The BenQ EDLA Board Pro was shown at BETT 2024 this year as a leading example of how smart displays should be made. It is, as the name suggests, an EDLA-certified display, so it comes with the latest Android 13 operating system. For educators, that means access to the latest Android apps without delays or update issues, as has been the case in the past.
This is a well thought out kit, designed specifically for education. As such, you get two styluses as standard, an app that allows controls from a tablet, laptop or smartphone anywhere in the room, and a rich 4K resolution display.
Unlike some of the competition, this one also includes an NFC addition. This means teachers can immediately access and log in with all their apps and tabs open as they previously left them. This is great for security but also for ease of use, especially if educators need to move between rooms and log in for different use cases.
Luis Afonso, Business Development Manager, told tech & Learning: “This is the development of the EDLA system, which provides a new level of access to Google applications that were not previously implemented in this way. You also have Microsoft applications for “The best of both worlds, all in one place.”
Below the screen is a built-in sound bar with dual 20W speakers backed by a powerful subwoofer, helping to deliver immersive audio even in larger spaces. It also has eight built-in microphones, so this device can accurately pick up audio throughout the room, ideal for hybrid learning.
The whiteboard feature is powerful and allows you to use a dual screen with a browser and even drag images to the whiteboard with ease. Type words and convert them to text with one button, then instantly translate with another. Crucially, all of this can be done on screen or on a laptop with the app, all recorded so it can be shared with students at a later date if required.
All that and this also offers antibacterial covers plus an air ionizer to clean the air, as well as the option to add a camera system. The folks at BenQ seem to have really thought of everything with this Android and Windows compatible setup that integrates with most LMS options.
