Classroom tech is taking off, and for good reason. Research shows that edtech helps turn classrooms into spaces where students can take more control of their learning, whether through personalized lessons or hands-on projects that prepare them for the real world. Plus, it helps teachers create more flexible, engaging, and inclusive classrooms. But upgrading classroom tech hasn’t always been easy—or affordable. Many schools are working with outdated AV setups, some decades old, which makes upgrading a massive and expensive undertaking. For years, schools have had to pick and choose which classrooms get upgraded first, and those upgrades often don't even include the fun, interactive tools that really make a difference in student engagement.

That was the situation at West Ottawa Public Schools in Michigan. The district was looking at a nearly $500,000 just to get their audio and wiring up to speed before they could even think about new displays or other interactive tech. But that all changed when they saw BenQ Boards at ISTELive. With BenQ Boards, they could skip a lot of those costs by going with an all-in-one solution that combines audio, video, touch, and more in a single smart board.

BenQ Boards are more than just a smart board—they’re an all-in-one solution. They’ve got everything: a UHD multitouch interactive screen, an eight-microphone array, and two 20W speakers. That means you’re covered for both recording lessons and playing them back loud and clear, without needing extra AV upgrades or rewiring the entire building.

BenQ Boards also come with a whole suite of software that’s designed to help teachers, IT staff, and students. And the best part? No subscription or license fees. The smart board comes with EZWrite 6, BenQ’s award-winning whiteboard software. But it’s not just a whiteboard; it’s a classroom ecosystem that functions as a display, a computer, recording device, a wireless screen-sharing system, a game surface, and more. Teachers can import documents and slides, embed videos, and even scan books, which the board’s AI can convert into editable text. You can also open lessons from third-party platforms like a SMART notebook, IWB files, or pull materials from cloud drives. Plus, with InstaShare, students can share their work straight from their seats, whether they’re in class or tuning in remotely. All of this comes without extra fees, making it easier for schools to create immersive and inclusive learning environments.

For IT and AV staff, BenQ Boards have built-in DMS (Device Management System) for centralized control and AMS (Account Management System) for secure logins. What’s more, it’s interoperable with many educational apps, including Curipod, Kahoot!, Lingokids, and more!

BenQ Boards are built for flexibility. Teachers can easily record lessons and upload them to the cloud, making asynchronous learning a breeze. And since the board already comes with built-in microphones and speakers, there’s no need to buy extra equipment to start breaking down the classroom walls.

With BenQ Boards, schools also get crystal-clear UHD video. No more messing around with outdated projectors or worrying about replacing bulbs. Teachers and students report a much more engaging and immersive experience thanks to the board’s high-quality visuals.

After crunching the numbers, West Ottawa Public Schools realized that BenQ Boards weren’t just a cost saver—they were also a way to immediately boost learning opportunities. The moment they got them installed, teachers were able to switch off their old projectors and start using the boards. See them in action at West Ottawa.