Distance learning has become part of school life. At the time this article was first published, many teachers had to manage online lessons using basic laptops, computers without cameras, personal phones or tablets. Schools increasingly sought equipment that could support better online lessons.
Can the Briolight interactive panel be used for online lessons? Yes. It combines a display and computer, with touch controls that can replace some mouse and keyboard interactions.
Once connected to the internet, the panel can perform many of the same tasks as a classroom computer.
How to set up a video lesson:
- Connect a video camera. It is not included in the standard equipment package but can be supplied as an option. The original article mentioned models available for approximately UAH 500 at the time.
- Connect the Briolight panel to your Wi-Fi network.
- Install the conferencing application used by your school, such as Zoom, Skype, Google Meet or Messenger Rooms, depending on current service availability.
- Sign in to your account in that application.
- Create and schedule the meeting as you would on a computer.
- If necessary, connect an external microphone, headphones or speakers.
The major advantage for teachers is the large screen: it is easier to see several pupils over video, monitor their engagement and observe their environment. Briolight panels described in the original article had diagonals of approximately 80 or 108 cm, depending on the model.
When using Zoom, the teacher creates an account, schedules a lesson and shares the meeting link with pupils. The original 2020 article mentioned a 40-minute limit on free Zoom meetings; current limits should be checked directly with Zoom.
Kyungmee Lee of Lancaster University recommended preparing recorded explanations of important topics when online platforms were overloaded or unreliable. An interactive panel and its adjustable stand can help a teacher record while standing next to the screen. Wheeled stands make it possible to move the device between classrooms.
If your school needs help with online lessons, contact Briolight at +38 (063) 258-15-15 or +38 (063) 103-35-35.
The original configuration described in this article included 87 third-party applications and 50 Briolight activities for preschool and primary-school children; availability depends on the model and software version.
