For years, projectors have been the go-to display solution in classrooms. But while they once seemed indispensable, schools are quickly discovering that projectors no longer meet the demands of modern learning. Frequent maintenance, limited interactivity, and noisy fans make them increasingly impractical.
Fortunately, new technologies—such as smart TVs and interactive smart whiteboards—are reshaping the way teachers deliver lessons and how students engage with content. Let’s take a closer look at why projectors fall short, and explore two powerful alternatives that are helping classrooms become more interactive, collaborative, and cost-effective.
Why Schools Are Moving Away from Projectors
Projectors project images or videos onto a screen, but their drawbacks are hard to ignore:
- Costly upkeep – Projectors may seem affordable upfront, but replacement bulbs, clogged filters, and ongoing maintenance quickly add up. Over time, they become more expensive than newer display technologies.
- Limited interactivity – Most projectors only display content. Teachers can’t write directly on the screen, and shadows from pointing often obscure important information.
- Distracting noise – Fans and moving parts are necessary to keep projectors running, but the background hum can disrupt focus during lessons.
In short, projectors weren’t built for the interactive, tech-enabled learning environments students need today.
Alternative #1: Smart TVs and Non-Interactive Displays
Smart TVs are a step up from traditional projectors. They offer:
- Sharper image quality – Content looks brighter and clearer, making lessons easier to follow.
- Built-in Android systems – Teachers can browse the web, cast from devices, or stream content directly.
However, smart TVs remain non-interactive. Teachers and students can’t write or collaborate directly on the screen, limiting their usefulness in a classroom where active participation is key.
Smart TVs are a mid-range solution: better than projectors, but not transformative.
Alternative #2: Smart Whiteboards – The Future of Classroom Learning
Interactive smart whiteboards, like the JAV Smart Board 10, take classroom technology to the next level. They combine the clarity of a high-definition display with the engagement of hands-on interaction.
Key Benefits of Smart Whiteboards
- Engaging, hands-on learning
Students and teachers can write, draw, and interact with lesson content in real time. Multiple touch points allow group collaboration, while smart pens make writing smooth and natural. Apps like Canvas even let students contribute from their own devices. - Perfect for all ages
In early education, children can answer questions by drawing on the board or participate in gamified lessons. For older students, teachers can create dynamic, multimedia-rich presentations. - Remote learning made simple
With built-in cameras and video conferencing, teachers can conduct hybrid or online classes without extra equipment. Students at home see the same board as those in the classroom. - Lesson preservation
Instead of erasing notes at the end of class, teachers can save everything to the cloud and share with absent students—or revisit material later. - Easy to set up and use
Plug in, connect to Wi-Fi, and you’re ready. Smart whiteboards integrate with popular platforms like Google Classroom, Zoom, Adobe Acrobat, and Khan Academy, making them simple to adopt. - Cost-effective investment
Unlike projectors, which require continuous upkeep, smart whiteboards are long-lasting and low-maintenance. They provide greater value over time. - Flexible sizes and mobility
Choose from 55-inch to 86-inch displays to fit your classroom. Add a rolling stand to move the board between rooms and maximize usage.
Goodbye, Projectors. Hello, Smart Whiteboards.
Teachers want tools that simplify their work, not complicate it. Projectors are noisy, high-maintenance, and outdated. Smart TVs improve clarity but lack interactivity.
Smart whiteboards, on the other hand, combine ease of use, cost savings, and interactive features that transform how students learn. With powerful software like Note, ultra-clear displays, and touch-friendly design, the JAV Smart Board helps teachers focus less on technology—and more on students.
If your school is ready to modernize classroom learning, explore how JAV Smart Boards can replace outdated projectors and create a truly interactive learning environment.
