For several years now the Mimio Xi has been the flagship interactive whiteboard unit of the Mimio brand. While it was not perfect, it has grown over the years to be a very well regarded portable IWB device that has become very popular in both schools and in offices around the world. Today, Mimio also has begun selling the new MimioTeach interactive whiteboard device which builds on the successes of the previous unit while fixing at least a few of the deficiencies.
MimioTeach Features and Updates
The MimioTeach is a magnetic bar roughly sixteen inches long that attaches to any existing whiteboard or metallic surface in a classroom or office. The MimioTeach allows a user to control a computer simply by touching the wall or whiteboard on which it is mounted. The device receives input from a special dedicated stylus that when touched against the board turns the data into mouse cursor movements. In essence, it turns any wall or flat surface into an instant Interactive Whiteboard (IWB).
The MimioTeach features several updates that help it become an even more desirable teaching tool. First, the old style suction cup method of affixing it to the whiteboard has been replaced by magnetic strips which hold firmly and do not seem to be prone to slipping. Second, the stylus pen has been improved, ditching the old AA battery for a rechargable one.
Lastly the MimioTeach now features built in wireless connectivity (the Xi version required an add-on wireless kit). The same MimioHub dongle that now communicates with the MimioTeach is also able to communicate with other Mimio technologies as well such as their wireless student response systems known as MimioVote.
Pros and Cons of the MimioTeach System
While the MimioTeach is definitely an improvement over the older Mimio Xi system the improvements are not earthshattering in any way. In essence the MimioTeach is little more than a Mimio Xi with the add-on wireless adaptor. Likewise the MimioTeach no longer provides the whiteboard capture features that the original did, instead asking the user to purchase an accessory called MimioCapture if they need that capability.
While the loss of the MimioCapture functions from the base MimioTeach product is no huge loss, it bears mentioning that the new unit is currently being priced at nearly $150 more than the old Xi with the add-on wireless adaptor included yet apparently provides little that is new other than the upgraded stylus and mounting hardware.
Once the unit ships and the reviews are in it will be easier to see if the price is justified on the new MimioTeach. The new version of the MimioStudio software that is used with the MimioTeach is a great improvement over the older version that shipped with the Xi. If tracking accuracy and ease of use have also improved over the Xi then the added expense will likely be worth it for most educational institutions especially when compared to more expensive full size Interactive Whiteboard units like the SmartBoard and ActivBoard.
Chad Criswell - Chad Criswell is a professional educator and freelance technology writer for numerous online and print publications throughout the United ...
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