Jeff Bradbury is an author, podcaster, public speaker, creator of the TeacherCast Educational Network and father of the world famous #EduTriplets.
The energy on the floor of ISTELive is always electric, but this year, the buzz around the future of classroom technology felt particularly strong. Amidst the innovation, one exhibitor, BenQ, stood out by showcasing a new generation of classroom solutions designed to be more integrated, secure, and intuitive for teachers than ever before. It wasn’t just about a new piece of hardware; it was about creating a cohesive ecosystem.
In this article will explore the key announcements from BenQ’s presence at the conference and provide a practical, hands-on look at five specific features that are set to transform the modern classroom, as demonstrated in a series of video interviews from the event.
I would like to thank BenQ for being a supporter and sponsor of my ISTELive experience this year.
For more information, please check out these links:
The Big Picture: Deep Google Integration and a Secure Cloud
The major news from BenQ is a significant step forward in creating a seamless classroom experience. The company’s newest interactive displays are now EDLA-certified, meaning they come with Google features and the Google Play store built-in, no extra hardware required. This gives teachers instant access to the Google Workspace tools they use every day, as well as the power of Gemini AI.
Furthermore, BenQ announced that this entire ecosystem is secured by Amazon Web Services (AWS). For school districts, this is a crucial detail. It means that all data and cloud functionality are secure, localized, and reliable, addressing major concerns around student data privacy and system stability.
A Practical Guide: 5 Key Features in Action
Beyond the big announcements, what does this mean for the teacher in the classroom? I had the chance to sit down with the team from BenQ to get a hands-on look at the features that make these new displays so powerful.
1. Why Choose a BenQ Board? The Foundation
Before diving into specific features, it’s important to understand the core value proposition. Why should a school choose a BenQ board in the first place? The answer lies in creating a more engaging, healthy, and flexible learning environment.
As discussed in the video, BenQ boards are designed with both teachers and students in mind, featuring 4K resolution for crystal-clear visuals and ClassroomCare™ health features to protect eyes in the classroom. The goal is to create a central hub for learning that is both powerful and easy to use.
2. Seamless Sign-In and Security
One of the biggest friction points for teachers using shared technology is the cumbersome process of logging in and out. BenQ’s new Google integration solves this problem directly.
With a simple and secure sign-in process, teachers can instantly access their personal Google Drive, lesson plans, and classroom materials. This single sign-on capability not only saves valuable instruction time but also ensures that a teacher’s digital environment is secure, and they can easily sign out with one tap at the end of a class.
3. Effortless Casting and Classroom Flexibility
Effective teaching in a modern classroom requires flexibility. Teachers need to be able to move around the room, interact with students, and facilitate group work without being tethered to the front of the class.
BenQ’s integrated InstaShow™ software allows for instant wireless screen sharing from any device—a laptop, a tablet, or even a phone. As demonstrated in the video, teachers can “cast” their screen to the board with a single click, allowing them to teach from anywhere in the classroom and seamlessly share student work for the entire class to see.
4. Creating and Importing Your Lessons
One of the biggest fears teachers have with new technology is that they will have to recreate all their existing lesson materials from scratch. BenQ has designed its software to work with the tools teachers already use.
As you can see in this demonstration, teachers can easily import and manipulate their existing PowerPoints, Google Slides, PDFs, and other documents directly on the interactive display. This means there is no wasted time; a teacher can take a lesson they’ve used for years and instantly make it more dynamic and interactive.
5. Making Learning Interactive
The ultimate goal of an interactive display is to create more engaging, hands-on learning experiences. BenQ’s built-in software tools are designed to make this easy for any teacher.
From annotating directly on top of any content to using digital manipulatives and interactive widgets, the board becomes a canvas for co-creation. Teachers can build dynamic lessons that capture student attention and allow them to interact with content in a deeper, more meaningful way.
What Do You Want Your Classrooms To Look Like?
The announcements from BenQ at ISTELive signal a clear shift in classroom technology. The focus is no longer on standalone hardware, but on creating a cohesive, secure, and intuitive ecosystem. By deeply integrating with Google, securing their platform with AWS, and focusing on the practical needs of teachers, BenQ is providing a powerful solution for creating the future-ready classrooms our students deserve.
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