Faculty department

High Cost of Purchase, Installation, Training, and Maintenance

Perhaps the greatest disadvantage of using interactive whiteboards is their high initial cost, which ranges from $1,500 on the very low-end to $6,500+ each, depending on the model. In comparison, traditional whiteboards cost anywhere from $25.00 to $600.00 each, and a ReMARKable Clear Whiteboard Paint 100 Square Foot Kit only costs around $315.00.
In addition, with electronic whiteboards, it’s necessary to pay for accessories, installation, and training to ensure that those who use the devices are competent to do so. Electronic whiteboards are only as effective as their users, and if proper training and accurate knowledge are lacking, the devices become useless. Periodic training updates are essential to gaining the greatest benefit from interactive whiteboards, and this also adds to their cost.⁸
Regular troubleshooting, technical support, and maintenance, especially for advanced types of interactive whiteboards, also incur major costs. All of these factors adding to the high price tag of interactive whiteboards mainly affect schools with limited budgets, small businesses, and non-profit groups.

Negative Impact on Eye Health

Continuously staring at interactive whiteboard screens, especially in dark rooms, can strain the eyes and thus negatively impact students’ eyesight. This is an obvious disadvantage as individuals affected in this way may eventually have to seek medical treatment and so may incur a further expense for a school or business, especially if legal reparations are sought.

Limitations on the Touch-Sensitive Function

As mentioned, interactive whiteboards are touch-sensitive, and this feature can be a major limitation to their use because, at times, their screens may fail to be responsive enough to convey the information required. This shortcoming can be quite frustrating to users such as teachers in classroom settings, as it interferes with lesson plans and students’ ability to learn effectively.