We recently noticed a discussion on the internet question-and-answer site Quora regarding the value of whiteboards versus PowerPoint presentations. (If you’re registered with Quora, you can click here to follow the discussion.)
People responding to the question generally agreed that whiteboard use is best for fostering interaction and creativity among people participating in the collaboration, planning or learning.
“A whiteboard allows adaptation to the audience needs/questions. It allows interactivity and spontaneity in the delivery,” said one respondent.
PowerPoint presentations are good when you need to follow a rigid structure, and when it’s important to be able to return to earlier slides.
Another said: “If you have a structured material, that has a certain flow and not many changes or you need to explain complex processes with many factors and parameters, then PowerPoint will be a good tool. It is restrictive since you are confined to its limitations and have no option to introduce changes or add new topics during a lecture. If your teaching is more dialog-based and you gather input during the lecture, I would go with a whiteboard.”
Our customers regularly tell us how important whiteboards are for a wide variety of presentations.
Dan Griffin is general manager of EVERWhite, a U.S. manufacturer and seller of whiteboards and tack boards used for teaching, coaching, planning, collaboration and tracking. Along with his expertise in the use of whiteboards, Dan excels in leadership, new product development, business operations, continuous improvement and product marketing. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, with a focus on marketing, from Temple University.
