Markerboards, whiteboards, and dry-erase boards have taken their places among today's classrooms as incredible educational tools. Markerboards are a necessary piece of visual learning equipment, designed to engage students, create visual aides to help with lesson concepts, and guide students through various lessons. Classroom markerboards are head-and-shoulders more effective and efficient than their old-school chalk board ancestors. But every year, even the popular whiteboard and markerboard become more sophisticated in design and functionality.
As you explore classroom whiteboards to buy for your school, explore the exciting new features and innovative benefits of the latest models. From dual-function markerboards to durable new finishes, there are countless ways to customize how you engage your students with school furniture. In this ultimate classroom markerboard guide, we'll highlight cool additions and popular applications to consider so you can choose the best-fit boards for your unique teaching styles and learning environments.
1. Choose mounted or mobile markerboards for greater flexibility
One of the first deciding factors in choosing the best markerboard for your classrooms is whether they need to be mounted or mobile boards. Mounted boards are great for permanent placements and are the most common option. However, mobile boards are great for classrooms that are very dynamic or as additions to classrooms that can't accommodate a mounted markerboard. Decide which models will work best for your spaces with these key advantages of each in mind:
Benefits of mobile classroom whiteboards
Flexibility and Mobility: Easily moved around the classroom or between different rooms, allowing for dynamic teaching methods.
Multi-functional: Can be used for various purposes such as group activities, presentations, and impromptu lessons.
Space-Saving: Can be stored away when not in use, freeing up classroom space.
Versatility: Often comes with double-sided surfaces, providing more writing space and options.
Interactive Learning: Facilitates interactive learning sessions by bringing the whiteboard closer to students or specific groups.
Benefits of mobile classroom whiteboards
Benefits of mounted classroom whiteboards
Stability: Permanently fixed to the wall, offering a stable and reliable writing surface.
Durability: Generally, they are more durable due to their fixed nature and sturdy construction.
Space Optimization: Doesn't take up floor space, leaving more room for classroom furniture and student activities.
Consistent Availability: Always available for use, without the need to set up or move around.
Enhanced Classroom Organization: Provides a dedicated space for teaching materials, schedules, and announcements, helping to keep the classroom organized.
2. Porcelain markerboard surfaces are scratch-resistant and durable
Markerboards can be made of acrylic, glass, porcelain, or melamine. The porcelain surface is nonporous and long-lasting. Because of this ceramic surface, it can cost more when compared to budget-friendly melamine. However, the durability and resistance to scratches and stains allow porcelain markerboards to last decades. markerboards are often constructed with steel backing, making them magnetic. They're not only a durable choice but a versatile choice for the classroom
3. Melamine markerboard surfaces are lightweight and functional
Melamine markerboards are a budget-friendly, lightweight option for temporary classrooms or classrooms on a tighter budget. They are dry-erase-friendly and often last ten or more years. While often not magnetic, melamine markerboards are a lightweight alternative to the heavier glass and porcelain markerboards. These boards come in different sizes, ranging from individual markerboards for students to large markerboards for a larger classroom display.
4. Glass and acrylic markerboards are big hits in the classroom
Glass and acrylic markerboards are the most unique surfaces you'll come across for a visual learning aid. Since the glass and acrylic surfaces are clear, they are often paired with a colored background for visual contrast. These colors can be customized to match a school's color scheme or a classroom's design theme, as is the case with the Harmony Colors markerboard. Teachers appreciate these materials because they don't obstruct the view of the students. This material can be heavier than porcelain and melamine, but when equipped with wheels and locking casters, these boards are still easy to maneuver around the classroom.
5. Gridded markerboards support science and math instruction
Are you outfitting a science lab, STEM room, or math classroom? Consider incorporating some specialty markerboards into your school's classroom designs. Classes such as geometry, natural sciences, and physics often use graphs and gridded displays to communicate findings and information to students. Find markerboards and whiteboards that already feature layouts you'll often use during instruction. These gridded markerboards save teachers so much time by already having a grid at their disposal!
6. Music staff markerboards provide visual displays
Are you a music teacher or a choir instructor? The musical arts can benefit from whiteboards as well, especially for young budding musicians or advancing musicians developing specific skills. A markerboard is a must-have for any band, choir, or orchestra program. This helps eliminate the need to draw (and redraw) staff lines, optimize instruction time, and provide a consistent visual display for students.
7. Sliding track markerboards transition between lessons or discussions
Multiple-surface, markerboards are a fantastic space-saving (and space-maximizing) option for classrooms. One or two dynamic surfaces slide on a track over a back stationary surface to allow instructors and students to return to concepts during discussions without erasing and rewriting information constantly. This is a great tool for advanced lessons and dynamic, complex discussions in the classroom.
8. Whiteboard partitions provide dual-function benefits
Whiteboard partitions are a unique and versatile classroom inclusion. For example, this 6' H Whiteboard Tackable Portable Partition is a large surface big enough to divide learning and recreation spaces in a classroom and create immersive learning experiences for students. These partition-style mobile whiteboards can be used to facilitate group work and minimize distraction for specific sections of a room based on student needs.
Explore these and more with School Outfitters
Need more resources to guide your efforts in purchasing classroom markerboards, whiteboards, and dry-erase boards for your classroom? School Outfitters is here to help! We make finding, buying, and setting up your new whiteboards easy.
Explore these popular markerboards and products:
Check out our quick ship markerboards and our helpful buying guide, too! And don't forget, School Outfitters also offers free room designs, breezy furniture selection, and expert help to keep your school's orders on time and on budget. Get a free quote today to get started!
