Wiimote Whiteboard – Part 1 – Setup of a Cheap IWB
With interactive whiteboards (IWBs) popping up in classrooms all over the world, maybe you feel a little left out. Not only are they a great way to incorporate technology into your class, but they can also be a lot of fun. But with IWBs prices more than $1000, it could be hard to convince your school to buy you one.
Alternatively, you could produce a cheaper version by using a Wiimote. You heard me right. Using a wiimote, computer, infrared pen, and a projector, you can turn your whiteboard (or any surface) into an interactive whiteboard. If you already have a computer and a projector, the wiimote and infrared pen will set you back $40-50; that’s a LOT of money saved. The Wiimote is used as an infrared camera and detects the infrared pen as your mouse cursor. It’s as simple as that.
Alright, enough chit-chat. Let’s get started. Today, I’ll be going over a list of things that you’ll need in order for your new IWB.
You’ll need:
A Wiimote
An Infrared Pen (can be made or bought from sites such as http://penteractive.us/)
Computer with a Bluetooth Adapter
Projector
Programs Needed:
Smoothboard
- First thing to do is to set up your projector to your computer and position it to the surface that you want to use (whiteboard, screen, table, etc)
- Next you want to do is to connect your Wiimote to your computer via bluetooth.
NOTE: There have been difficulties in connecting Wiimote controllers via bluetooth. For help, check out this page. - Once your wiimote is connected, position it so it could see your whole surface. The Wiimote has a viewing angle of about 40-45 degrees. Also note, that it acts as a camera, so if something is between the infrared pen and the Wiimote (for example… your body), the Wiimote won’t pick it up.
- Startup BoonJin’s Smoothboard program and calibrate your surface by pressing pressing the “Calibrate” button on the program or A button on the Wiimote. Use the infrared to point and “click” the crosshairs that will appear on the 4 corners.
- Once calibrated, you’re good to go! Smoothboard allows for the infrared pen to be seen as Motion Only, Left Clicks, and Right Clicks but be aware of which option is chosen.
To see the Wiimote IWB in action, check out some of these videos:
Using a 55 Dollar Interactive Whiteboard to Enhance Learning
Students Using Wiimote Whiteboard
Wiimote IWB with Edusim & Kindlelab as the software projects
