Léonie: Yes, interactive whiteboards (IWBs), are really just very large touch sensitive panels coupled up with a computer and projector. The machine projects an image on to the panel, the user interacts (touches, drags, writes) and this interaction is communicated back to the computer which adjusts the projected image accordingly. All very quickly so you can seamlessly drag items around on the IWB with your finger or a stylus depending on the make and model you're using. Because the whole thing is powered by a standard machine, sometimes dedicated but often just the teachers laptop it isn't all that difficult to hook up a secondary means of accessing the IWBs content. There are various ways of doing this: 1. portable interactive panel - many of the big brands now offer a 2nd panel, effectively a smaller IWB coupled to and displaying the same content as the large one which can be located anywhere in the same room. Roughly the size of a PC monitor this is a good way to facilitate access for anyone who can't get to or see the large display, the downside at present is that the 15 inch versions cost about the same as the 50 inch models. 2. attaching a second monitor to the hoste machine - simply add a 2nd monitor located on a desk where anyone needing to be close to it can sit, limitation obviously being that it is only a monitor so you can't interact with it, and you're location is constrained by the cable length and routing although wireless or access via the school network might also be possible. Advantage is the low cost, a monitor splitter cable being about £15. Have a look at: http://inclusion.ngfl.gov.uk/index.php?incQATopicId=26&i=235&p=17 for a bit more and links to our VI-forum archives where you can search for more or join the forum to discuss. An alternative to this is a distance view cctv which would allow the pupil to focus on the IWB from their desk, there's a few of these on the market now including the magnilink range and models and one I think from humanware, and probably others that I don't know of too. These can be standalone units or a small stand mounted camera which connect via USB, and is powered and controlled from a laptop or other computer. Very portable, easy to fit in the case with a laptop. Downsides are again price, about £2k ish, and in order to work well the camera needs to be quite stable which means being mounted on a robust stand. Robust amounts to weighty so packing the whole thing in the same bag as a laptop about doubles the weight and isn't something you'd want a child to be carrying around for any length of time. Or yourself for that matter. Again AbilityNet are an excellent first port of call for specific advice - I can find a named contact for you if you're client has trouble finding the right person. Adrian Higginbotham, Manager, Leading edge research Tel: Direct dial 024 7679 7333 - Becta switchboard 02476-416994 Email: Adrian.Higginbotham@xxxxxxxxxxxx Web: http://www.becta.org.uk/ BECTA, Millburn Hill Road, Science Park, Coventry, CV4 7JJ -----Original Message----- From: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Léonie Watson Sent: 29 May 2008 19:51 To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [access-uk] Re: Financial assistance for school students. Dave & Everyone, Thanks all for your replies. It's enabled me to help the gentleman who was enquiring on behalf of his son. Incidentally, has anyone come across anyone else trying to sync a laptop up with these digital smart boards? Regards, Léonie. -----Original Message----- From: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Dave Taylor Sent: 29 May 2008 00:25 To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [access-uk] Re: Financial assistance for school students. Hi You'll find more expertise on this subject on the Abapstas list, and probably other ideas for sources of help: abapstas-subscribe@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Cheers Dave -------------------------------------------------- From: "Léonie Watson" <tink@xxxxxxxxxx> Sent: Wednesday, May 28, 2008 8:05 PM To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> Subject: [access-uk] Financial assistance for school students. Evening, I'd be grateful if anyone could shed any light on whether there are grants available for school students with disabilities. Specifically, a 13 year old boy who is looking to buy a laptop that will enable him to remain in mainstream school and access information written up to the digital wipeboards that his school uses. I know it's possible to obtain a grant as a higher education student, but I don't know anything about school students. Is the school perhaps obliged to help, or the LEA? Any guidance would be much appreciated. Thanks. Regards, Léonie. -- http://www.tink.co.uk/ ** To leave the list, click on the immediately-following link:- ** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=unsubscribe] ** If this link doesn't work then send a message to: ** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx ** and in the Subject line type ** unsubscribe ** For other list commands such as vacation mode, click on the ** immediately-following link:- ** [mailto:access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx?subject=faq] ** or send a message, to ** access-uk-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with the Subject:- faq No virus found in this incoming message. Checked by AVG. 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