Markerboards
A
markerboard (also known as a
whiteboard, dry-erase board, dry-wipe board or a pen-board) is a name for
any glossy surface, most commonly colored white, where non-permanent markings can be made.
Markerboards operate analogously to chalkboards in that they allow markings to temporarily adhere to the surface of the
board. The popularity of
markerboards increased rapidly in the mid-1990s and they have become a fixture in
many offices, meeting rooms, school classrooms and other work environments.
Instead of using chalk (as on chalkboards) to make the markings, a
special markerboard erase marker containing removable ink is used.
Markerboards are constructed with one of three
materials; the cheaper melamine resin, polyester coated steel and more expensive models made from enameled
steel.
Markerboard Advantages
Markerboard ink markings are less susceptible to external factors, such as water, because the ink adheres
in a different manner than chalk does to chalkboards. As well, using
markers does not generate the dust
that comes from using and erasing chalk, allowing their use in areas containing dust-sensitive equipment.
Some who are allergic to chalk or are asthmatic use markerboards as an alternative.
A markerboard can be used as the projecting medium for an
overhead or
video projector. This allows the
person giving the presentation to fill in blanks, edit, underline and make comments by writing directly
onto the markerboard, which in turn shows through the projected image.
A
dry erase marker is easier to hold and write with. This can benefit persons with limited mobility in
their hands, such as those affected by diseases such as arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. In
addition, marking on a markerboard takes less time, effort and pressure than marking on a chalkboard.
Markerboards also save
paper.
Markerboard Disadvantages
Markerboards are slightly more expensive than blackboards. In addition, only
special markerboard markers are
suitable for use on markerboards. Using other markers that resemble markerboard markers but contain the
wrong kind of ink creates markings that are hard or impossible to remove. However, some techniques have
been developed, which include filling over them using a marker with the right type of removable ink and
then erasing the ink; wiping the marks with acetone or alcohol; or by using
board cleaning sprays or
prepackaged wipes.
The white background can cause contrast problems for people with vision impairment. Additionally,
markerboards cause some problems for those who write left-handed as many write with their hand curved
around the pen, therefore causing their hand to drag across the board, smearing the marker strokes
previously made. This is obviously only a problem for left-handed people when writing in a left-to-right
language, such those that use Roman characters, for example, English.
Another disadvantage of the markerboard is concerned with the issues of the actual usable ink remaining in
a
dry-erase marker. Since the markers are often tightly sealed in plastic, it is not possible to
accurately gauge the amount of ink available. In contrast, blackboards, using chalk do not have this
problem as the chalk visibly reduces with use.