There has never been a better time to invest in classroom technology that strengthens instruction, simplifies operations, and scales with your district's needs. The right interactive display is not the one with the most features — it is the one that best fits your school's environment, your teachers' workflows, and your IT team's capacity to support it.
This guide provides a structured framework for evaluating interactive displays. Every section addresses a specific category of decision criteria — from touch technology and software to security, management, and total cost of ownership.
What Is an Interactive Display?
An interactive display — also called an Interactive Touchscreen or Interactive Flat Panel Display (IFPD) — is a large-format touchscreen that allows teachers and students to write, draw, annotate, and interact with content directly on the screen. Unlike a projector setup, an interactive display requires no calibration, no external light control, and no separate computer connection to begin instruction.
The touchscreen recognizes fingers, palms, and styluses, providing a natural interaction model similar to a tablet or smartphone — at classroom scale.
Why Choose an Interactive Display?
Schools invest in technology to expand learning opportunities, use instructional time more efficiently, and provide students of all abilities access to materials that meet their needs. Interactive displays support all three objectives through a single, familiar interface.
The touchscreen interaction model eliminates the learning curve that older classroom technology imposed. Teachers and students tap, drag, scroll, and swipe naturally. Instruction starts faster, transitions happen more smoothly, and participation increases because the interface works the way people already expect technology to work.
Five Benefits of Interactive Displays
Increased Engagement & Active Learning
Bright, clear visuals and interactive content capture attention in ways static materials cannot. An immersive video of a rainforest ecosystem delivers a different experience than a poster. Resources are available to increase interactivity, engage students, and motivate them to be more involved in lessons.
More Opportunities to Collaborate
Multi-touch capabilities allow multiple students to annotate, highlight, and move content simultaneously. Screen mirroring software extends participation to remote learners. Because the interface resembles personal devices students already use, collaboration feels natural rather than imposed.
Accessibility for Diverse Learners
Students who have difficulty gripping a pencil can use fingers or palms to annotate. Displays mounted on height-adjustable carts provide physical accessibility. Interactive displays support inclusive instruction by accommodating diverse learning needs through a single shared surface.
STEM Learning Integration
Interactive displays provide an engaging way for students to plan experiments, share findings, and collaborate on results. Screen mirroring extends this work to remote participants. Science classes can bring in guest experts for virtual interviews, connecting students to real-world STEM careers.
Time Savings
Interactive displays are complete, out-of-the-box solutions. No excessive cables, no projector calibration, no external device setup. Teachers turn on the display and begin instruction — recovering the time previously lost to troubleshooting connections and adjusting focus.
Energy Efficiency
With rising energy costs consuming larger portions of school budgets, efficiency matters. The most advanced interactive displays reduce energy consumption through automated scheduling — powering on and off through a central management system without manual intervention.
Displays with a built-in operating system are designed for efficiency. They do not require external devices that draw separate power. Non-OS displays rely on additional hardware that increases consumption and IT management overhead.
Replacing one projector used 5 days per week, 8 hours per day, for 38 weeks yields significant annual savings.
Features to Evaluate
Every display on the market offers a range of sizes, features, and capabilities. The following categories will help you distinguish what matters most for your school's environment.
Touch Technology
Writing should be smooth and natural — replicating the experience of a traditional whiteboard without lag, unwanted marks from an arm brushing the screen, or inaccurate input. The display should differentiate between palm-erase, finger-touch, and stylus-writing automatically, providing a true walk-up-and-use experience. Multiple users should be able to interact simultaneously.
Ease of Use & Customization
The success of any new technology depends on how easily teachers can adopt it. The interface should feel familiar from the first day — switch it on and start using it. NFC-enabled login allows teachers to tap an ID card and access their personalized setup instantly, then log out for the next teacher with a single action.
Wireless Teaching
Some classroom technology keeps teachers tethered to the front of the room. Displays with wireless control allow teachers to move freely — observing students, facilitating discussion, and controlling the display from anywhere in the classroom.
Built-in Operating System
Many interactive displays include a built-in computer, eliminating the need for an external laptop or PC. Teachers access files, applications, and web browsers directly from the display. Google EDLA certification provides seamless access to Google Workspace and Microsoft 365 without plugging in additional devices.
Software & Learning Apps
Exceptional classroom software allows teachers to create interactive lessons that include multiple question types, documents, images, videos, and slide presentations in minutes. Built-in apps aligned with key learning objectives reinforce instruction without requiring external tools.
App Store & Built-in Whiteboarding
A verified app store ensures safe installations and minimizes security risks. Teachers should be able to install apps without requiring IT support. Built-in whiteboarding software should support cross-platform compatibility (tablets, laptops, mobile phones), dual-screen mode for simultaneous collaboration, cloud-based saving and sharing, and direct browser integration for drag-and-drop content.
Cloud Sync & Third-Party Import
Displays that sync with Google Drive and Microsoft OneDrive allow teachers, administrators, and students to upload, share, and access content from anywhere. Modern displays should also support importing third-party interactive whiteboard lessons — preserving the time teachers have already invested in creating resources for older platforms.
Digital Signage Capabilities
Built-in digital signage transforms interactive displays into real-time communication tools. Schools can broadcast emergency alerts, schedule changes, daily announcements, and office calls across all displays in every classroom. Cloud management software enables communication to every screen, regardless of building or location.
Connectivity & Security
Connectivity
Classrooms often contain a mix of old and new technology, making versatile connectivity essential. USB-C is the most powerful option — supporting video, audio, touch, data transfer, and device charging through a single cable. Verify HDMI 2.0 support for 4K content, and choose displays with built-in Wi-Fi rather than external dongles.
Security
Interactive displays should run the latest Android operating system with Cyber Essentials certification. Over-the-air updates should include patches, fixes, and security updates at no additional cost — reducing the need to replace hardware when an operating system reaches end of life. Data storage and processing should meet industry standards including ISO 27001 and SOC certifications. User lockdown settings protect system integrity when displays are shared across multiple teachers.
Remote Display Management
A Mobile Device Management (MDM) system connects your fleet of displays to a single management account. IT teams can control, configure, troubleshoot, and update devices from anywhere — without visiting each classroom.
Key MDM capabilities include remote access and control (shutdown, restart, wipe), anti-theft modules (lock, unlock, reset from MDM software), instant messaging for security and maintenance announcements, and push notifications directly to all or individual screens for real-time communication. For a more complete communication experience, the solution should integrate alerts and audio alarm features to streamline emergency notifications.
Choosing a Vendor
Cheaper alternatives are always available. But the lowest price is not always the best value. Quality, durability, and long-term support determine the real return on investment.
Warranty
A fully inclusive warranty should cover all parts and components with no unexpected charges or hidden clauses. Fast, reliable coverage ensures minimal classroom downtime when issues arise.
Training
The most comprehensive training programs offer free in-person and online sessions, a dedicated support contact, training on installation day, refresher training, online courses, and pedagogy guidance. Staff must be equipped to use every feature available — otherwise the investment underperforms.
Ongoing Support
Direct, accessible, timely support from the manufacturer ensures issues are resolved quickly and the investment continues to deliver value. After installation, the relationship with the vendor should strengthen, not end.
Buyer's Checklist: Questions to Ask
Use this checklist during vendor evaluations. Each question maps to a decision criterion covered in this guide.
Interactive Technology
- Does it offer a fluid writing experience without lag?
- Does it have palm rejection and accurate stylus/finger differentiation?
- Can multiple users interact simultaneously?
- Is there a true walk-up-and-use experience without navigating menus?
- Can each teacher's screen be customized with their apps, logo, and settings?
- Does it offer Google and Microsoft access without plugging in a separate device?
Computer System & Ease of Use
- Can teachers get started quickly and navigate without a manual?
- Does it offer NFC-enabled login?
- Can the display be controlled wirelessly from anywhere in the room?
- Can a tablet or phone serve as a wireless document camera?
Software & Apps
- Does it include classroom software and learning apps?
- Are apps free, or is there a subscription cost?
- Can teachers install apps without IT support?
- Can the software track student progress with questions and polls?
- Does the display integrate with Google Drive and OneDrive?
- Can it import third-party interactive whiteboard lessons?
Built-in Whiteboard
- Can any device connect — Apple, Android, and Chromebook?
- Can whiteboard files be saved and shared online?
- Does it offer dual-screen mode for simultaneous collaboration?
- Does the whiteboard have direct browser integration?
- Is there access to curated lessons and activities?
Digital Signage
- Does the display include built-in digital signage?
- Does it integrate with other signage solutions and cloud management software?
- Can content be remotely managed and pushed to multiple screens?
Connectivity
- Does it include USB-C with video, audio, touch, data, and device charging?
- Does it support HDMI 2.0 for 4K content?
- Is Wi-Fi built in without requiring external dongles?
Security
- What Android OS version is installed? Does it meet Cyber Essentials certification?
- Does the manufacturer offer free over-the-air updates including security patches?
- Do data storage and processing meet ISO 27001 and SOC standards?
- Can user settings be locked down?
Remote Display Management
- Can you control multiple devices simultaneously from a single MDM account?
- Can you remotely shut down, restart, or wipe any device?
- Can you troubleshoot remotely?
- Does it include anti-theft modules?
- Can you push instant messages to any or all screens?
Vendor Evaluation
- Does the warranty cover all parts and components with no hidden clauses?
- Is training free — including installation day, refresher sessions, and online courses?
- Is there a dedicated support contact?
- Does the manufacturer offer direct, accessible, timely support?