Connected Blackboard Procurement Guide: Parameters, Adaptation and Acceptance

The interconnected blackboard is not an ordinary blackboard, and the procurement should be evaluated according to the teaching system.

In smart classroom projects, interactive blackboards are often procured simply as “blackboards with screens.” Several general requirements are written in the bidding documents, such as "support for touch control", "support for screen projection" and "support for recording and broadcasting". during bid evaluation, suppliers submit their own parameters, and the purchaser cannot compare them. When the equipment arrived, installed and debugged, the problem began to emerge: touch control and teaching computer were not compatible, and courseware annotation could not be used; The screen delay is high, and the picture cannot keep up with the teacher's lecture. The recorded picture cannot be entered, and the recorded class has no blackboard writing content. The software authorization charges another fee, and the budget exceeds a large amount. After the screen is embedded, there is not enough heat dissipation space and frequent crashes in summer.

The root of these problems is that the Internet Blackboard is not evaluated as a teaching system at the procurement stage. Interactive blackboards typically integrate touch, display, recording, and networking functionalities into a traditional blackboard, enabling chalk-based writing while seamlessly incorporating teaching equipment and software resources. Its core value is not just "having a screen", but integrating the blackboard writing area, display area and interconnection functions into a teaching wall. Any deviation of parameters, adaptation or field conditions in any link will affect the normal use of the whole wall.

How to write the core parameters of the 1. and the bidding parameters.

The key to parameter writing is that they must be measurable, verifiable, and acceptable upon completion. Expressions such as "high quality", "smooth interaction" and "durable" cannot be compared at the bid evaluation stage and cannot be judged at the acceptance stage. The following parameters are divided into four parts: blackboard writing area, display area, interconnection function and interface system. Each item gives reference value range and procurement suggestions. The specific values should be adjusted according to the actual needs of the project and product specifications.

blackboard region parameter

Display area parameters

Interconnection function parameter

Interface and System Parameters

How does 2. Internet Blackboard Adapt to Teaching Computer, OPS, Video Booth and Recording and Broadcasting System

The connected blackboard is not a separate device, but part of the teaching system. Before purchasing, it must be confirmed that it is compatible with the teaching computer, OPS, video booth, recording and broadcasting system and the existing platform of the school. Otherwise, it is easy to see the situation that "the equipment can be turned on but cannot be connected" after the goods arrive.

Adaptation with teaching computer

It is necessary to confirm the model, operating system and interface of the teaching computer. Whether the touch of the interconnected blackboard can directly control the computer, whether the courseware, video and teaching software are compatible, and whether drivers, special software or login accounts need to be installed. If the school already has a unified procurement of teaching computers, the model and configuration should be written into the bidding documents, requiring the supplier to make adaptation confirmation according to the actual model, instead of responding only according to the standard configuration.

Adapted to OPS

It is necessary to confirm the model, operating system and interface of OPS, OPS heat dissipation and maintenance space, installation method of OPS and interconnected blackboard, and compatibility of OPS with teaching software and platform. OPS is usually embedded behind the interactive tablet. If the green board or blackboard is closed to block the vent, it will directly affect the heat dissipation. The specific heat dissipation gap shall be provided by the interactive panel manufacturer, and a unified standard cannot be applied.

Adapt to video booth

It is necessary to confirm the model, interface and output mode of the video booth, whether the booth screen can be displayed on the interconnected blackboard, whether it can be annotated, saved or recorded on the booth screen, and how the booth is connected with the teaching computer and the recording and broadcasting system. In laboratory and training room scenarios, video booths are used frequently, and it is recommended to list the booth adaptation requirements separately in the bidding documents.

Adapt to recording and broadcasting system

It is necessary to confirm the model, camera and microphone configuration of the recording and broadcasting system, whether the interconnected blackboard screen can enter the recording and broadcasting, how to collect the teacher's voice and classroom voice, and how to configure the recording, live broadcast and content management. The recording and broadcasting classroom recommends that the interconnected blackboard be evaluated as part of the recording and broadcasting system, and the supplier is required to provide interface matching instructions and docking test plans.

Interface and System Adaptation Table

How to confirm the 3. site conditions in advance

Site conditions determine whether the interconnected blackboard can be installed smoothly and used stably for a long time. Conducting a site survey prior to tendering can help avoid numerous changes and disputes during the construction phase.

Walls and load-bearing

It is necessary to confirm the wall type, thickness and material, calculate the total weight of the interconnected blackboard, the weight of the interactive tablet, OPS and peripheral weight, and judge whether the wall can bear the total weight. Lightweight partition walls, hollow brick walls, and gypsum board walls differ significantly from concrete walls in terms of load-bearing capacity; the selection of mounting solutions must be based on this consideration. If reinforcement is required, it is also necessary to clarify who will issue the reinforcement plan, who will construct it, and who will bear the cost.

Power and Network

It is necessary to confirm the power supply requirements of the interconnection blackboard, OPS and peripherals, the location of the power socket and the cable path, the network access and screen projection requirements, and whether new lines or socket modifications are required. Special attention should be paid to whether the power socket or network panel is blocked after the interconnection blackboard is closed, and whether the lock position affects the operation of the power switch.

Heat dissipation and maintenance space

It is necessary to confirm whether the heat dissipation port behind the embedded screen of the interconnected blackboard is blocked, whether the OPS heat dissipation and maintenance space is reserved, whether there is a ventilation gap between the interconnected blackboard and the flat plate, and whether the parts can be easily checked, cleaned and replaced. The specific values for the heat dissipation space should be provided by the interactive flat-panel manufacturer and cannot rely on a uniform standard.

Site investigation tools and recording methods

During the on-site inspection, it is recommended to bring a tape measure or laser distance meter to measure wall width, height, and track length; a spirit level or laser level to check the track’s horizontal alignment; a wall scanner to verify the location of concealed conduits and reinforcing bars; and a camera or smartphone to photograph walls, corners, podiums, doors, passageways, power outlets, and network ports. The on-site record form should be filled in on the spot, marking the problem points and items to be confirmed. The photo naming proposal should be unified as "classroom number + survey item + date" to facilitate filing and subsequent search.

4. costs and budgets.

The unit price of the connected blackboard is just the tip of the iceberg. Installation and construction, power networks, software licensing, platform docking, maintenance spare parts, training costs, and post-upgrade all affect the total cost of ownership of the project. Just look at the equipment quotation, it is easy to be added in the later period to drag down the budget.

Software licensing, platform docking, and data storage costs are the easiest parts of a connected blackboard project to overbudget. Some manufacturers buy out software, some charge annually, some charge according to the number of classrooms, and some charge separately for data storage. Be sure to ask when inquiring and write a total cost assessment.

What are the 5. arrival acceptance, installation acceptance and teaching process acceptance respectively

Acceptance cannot only check whether the equipment can be started. Arrival acceptance, installation acceptance and teaching process acceptance three levels, covering equipment, installation and teaching use, each item should have a clear acceptance content and test methods.

Arrival acceptance

Check the packaging and appearance status, check the product model, quantity and serial number, count the OPS, stylus, remote control, cable and bracket and other accessories, and confirm that the random instructions and project delivery data are complete. The abnormal situation should be recorded on the spot and confirmed by the supplier.

Installation acceptance

Check whether the wall, track and bracket are stable, whether the interconnection blackboard matches the flat panel, whether the power supply, network and cable are normal, whether the heat dissipation and maintenance space meet the requirements, and whether the teaching computer, OPS, video booth and recording and broadcasting system are normal. Track level, cable identification, power earthing and other details shall be confirmed on site.

acceptance of teaching process

Arrange a complete teaching process test: whether the teacher can successfully switch between blackboard writing and digital content, whether the interconnected blackboard writing is clear and easy to erase, whether the whiteboard courseware, screen projection and annotation are normal, whether the video booth or recording and broadcasting system is normal, and whether the teacher can independently complete the complete operation of a class. It is recommended to complete teacher training concurrently and retain training records, operation cards, and instructions for the repair request process.

Quantitative Acceptance Table

How to write the 6. technical parameter response and deviation table.

It is suggested to attach the technical parameter response and deviation form in the bidding documents, and require the supplier to fill in the response and supporting materials one by one. The following table can be used as a template reference.

7. Supplier Response and Contract Attachments

The purchaser’s requirements shall only be binding when they are documented in verifiable form. It is suggested that suppliers should be required to provide product parameter table and model data, interconnection blackboard and peripheral adaptation instructions, installation manual and site investigation requirements, heat dissipation and maintenance space instructions, safety and environmental protection data, software authorization and platform docking instructions, as well as quality assurance, spare parts and maintenance plan. The scope of services for installation, training, and acceptance testing should also be clearly specified.

The contract annex is recommended to include at least the following documents: interconnection blackboard and peripheral configuration list, technical parameter response and deviation table, site investigation and installation condition confirmation table, heat dissipation and maintenance space requirements, software authorization and platform interface instructions, cost and budget schedule, installation training and acceptance service scope, warranty spare parts and maintenance responsibility table. Having these documents prepared ensures that the bid evaluation has a solid basis, acceptance criteria are clearly defined, and disputes in the later stages will be significantly reduced.

In the scoring method, the response degree of technical parameters, blackboard writing and display measured performance, interconnection function demonstration, peripheral adaptation scheme, installation scheme and site survey capability, total cost of ownership and software license fee, after-sales service and spare parts response, similar project cases, samples or on-site demonstration can be taken as the main scoring dimensions. This approach not only filters out bids that fail to meet the specified criteria but also enables a comparison of proposal quality among qualified suppliers.

Responsibility Division Reference

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the interconnected blackboard and the ordinary blackboard? On the basis of keeping the chalk writing, the interconnected blackboard increases the display area and interconnection function, and supports courseware, screen casting, annotation and saving. Some models also support recording and broadcasting and remote classroom. Ordinary blackboard only solves the problem of traditional blackboard writing. When purchasing, it is necessary to judge whether the interconnection function is needed according to the teaching task.

What is the difference between an interconnected blackboard and an interactive whiteboard? The interactive whiteboard is dominated by digital display and touch interaction, and usually does not retain the chalk writing area; the interconnected blackboard retains the traditional blackboard writing while integrating digital teaching functions. The procurement parameters and site conditions of the two are different and cannot be evaluated by the same set of standards.

Does the interconnected blackboard support chalk writing? Most interconnected blackboards reserve a chalk or dust-free pen writing area, but the specific type of pen supported and the size of the writing area depends on the model. The supplier shall be required to demonstrate on site prior to procurement.

Does the Internet Blackboard support blackboard preservation? Some models support photo uploading or real-time digital preservation. The preservation location may be local or cloud. Whether the charge is charged and how long the storage period is need to be specified in the technical agreement. The supplier shall be required to explain the storage format, resolution and export method.

How to adapt the interconnected blackboard to the teaching computer, OPS, video booth and recording and broadcasting system? It is necessary to confirm the model, interface, system and compatibility of each equipment, and require the supplier to provide adaptation instructions and conduct docking test during acceptance. The video classroom recommends that the connected blackboard be evaluated as part of the video system.

What site conditions need to be confirmed for interconnection blackboard procurement? Wall type and load bearing, power socket location and power, network access mode and bandwidth, cable path, heat dissipation and maintenance space, podium and channel location, classroom lighting and viewing distance.

What should be checked and accepted in the purchase of the interconnection blackboard? Check the model, quantity, accessories and data after the arrival acceptance; check the wall, track, power supply, network and heat dissipation after the installation acceptance; check whether the blackboard writing, courseware, screen casting, annotation and saving are normal after the teaching process acceptance test. It is recommended to add a quantitative acceptance checklist and clearly define the pass criteria.

How to write the bidding parameters of the interconnected blackboard? Write the size, material, gloss, formaldehyde emission, display resolution, brightness, touch points, screen projection agreement, blackboard writing saving, recording and broadcasting interface, software authorization method into measurable and acceptable terms, and set asterisk items and scoring items. Software licensing and platform docking costs are written into the total cost assessment.

How to calculate the software license fee of the Internet Blackboard? Different manufacturers vary greatly, some buy out, some charge annually, and some charge according to the number of classrooms. When inquiring, be sure to ask clearly and write it into the annex to the contract to avoid being passive in the later period.

How does the interconnection blackboard interface with the existing platform of the school? Platform compatibility, API interface, data format and whether customized development is required need to be confirmed. It is recommended that suppliers be required to provide similar docking cases and cost descriptions.

Conclusion

The purchase of interconnected blackboard should not only look at the equipment itself, but also confirm the blackboard writing area, display area, interconnection function, peripheral adaptation, field conditions, total cost and acceptance criteria. The Education Bureau and schools should write parameters, adaptation, site conditions and acceptance requirements into the procurement documents, write software authorization and platform docking costs into the budget, and use the technical parameter response and deviation form as the bid evaluation tool. Moving these tasks to the tendering stage is far more cost-effective than rework or additional scope changes after the equipment has been delivered.