As everyone packs their cars for one last summer getaway over Labor Day weekend, most teachers are prepping their classrooms for the first day of school. It's a huge undertaking, even for seasoned educators. You're getting the classroom ready, fine-tuning lesson plans and memorizing your class list.

Then, you're told there's a new piece of equipment you're supposed to use this year. Even if you embrace utilizing technology in your classroom, your plate is already full.

Rest easy if that new piece of equipment is an interactive digital display. If you know how to use a computer or iPad - and you do - you can handle this! It really is as easy as this Sharp AQUOS BOARD video makes it look:

From the gadget-lovers to the technophobes here's an easy breakdown to make sense of why and how to use your interactive digital display:

Why do I need an interactive display in my classroom?

This is not just technology for the sake of technology. Although originally developed for business applications, interactive digital displays are increasingly prevalent in schools and universities. It allows you to provide an interactive learning experience that appeals to all types of learners — visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. The visuals and programs are instantly engaging to students of all ages. Plus, it enhances how you interact with your students. You get to move, your students get to move, and… you don't constantly need eyes in the back of your head!

Where do I start with this digital display?

If you're apprehensive at all, you may be tempted to use this as an expensive overhead projector. Do what it takes to get familiar with your particular system. All manufacturers, like Sharp, will have detailed instructions and ideas on their websites as reference. Go easy on yourself and recognize that integrating technology happens on a sliding scale. Typical integration will start with substitution (ie: overhead projector), then augmentation, modification, and redefinition. You'll find ways over time to incorporate the displays into your learning environment. Eventually, you won't remember ever not having it.

How can I use this display now?

If you're ready to hit the ground running, then your possibilities are truly endless! Collaborative learning has never been easier — brainstorming sessions, note-taking, games. Most displays, and Sharp AQUOS BOARD is one of them, integrate with existing classroom infrastructure and learning management systems. You can run Blackboard, Promethean Activinspire and ClassFlow, Google Classroom, Splashtop Classroom just to name a few.

Use Google Earth to explore the world and to learn about plants, animals, cultures and languages. The Scholastic and Dreambox  websites have programs and games organized by subject and grade, along with whiteboard tips. If you can think of it or find it, you can likely bring it to fruition with your digital display.

For a better understanding of how your Ann Arbor area orSE Michigan education system would benefit from Sharp AQUOS BOARDs, contact Dan Heimler at University Office Technologies or call (734) 434-5900.