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Digital projectors transfer digital lessons from your computer onto the interactive whiteboard. When choosing a projector, consider the following:
Classroom lighting. The strength of a projector’s brightness is measured in units called lumens. Projectors range between 650 and 6,000 lumens. The higher the lumens, the brighter the projector. Projectors less than 1,000 lumens are not ideal in a room with a lot of ambient light. If the projector is used for one hundred or more people, a projector of at least 3, 500 lumens is required.
Projector bulbs. Projector bulbs last about 2,000 hours. Have a replacement bulb handy. Check the projector bulb hour counter to see how much life is left. To make the bulb last, let the projector cool down before completely turning it off. Periodically clean the projector to remove dust.
Electrical cords. Wireless projectors are ideal for classroom situations. Unfortunately, they are still expensive and do not provide the high-picture quality you would get from a standard projector. Check with the store or manufacturer to make sure you have the proper cables to make the installation go smoothly. Measure how far you need cables to run and purchase any extra length needed.
Mounting projectors. If you are sharing projectors with other classes, you need a trolley to move the projector from room to room. If your projector remains in one room, mount it on the ceiling. Manufacturers offer projector mounts, and there are universal mounts as well. Make sure the projector is far enough away from the whiteboard and on the best angle for optimal performance. Digital whiteboard companies create boards with projector arms, eliminating the worry and hassle of mounting projectors.
Safety and security. Having expensive technological equipment in classrooms can be a concern. Projectors must be secured to prevent them from being damaged. Lock rooms or securely store projectors when you leave. There are special projector mounts with protective casings to provide extra safety and security.
Visit Wikia Education to learn more about projectors for your classroom.
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