Many
teachers wonder if interactive whiteboards present any health risks in the
classroom. In this article, we will discuss this topic and present some smart
ideas for healthy classroom use of smartboards.
The first thing you should know is that interactive whiteboards do not pose any
significant health risks. They are no more dangerous than an old fashioned
blackboard. Of course, chalk dust does pose some respiratory risk when handled
incorrectly, and the components of an interactive board do contain some minor
risk; however, proper use negates this risk.
Interactive Boards & Radiation
Of course, elements of the computer and data projector such as the hard drive
and the monitor do emit a bit of radiation, but keeping your distance and
following manufacturers' instructions correctly should keep you safe.
There are three basic parts to an interactive smartboard. They are:
1. Computer 2.
Data Projector 3.
The Board
While each of these components does pose some small health risk when used
improperly, correct use negates these risks. The amount of radiation emitted by
an interactive whiteboard is negligible. It is no more dangerous than that
emitted by most electronic devices, such as:
* Computers
* Satellites
* Televisions
* Transmission towers
* Cordless/Cell Phones
To miss out on the benefits of this innovative teaching tool due to concerns
regarding radiation would be foolish. Of course, we want to avoid excessive
exposure to radiation because small amounts build up in the system over time;
however, by exercising normal precautions this danger is minimized or
eliminated.
Steps to Safe Use Of Your Interactive
Whiteboard & Equipment
* Maintain good overall health by eating a whole foods diet consisting of lots
of fresh fruit and veggies, high quality sources of protein and whole grains.
* Stay well hydrated by drinking ample amounts of fresh, filtered water.
* Opt to use a laptop rather than a desktop computer as these emit less
radiation.
* Don’t hold a laptop on your lap or close to your body for an extended period
of time without a shield.
* Use wired technology instead of wireless technology as it emits less
radiation.
* Limit the amount of time you spend using the device.
Remember that the radiation risks posed by whiteboard technology are no greater
than those posed by everyday household appliances. If you plan to shun
whiteboards because of radiation, you should logically get rid of your TV, your
cell phone, your computer and so on!
Other Minor Health Concerns About the
Use Of Smartboards
*Just
as with any item of classroom equipment, there are inherent hazards associated
with use. For example, electric cords and connecting wires are always a
tripping hazard no matter what they are attached to. Be sure your board and
components are installed in a way that will not impede free movement around the
room.
*If you need to make the board accessible for small students or students using
wheelchairs, remember that it's safer to lower the board than to build a
platform. Always be sure that equipment and furnishing around the board do not
have sharp edges or present any other sort of hazard.
*The light beam emitted by the data projector is strong and bright. It is
important not to gaze directly into the beam of light because doing so could
cause damage to the eyes.
*Just as with any other type of classroom equipment, you must wipe down your
smartboard and its components on a regular basis with an approved cleaning and
disinfecting solution to avoid the spread of germs. Be sure to store your
cleaning supplies safely out of reach of students.
Accentuate the Positive
Along
with the minor negative health considerations that come with an interactive
whiteboard, there are significant positive health considerations that you
should bear in mind.
* There is no chalk dust, so students and teachers with asthma and allergies
will not be bothered.
* Smartboards allow teachers to move freely around the room. This is better for
overall health than standing in one place in front of a chalkboard or hunching
over a computer screen.
Overall enthusiasm, enjoyment of learning and class spirit add up to tremendous
health and well-being benefits for students and teacher alike. Of course, you
must exercise normal safety precautions when using any kind of electronic or
electrical equipment, but all in all the positives of using a smart,
interactive whiteboard in the classroom far outweigh the negatives.
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