advanced features such as touchscreen interfaces, multimedia connectivity, and wireless collaboration, educators can tailor instruction to meet the diverse needs of students, foster creativity and critical thinking, and prepare them for success in an increasingly digital world. With Promark’s smart classroom equipment, the future of education is brighter than ever.