The Lightboard is a writable glass surface pumped full of light. It can be used as a creative alternative to classroom whiteboard/chalkboard for recording instructional videos. Invented by Professor Michael Peshkin from Northwestern University, the Lightboard allows presenters to “face the camera while illustrating and annotating their talk, making the content both easier for the viewer to follow and more interesting to watch” (Educause, 2014).
To keep current with the range of edu-tech tools available, we put the Lightboard to test by using it to create a video on journal selection. Here’s our review.
Pros:
- Easy to use – Just draw and talk like in a traditional lecture
- No post production is required
- Engaging – presenter can keep eye contact with viewers
Cons:
- The setup is fixed – no adjustment can be made to the lighting, camera position, Lightboard position, zoom in/out effect, height of glass etc
- Can only be used in studio
- Takes time to wipe/clean up after drawing
In summary, we think that using a writable glass surface can be challenging. Yet, it is also exciting to replace the traditional way of writing on whiteboard/ chalkboard to explain a concept/topic.
CIT staff briefed the librarians on the Lightboard Room set up
Suei Nee (Research Librarian – STEM) wrote on the Lightboard using florescent markers to illustrate her points. The video camera can be seen on the other side of the glass
The Lightboard image is mirror-flipped and this is what the audience will see eventually
The Lightboard Room is located at Central Library Level 4 and it’s managed by CIT. Please click here to make an appointment if you like to explore the use of Lightboard in you teaching. The keys to the room can be collected at Central Library Level 1 service desk by showing the email booking confirmation from CIT.
In addition to our “experiment” with the Lightboard, we also explored tools and resources to help you incorporate blended learning in your teaching. Check it out here.
