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Graham Eland, Director of IT said, ‘For the college, the specification included connectivity and technical aspects of the displays which matched our requirements. I was also impressed with the five-year warranty and the fact that it isn’t a consumer unit with an interactive overlay. The construction is exactly what we needed – it’s excellent technology that will benefit our teaching and learning strategies’
Compelling BIG PAD Features
Before placing an order, teachers trialed the display and gave their feedback. ‘The trial proved very positive.’ said Graham. ‘We looked at many different models and suppliers but the Sharp was an outstanding solution for us, based on the quality of the product. The cost was also a key factor but primarily the technology and functionality of the BIG PAD met the needs of the College.’
As a result of the positive trialing of the display, Leeds City College placed an order for 52 Sharp BIG PAD interactive displays made up of the 70-inch Sharp BIG PAD PN-70SC3 and Sharp BIG PAD PN-70SC5, along with a smaller number of
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the larger 80-inch Sharp BIG PAD PN-80SC5 to be installed.
Most of the 70-inch displays are installed in teaching spaces at Leeds’ Print Works Campus (30), in the University Centre (15) and in the Enfield Centre (2). In addition to this, extra displays are available for students to use in the open plan Independent Learning Zone at Print Works (one 80-inch display), two 80-inch displays are installed on mobile trolleys for events and as additional resources when required, and one 80-inch display is in the Print Works Meeting Room for hire or for staff use.
Once all of the screens had been installed, a comprehensive training course for all staff was put in place so that everyone felt comfortable and confident to use the displays.
Impact on Teaching
Staff and students started to use the BIG PAD displays straight away. ‘Collaborative learning was one of the key requirements we were looking for in this type of technology.’ Graham told us. ‘We’re already starting to see this happen more and more, as many students are working interactively with BIG PAD on many projects.’
Write, share and collaborate for more engaging meetings. Make the most out of your investment in Sharp’s BIG PAD interactive Displays.
Jennifer Aleksandrowicz, Learning Technologist at Leeds City College, said, ‘Because the displays are interactive, they help people learn more. Getting students to write straight on the board creates more fun and engaging lessons. This level of functionality was something that we didn’t have access to before.’
Jennifer also highlighted that BIG PAD supports multiple users: ‘you have the functionality of having more than one person being able to write on the board, so getting the whole class participating.’
It’s not just students who have enjoyed using Sharp BIG PAD displays. Teachers have also discovered the benefits, from being able to use uniform tools regardless of the screen they use, to the software itself.
The transferring of files, interactive onscreen writing, drawing and remote controllability of the BIG PAD from mobile devices.
Many have found the pen tool allows them to be more productive, while the handwriting-to-text functionality adds not only legibility to what is being written, but also has the added benefit of giving confidence to those who believe they have poor handwriting skills.
‘We’ve also heard feedback that teachers like the shape tool. If you draw a circle, there is a tendency for it not to be right. However, with the tool, it looks right every time.’ Jennifer said.
If you would like to know more about Sharp Visual Solutions, please Get In Touch with SoluTech to arrange an appointment or call our friendly team on 01482 846 746.
