Building a Lightboard

Learning Technologies at Emporia State University, recently has built a Lightboard, which can be used to record lectures and import into an online course. You can also use a Lightboard in a face-to-face course, though there are some other steps and equipment that are needed to accomplish this. Some departments at ESU have mentioned building their own lightboard and complete instructions with a parts list has been created to help those departments build one of their own. The directions are for a 6x4 lightboard therefore, if you are needing a smaller board or a board that could be used on top of a table, contact Learning Technologies for help in designing one that is specific to your needs.

First, why choose a Lightboard? This technology functions like a whiteboard, but video editing is minimal. This technology also allows your online students to see your face AND your instruction at the same time. Let's face it, staring at the back of someone's head during a lecture can be painful and obstructive to the content being presented. Having the lecturer's face visible through the glass while he/she writes on the glass is a step forward in engaging students in the online environment. PowerPoint or other media can also be displayed in the recording either through a piece of frosted transparency film OR through digital editing in post-production.

The Lightboard is really a tool to allow content to be displayed all the while the faculty members face is also seen. It allows instructors the ability to illustrate lessons with a diagram or explain a formula without blocking the written content with their bodies and without turning their backs to their students (Educause, 2014).

Contact Anna Catterson to receive a shared calendar to begin scheduling your recorded lectures OR if you wan to build your own Lightboard, follow these helpful guides:

1. 6x4 Lightboard Supply List
2. Preparing the Glass
3. 3D Printed Pieces
4. Construct the Frame
5. Connect the Electrical

Learning Technologies will be glad to assist you in developing your customized Lightboard, training on the Lightboard or just simply discuss ways in which the Lightboard can be adapted to fit your curriculum needs. 

Don't forget to Tweet your recordings or ideas at #ESULightitup! Let's see you Light it up!