How to Make Your Own Interactive White Board

If you want to know how to make your own interactive whiteboard…then keep reading. I am going to provide below all of the resources and materials that you will need to create this board. I will say from the beginning…this is not difficult, but have patience. I did not have any problems on my personal computer and network. I did have some problems with the school network but they were resolved fairly easily. This is definitely a cost efficient option in comparison to the SMART boards that are in classrooms today.

This product was created by Johnny Chung Lee.

I heard about making an interactive whiteboard from a friend. I decided to look it up and try it out. I didn’t have anything to lose but a little money. It worked for me, and it could work for you. It will take patience in setting up. If you need any help, just let me know. I would be glad to come by your school and help you set everything up.

To get started:

• Go to the following website: http://johnnylee.net/projects/wii/ Scroll down to the second section titled “Low-Cost Multi-point Interactive Whiteboards Using the Wiimote.” In this section you will see a description of how to make it. I am more interested in the video here. He has posted a video explaining how to make the whiteboard as well as a demonstration.
• Download and watch this short one minute clip of my student using the interactive whiteboard in my classroom. http://www.zshare.net/video/63385762b370b7ce/
  

Before pursuing this option…if you are in a school system—verify that you have the support of your IT Department. You may experience network problems due to firewalls, etc. You might need their help. I went about this by getting the support of my superintendent, who then told the IT department they had to work with me. If you use a personal computer from home you should not have problems.

If you want to pursue this…then here is what you need!

• Wii remote (available for around $26.00 on Amazon)
• Bluetooth Adapter (there are many different kinds. This one worked successfully for me.
• TRENDnet Ultra Range Bluetooth USB Adapter) This costs about $21.00 new (**Check your computer first as some computers now come with this built in**)
• IR LED Pen (if you want, you can make your own. I do NOT recommend this.) They can be purchased from http://www.wiiteachers.com/ for a low price. There are three different styles, choose what you want. The whiteboard can support up to four pens at one time.
• Software: Choose what you want to use. My recommendation is for Smoothboard. I found this to be easier and work better.
  Wiiboard Software This is the original software that was created by Johnny Lee Chung. This software is free. It can be found at http://johnnylee.net/projects/wii/
  Smoothboard Software This software can be downloaded from http://www.smoothboard.net/ The software is free—however when operating it does shut down after about 20 minutes. It then encourages you to purchase a license. The license is currently $29.99
• Projector—All you need is normal projector. You do not need anything expensive, just something that will project the image.

Okay…you have everything you need. How to put this together? If I were to write this out, it would never end. Therefore, I am providing all the resources below, and then you can contact me with questions. My email is laurenfowlkes@gmail.com

The basic steps are:

• Install the Bluetooth software.
• Install either Smoothboard or Wiiboard software.
• Set up the projector, and wii remote. I place the wii remote directly above my projector.
• Make sure projector is on.
• Insert the Bluetooth USB device and activate or activate internal device.
• Start the Smoothboard or Wiiboard software.
• Press 1 and 2 simultaneously on the wii remote.
• If all is well…it should start!
  

Videos explaining in more detail are below.

http://johnnylee.net/projects/wii/ Johnny Lee explains how to create set-up the program as well.

http://www.alltogetherwecan.com/2009/01/31/wiimote-whiteboard-in-education-a-tutorial/ (This is one demonstration—he tells how to do this. If you are technology savvy, you can probably get by with this. This is only for built in Bluetooth.)

http://electriceducator.blogspot.com/2009/03/wiiboard-questions.html Ideas for mounting remote, and other questions answered.

If you are having trouble connecting everything after using any of the sites above visit one of the forums below for advice, or email me.

Also to find out more information do a Google search for Wii Interactive White Boards and you will find more information that you ever imagined.

Having Problems?

Check out these Forums for advice.
http://www.boonjin.com/smoothboard/index.php?title=Main_Page

http://www.wiimoteproject.com/

Other Resources for using the WiiBoard
http://www.k-3teacherresources.com/wii-remote-for-interactive-whiteboard.html

http://falconphysics.blogspot.com/2009/02/wiimote-interactive-whiteboard.html

http://www.whiteboardblog.co.uk/2009/07/20-interactive-whiteboard-resources-for-teachers/

Resources for Mac Users
http://atmac.org/diy-interactive-whiteboard-with-a-wii-remote-wiimote-whiteboard/