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What is a Blackboard Whiteboard?

Published in Education Technology 2 mins read

A blackboard whiteboard, though seemingly contradictory, refers to two distinct concepts: the traditional classroom blackboard, and a collaborative digital "whiteboard". Here’s a breakdown:

Traditional Blackboard

This is what most people picture when they hear "blackboard".

  • Description: It is a traditional classroom presentation board, usually black or dark green, that you write on with chalk.
  • Usage: You use a felt pad or eraser to wipe off the chalk markings.
  • Evolution: While traditionally black, these boards may also be found in "white" or other colors and may use colored chalks. This refers to a chalkboard that is not black.

Digital "Whiteboard"

This is a computer-based collaborative space.

  • Description: This is not a physical board, but a digital canvas used for collaboration, brainstorming, and presentation.
  • Usage: People write or draw on these whiteboards using software tools.
  • Naming: According to the reference (2), these digital boards are called "whiteboards" because their backgrounds are typically white, much like a traditional whiteboard.

Summary Table

Feature Traditional Blackboard Digital "Whiteboard"
Type Physical board Digital canvas
Writing Tool Chalk Software tools
Surface Usually black or dark green, possibly white or colored White background (typically)
Erasure Felt pad/eraser Digital erase
Purpose Presentation, teaching Collaboration, brainstorming, presentation
Location Classroom/physical space Computer/digital space

Key Takeaway

The term "blackboard whiteboard" highlights the evolution of visual aids. The traditional blackboard (2) is physical and uses chalk, while the digital "whiteboard" is a virtual tool for collaboration, often with a white background.

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