Whether you are a teacher returning to your classroom or arriving in a new one, getting ready to use your ActivPanel again can be equal parts exciting and daunting – but don’t worry, we’re here to help!
This blog is the third part in our ActivPanel mini-series, and if you’re not sure which ActivPanel you’re using or how to prepare your ActivPanel for the new term , it’s worth reading through the first two instalments for a quick refresher.
In this blog post, we’ll be exploring how you can really get started with your ActivPanel, and where to look if you need any more support.
You are not on your own
First things first, no matter whether you’ve got lots of ActivPanel experience or you’re just starting out, you don’t have to figure it all out on your own. There’s a wide range of support resources you can access through Promethean, and a huge community of ActivPanel users with experience that you can draw upon. If you’re ever looking for support, here are few resources to keep in mind:
- Learn Promethean – Participate in self-paced online courses covering all areas of ActivPanel use.
- Promethean Support – Get in touch with us directly using our contact page, and a local member of staff will reach out.
- Promethean on YouTube – On our ANZ YouTube channel, you’ll find a wealth of guides, inspiration and top tips videos.
- Promethean-accredited Partners – your school will have purchased its ActivPanels from an accredited Promethean Partner, who will be ready and willing to help out. If you’re not sure who your partner is, get in touch and we’ll help you to identify them.
Start with what you know
Powered by an Android computer, the ActivPanel is packed full of digital features to support teaching and learning – and you can also connect it to popular classroom devices including laptops, tablets and smartphones, to interact further and display content.
It’s worth taking some time to connect with the devices you have access to. The Screen Share App, for example, allows you to wirelessly connect to Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and Chrome devices and enables you to remotely control those devices directly from the ActivPanel.
Alternatively, you can make the most of the high-definition display by connecting to a computer or laptop using a HDMI cable, which will convey both picture and sound. Plug in the USB touch cord, too, and you’ll be able to control your device from the ActivPanel for a truly interactive experience.
Connecting your device to the ActivPanel means you can keep using all the tools you’re familiar with, but you’ll be unshackled from the traditional mouse and keyboard and able to teach dynamically from the front of the class. Make sure you turn on the On-Screen Keyboard by searching ‘Keyboard’ in the ActivPanel’s Finder or Search so that you don’t have to return to the keyboard whenever you need to type.
Build on what you know
Now that your device is connected and you have touch control over it, you can really start to add value with the ActivPanel.
One of the most popular tools available to you is the Annotator, which enables you to write and draw over anything you’re displaying on the screen to add content or prompt a discussion.
The ‘Capture’ button will let you take a screenshot of anything on your screen, which you can paste into the Instant Whiteboard app – an infinite canvas for ideas and discussion. You could also bring in the Timer and Spinner tools to create an engaging activity on the fly.
For advice on using the Whiteboard app, click here.
Be (H)Appy
The Promethean App Store puts a huge range of educational apps at your fingertips, and it’s a great place to explore if you’re looking for some inspiration.
Everything that you find on the Promethean App Store is free, so don’t be afraid to try out new things. There’s content available that’s suitable for all ages and stages, and capable of supporting teaching and learning across the curriculum.
For a few of our favourite apps, check out our recent blog post ‘Getting creative with the ActivPanel’.
If you’ve been following our ActivPanel mini-series, you’ll likely be ready and raring to go with the ActivPanel – and if you’re ready for some more ideas on how to unlock its potential in the classroom, there’s a great deal of content to explore right here on Resource Hub.
If you have a question that this series hasn’t covered, or you’d like some one-to-one support, get in touch with us at any time by visiting support.