How to make yourOwn interactive whiteboardUsing a Nintendo Wii remote

THE WII INTERACTIVE WHITEBOARD

It originated from Johnny Chung Lee in 2007 It is based on the high-performance infra-red

camera on the top of the Wii remote

The infra-red camera tracks the tip of an infra-red light source (the infra-red pen)

PROJECT OBJECTIVE

The aim: To show how to make your own interactive white board (IWB) Spreading the knowledge of open source educational

software that can be used with you IWB Levelling the playing field with inexpensive technologies

that can be provided for all Promoting Interactive Teaching concepts that can be

used to innovate learning

CONTENTS

Objective of the presentation How it works

What you need How to make an IR pen Different IR pen designs Wii remote

Software for Windows and Ubuntu Free available software Teachers portal Future of the project

HOW IT WORKS

The infra-red camera in the Wii remote tracks the light source of the IR pen.

The location of the IR light source is sent via Bluetooth to the computer

This is shown on the computer as the location of the mouse

Projector

Wii Remote

Computer

Projected Screen

IR Pen

HOW TO MAKE YOU OWN PEN

This can be done easily provided you buy the correct Infrared LED

Use an empty whiteboard marker case and a battery if available

IR LED VISHAY TSAL6400 (available in SA) Key Ring version

DIFFERENT TYPES OF IR PENS AND COSTS

There are two types of IR pens Pressure tip Manual Click

Preferred – the manual click Home made keying version Cost of IR pen for UK 6 Pounds - R68

HOW TO SET IT UP

With a normal setup, you want you Wii remote to be situated either on the left or right side, depending on the user

When you write, you will block the shadow Wii remote have a 45 degree angle Positioning will require some trial and error Calibrate IR pen with 4 point touch

LAYOUT

WHAT YOU NEED

Standard computer (does not have to be new) Projector (or large screen) Nintendo Wii Remote Infra-red Pen Bluetooth Dongle (if pc does not support Bluetooth) Software to connect to the Wii Remote

OPERATING SYSTEMS

The free software available does work on all operating systems

Windows and Ubuntu versions most common Mac versions do exist, but not as popular Both have different aspects which are useful

Windows – smooth board, linkivity presenter Ubuntu - Wii Whiteboard, Built-in educational software

WHITEBOARD AND WII MOTE SOFTWARE

The Wii mote software: connects the computer to the Wii remote control. It calibrates the IR pen to work as a mouse E.g. Pentabulous, Wii Mote Whiteboard

The Whiteboard software: This creates a virtual whiteboard for you to write on It has the pens, highlighters, erasers and tools E.g. Linktivity Presenter, Smooth board

PENTABULOUS (WINDOWS)

Free windows based software used to

implement the IWB with a Wii remote User Friendly, easy to use Occasionally temperamental, but

works well Recommended open-source option for windows

LINKTIVITY PRESENTER (WINDOWS)

Freeware software that allows you to draw, highlight and write on your screen

Highly recommended for use in Windows environment

Has a screenshot function and shapes Is not as effective as the commercial alternative -

Smooth board

SMOOTH BOARD (WINDOWS)

Windows based Created by Boon Jin Cost $30 for a licence Demo version works well Easy to use and stable

WII WHITE BOARD (UBUNTU)

Program that can facilitate connection of a Wii remote to make a IWB

Easy to use and self explanatory Can remember Calibration Right-Click delay Recommended open-source version for Ubuntu

MASSIVE BOARD (JAVA)

Whiteboard software – Ubuntu Easy to use, no smoothing Offers highlighting, different size nibs Best open source option for Ubuntu

USB BOOTABLE UBUNTU

Put the flash drive in and boot off it Contains great free games and teachers tools

Tux Paint, Tux Math, Graphing Software Built in Software including smart board bootable No cost of operating system and theoretically easiest

install Convenient for substitutes teachers and for security Customize your workspace and carry it around Netbook version perfect for IWB interface

TEACHERS PORTAL

http://www.livingmaths.com/teachers/teachlinks.html Portal full of links for teachers Interactive Games Interactive Concepts – specific web links that assist in

teaching concepts using a an IWB Work in Progress

ADVANTAGES

Cost significantly less than the commercial IWB Allows for Interactive whiteboard lessons without a

commercial Allows for portability between classrooms Can work on a screen as well as a projector Can operate on any flat surface Future development of multipoint pens Open Source development constantly improving

DISADVANTAGES

Not as smooth to write on as commercial IWBs (exception of smooth board at $29 per license)

Will require the use of batteries for Wii remote Issue of blocking the IR pen while writing Bluetooth issues

WHERE FROM HERE

The future of this project is unclear Potential implementation into underprivileged

school A viable alternative if the cost of a commercial IWB

is too high Constantly improving technology

MORE INFORMATION

www.livingmaths.com - Teachers Wii Whiteboard PowerPoint, and pdf Links to all interactive concepts, games and more Constantly growing resources available at no cost Spread the idea and promote innovative

technologies that you can make youself

THANK YOU