Interactive Whiteboards (IWB's) are a growing and very popular segment of the education market. They are also being used in businesses all over the globe as simple, easy to use ways to share information with large groups of people. Essentially an IWB is a way to control a computer by touching a projected image on a whiteboard. A user of an IWB can essentially use their finger or a special stylus as a mouse that will move the cursor anywhere on the screen and allow them to interact with the computer as if they were seated at a desk. Most IWB systems cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, but thanks to some very useful free software almost anyone can make their own interactive whiteboard for less than $100.
Building Your Own Interactive Whiteboard With A Wii Remote
The Nintendo Wii video game system uses special hand held controllers that use infrared light to determine what the user is pointing at. This same remote that sells for around $30 or so in stores can be coupled with off the shelf components to create a real, working interactive whiteboard. The components you will need are:
- 1-2 Wii Remotes (can do it with one but more reliable with two)
- A computer with Bluetooth hardware installed
- If you do not have bluetooth built in to the computer you can purchase small USB dongles that add it to any computer
- Most Macintosh computers already have a compatible version of Bluetooth built in to their machines.
- An infrared pen
- These sell for around $15-$30 each depending on the style and features. It is not a bad idea to have two around in case one breaks
- A video projector or any large LCD or Plasma monitor
- The Wiimote software
- Download the java version for PC's or the Mac version if you have a Mac
One you have Bluetooth up and running on the computer try to sync the Wii remote to the software by telling the software to listen and pressing both the "1" and "2" buttons on the remote(s) at the same time. If it pairs correctly the remote is now ready to use as a whiteboard sensor. Place the remote on a flat surface where it can see the entire drawing surface. In the computer software click the button to calibrate the board. Small dots will appear on the screen. Touch the screen with the infrared pen at each dot and the board will then be ready to use. As long as the remote can see the tip of the infrared pen it will be able to figure out where on the board the pen is touching and translate that to mouse movements.
Although this is not the perfect solution for everyone, it is definitely low cost, and if you are able to get it to work properly it is well worth the effort when compared with the high price of most commercial interactive whiteboard products.
