Blackboards vs. Whiteboards: A Scientist's Perspective

[jack476]

I dislike blackboards because I can't stand the sound of chalk scratching on the board. On the other hand, you can't do the Walter Lewin trick:

with a whiteboard. I think whiteboards are also a little bit easier for me to write on.

On the other hand, I really really really hate the feeling of ink getting on my hands or on my clothes. I also think chalkboards are a bit more "old-timey", so there's some appeal to me there. I also think the colors stand out better against the dark background.

At the end of the day, I think it's because blackboards just make me feel like I'm in a classroom, whiteboards make me feel like I'm in an office. (And Smart boards make me feel like the department spent too much money xD)

Another cool thing I've seen occasionally is dry erase boards made of clear plastic. It takes some practice because you have to get used to drawing and writing backwards, but if you can get it right you can write on them from behind so people can always see what you're doing (professors standing in front of the board as they write is a major pet peeve of mine).

 

[zoeschmoe]

Whiteboards for sure :) This article is about declining chalkboards...

http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifestyle/2009/10/death-of-the-chalkboard-declining-sales-driven-by-cheap-whiteboard-production/

 

[Silicon Waffle]

Whiteboards for sure :) Are http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/lifesty...-sales-driven-by-cheap-whiteboard-production/ though??

your URL is broken. "Page not found" at the time I post this.
Strange why people don't use white chalk or pens of white color ink on dark board and black ones on the white board ? Simple solution.

 

[Pythagorean]

Whiteboards; not a fan of chalk dust. I'm left handed, but I don't have the problem anorlunda mentioned, I just keep my hand off the board.

I've never seen a smartboard that actually worked. I've seen them re-purposed as whiteboards, though.