For teachers · no tech words
Smart boards from zero
A step-by-step guide to the board in your classroom. One step per screen. About 10 minutes.
- There are many brands. They all work almost the same way.
- One cable for the picture. One for touch. USB-C does both.
- Without a cable: your device and the board must be on the same network.
- If something is blocked, it is not your fault. Use the cable and ask IT.
Already at the board? Run the 30-second Board check · Hands-on course: Smart Board Academy · 🎯 Class goal board
1 Which board do I have?
Look at your classroom. Tap the picture that looks like your board.
Flat touch panel (IFP: interactive flat panel)
How to tell
- The light comes from inside the screen. No light beam, no shadow of you.
- It has its own buttons: Power, Home, Input (or Source).
- It works with a finger and with pens on a tray or magnet.
- The brand name is usually on the frame or on a label on the back.
What it means for you
- Many have a computer inside (Android) with a whiteboard, a browser and files.
- You can connect your laptop with a cable or share without a cable.
- Some have an OPS slot on the back for a computer that slides into the panel.
Common families in U.S. schools: SMART Board (MX, GX, RX series), Promethean ActivPanel (LX, 9, 10), Newline, BenQ Board, ViewSonic ViewBoard, Boxlight Clevertouch. Names are plain facts. We do not endorse any brand.
Projector + interactive whiteboard (older setup)
How to tell
- A projector on the ceiling or on an arm shines onto a white board.
- Your shadow shows on the picture when you stand in front.
- A USB cable runs from the board to the classroom computer.
What it means for you
- The projector shows the picture. The USB cable carries touch to the computer.
- Touch works only if that computer has the board's driver software installed.
- Touch lands in the wrong place? Use "Orient" in the board's software.
Sourced example: the SMART Board M600 needs SMART Product Drivers installed, and you orient it when the projector or board has moved (checked Nov 11, 2026).
TV or projector only (no touch)
How to tell
- You touch the screen and nothing happens.
- No pens and no USB cable to the computer.
What it means for you
- It is a big screen. Use your laptop's mouse and keyboard, or a wireless mouse.
- You need only the picture cable (HDMI). Goal100 works just as well.
2 What plugs in where
One rule: HDMI = picture. USB = touch. USB-C = both.
Turn the board: find the ports
This is a generic panel (no brand). Drag to turn it, or use the buttons. The ports glow.
This device cannot show 3D here. The drawings below show the same ports.
HDMI inPicture and sound from a laptop. For touch, add the USB cable with the matching number.
USB-COne cable for picture, sound and touch (when that port supports it).
USB-B "Touch"The square-ish one. Carries touch from the board to your laptop.
USB-AFor USB drives, a keyboard or a mouse. Often on the front.
OPS slotOn the back. A computer (Windows or Android) that slides into the board. IT installs it.
AudioOut to room speakers. Normal sound already comes over HDMI or USB-C.
Your computer: which cable
💻 Windows laptop
Most have HDMI and USB-A. Use HDMI + the USB touch cable. Has a USB-C port with video? One USB-C cable is enough.
🧑💻 Chromebook
Google says: HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, VGA or USB-C. If the ports do not match, use an adapter. A slow USB-C cable can show "Cable may not support displays".
🍎 Mac
Some Macs have HDMI (for example, MacBook Pro 2021 or later). Others use a USB-C to HDMI adapter, such as the Apple USB-C Digital AV Multiport Adapter.
Every model is different. Read the labels next to each port on your own panel, or your model's manual.
3 Show my laptop or phone
A cable is the surest way. Wireless is handy, if your school allows it.
🔌 With a cable (5 steps)
- Plug HDMI (or USB-C) into your laptop and the board.
- For touch: also plug in the USB touch cable (not needed with USB-C).
- On the board, press Input or Source and choose that port.
- Picture looks wrong? Windows: Windows key + P → Duplicate. Chromebook: Settings → Device → Displays → Mirror Built-in Display.
- Touch the board. Does the pointer move? Done!
📶 Wireless: pick your device
First: 1) your device and the board must be on the same network (or use the brand's room code); 2) open the board's sharing app; 3) if the board does not show up, use the cable and ask IT.
Windows (Miracast)
- Press Windows key + K.
- Choose the board from the list.
- The board must accept Miracast. If it does not appear, use the brand's app or the cable.
Mac (AirPlay)
- Click Control Center (menu bar) → Screen Mirroring.
- Choose the board. Type the 4-digit code if the board shows one.
- Apple says: both devices have Wi-Fi on and are on the same network.
Chromebook (Google Cast)
- Click the clock (bottom right).
- Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on.
- Choose Cast devices available → the board → what to share → Share.
- To stop: clock → Stop next to "Casting screen".
iPhone or iPad (AirPlay)
- Join the same Wi-Fi network as the board.
- Open Control Center → Screen Mirroring.
- Choose the board. Type the code if one appears.
- To stop: Screen Mirroring → Stop Mirroring.
Android (Google Cast)
- Same Wi-Fi network as the board. Android 8.0 or newer.
- Google says: Google Home app → press and hold the device tile → Cast → Cast my screen.
- If the board does not show there, use the brand's app (below).
By brand: what their official pages say
| Brand | Tool | How it connects |
|---|---|---|
| SMART | Screen Share · SMART Mirror | AirPlay, Google Cast and Miracast; SMART apps when the network does not allow native tools. AirPlay and Google Cast: same network only. |
| Promethean | Screen Share | Type the panel ID (shown on the panel). Phone: Promethean app → "Screen Share as Guest". Computer: app from share.one.prometheanworld.com or the Chrome extension. You approve from the waiting room. |
| BenQ | InstaShare 2 | Windows, Mac, ChromeOS, iOS, iPadOS, Android. Also by web browser with a room ID, without being on the same network. Up to 9 screens. |
| ViewSonic | vCast | Miracast, AirPlay (iOS), Chromecast (Chrome browser). Up to 3 subnets. Touch back to the device only on Windows, Mac and Android. |
| Newline | Newline Cast+ | Apps for Windows, Mac and Android, plus a web client in the browser. iPhone and Chromebook: not verified. |
| Clevertouch | Clevershare | Up to 32 devices connected, up to 4 on screen. Which devices: not verified. |
Your school may turn some of these off. Ask IT which one your school uses. Checked Nov 11, 2026.
4 USB drives and file types
The board's own computer opens some files. Your laptop opens all of them.
| File | On the board's own computer (what official pages say) | The sure way |
|---|---|---|
| Promethean: opens in the PDF viewer. SMART: open Files → USB Files (some files need an app). | Laptop | |
| Pictures (JPG, PNG) | Promethean: images open. Other brands: check your model's manual. | Laptop |
| Video MP4 | Not verified on official pages. Try it before class. | Laptop |
| PowerPoint · Word · Excel | SMART: install the WPS Office app to open Office files. Promethean: Office 365 files open "view only". Office apps from Google Play may not have every feature. | Laptop with Office, PowerPoint or Google Slides |
| .notebook (SMART Notebook) | SMART display with iQ: save the lesson to USB, plug it in and open it (it opens in the Whiteboard app). | SMART Notebook on the laptop (the basic version is free to use with a SMART Board). ActivInspire can also import Notebook files. |
| .flipchart (Promethean) | Opening it right on the panel: not verified. | ActivInspire on the laptop. The Personal Edition is a free download (Windows, Mac, Linux). |
| Goal100 course (web page) | The board's browser + internet. | Laptop + browser. No internet: MP4 films on USB (step 7). |
✅ Good habits
- Use a USB drive from school, scanned by IT.
- Opening a file from USB does not save it on the board (SMART).
- The board does not see the drive? It may be the drive's format, or IT turned off USB. Check your model's manual or ask IT.
⛔ Never
- Never plug in a USB drive you found or do not know. New York State (DHSES) warns they can carry harmful software.
- Do not keep student data on personal drives.
5 Wi-Fi and school security in plain words
The school network has walls on purpose. They protect students.
Why "same network"
- To share without a cable, your device "calls out" on the network to find the board (AirPlay uses Bonjour; Google Cast uses mDNS).
- Many schools block those calls between networks, for safety. That is why the guest or student network cannot see the board.
- SMART explains this in its network guide. Only IT can change it.
Why IT blocks things
- Unknown USB drives can carry harmful software.
- Unknown apps may not follow school privacy rules.
- Unknown devices can put everyone's network at risk.
- NY schools must protect student data (Education Law 2-d).
✅ Safe
- The school laptop on the school network.
- The sharing app IT approved.
- Your school account (Google or Microsoft). Sign out when you finish.
- The cable. It always works, even when wireless is blocked.
⛔ Avoid
- Found or unknown USB drives.
- Installing apps on the board without IT's OK.
- Leaving a personal account signed in on the shared board.
- Showing grades or student data on the big screen.
What to ask IT
- Which board model do I have, and where is its manual?
- Which wireless sharing method does the school approve? Which network should I be on?
- May I use USB drives on the board? Which format?
- Can the board's browser open the Goal100 site and go full screen?
- Am I missing cables or adapters (USB-C, HDMI, USB touch)?
📧 Email to IT, ready to copy
Subject: Help with the interactive board in room [number]
Hello,
I am [name], the teacher in room [number]. I want to use the interactive board in my room for lessons. Could you help me with these questions?
1. Which board model do I have, and where is its manual?
2. Which wireless screen-sharing method does the school approve, and which network should I be on?
3. May I use a school USB drive on the board? Which format should it be?
4. Can the board's browser open this site and use full screen?: [website address]
5. Do I have the right cables (HDMI + USB touch, or USB-C) for my laptop?
I ran the Goal100 "Board check" on the board. Result: [paste the result here].
Thank you,
[name]
6 Sound, full screen and freezing: fixes in 1 minute
🆘 Quick fixes: what is wrong?
- Press Input/Source on the board and choose the port your cable is in.
- Push the cable in firmly at both ends.
- Windows: Windows key + P → Duplicate. Chromebook: Settings → Device → Displays.
- With USB-C: the cable must support displays. Try another cable or port.
- With HDMI, touch needs the USB touch cable in the port that matches that HDMI input.
- On SMART, the input menu shows a "Touch enabled" icon when the USB is connected.
- Projector + board: open the board's software and choose Orient.
- Sharing wirelessly: touch usually does not go back to your device. Use the cable.
- Turn up the board's volume. Check it is not muted.
- HDMI and USB-C carry sound. VGA does not: it needs a separate audio cable.
- On the laptop, choose the board as the sound output. Mac: System Settings → Sound → Output → the HDMI device.
- On the page, check the video itself is not muted.
- Chrome full screen: F11 (Windows) or Fn + F (Mac). Leave: the same key, or hold Esc.
- Text too small or big: Ctrl and + / Ctrl and − . Back to normal: Ctrl + 0 (Mac: ⌘).
- Picture cut off: Windows + P → Duplicate, or Mirror on a Chromebook.
- In Goal100: use the ⛶ Full screen button on the video or 3D.
🧊 Frozen?
- Wait 30 seconds. Sometimes it is still loading.
- Press Home on the board.
- Close the app or tab and open it again.
- Last step: turn it off with the Power button, wait a minute, turn it on. If it happens often, tell IT.
⛶ Full screen
- ⛶ button on every Goal100 video and 3D scene.
- Keyboard: F11 (Windows), Fn + F (Mac). Esc to leave.
- iPhone: the picture fills the window instead of true full screen.
7 Goal100 on the board
First run the Board check. Then open the course.
- On the board (or your connected laptop), open the browser.
- Open the Goal100 site → Courses → the grade and subject.
- Tap ⛶ Full screen on the video or 3D scene. Esc to leave.
- Use the keys below with a keyboard or a presentation clicker.
⌨️ In a course
- ← → previous / next step
- Enter Space press the chosen button
- Esc close, or leave full screen
🎬 In the chapter films
- Space play / pause
- ← → previous / next screen
- N P next / earlier chapter
- F full screen · M voice
📴 No internet: MP4 films on a USB drive
- At home or school, open the chapter films' teacher guide.
- Tap ⬇ MP4 (English or Spanish) where it is available.
- Copy the MP4 to a school USB drive.
- Play it on your laptop (the sure way) or in the board's media player, if your model opens MP4. Test it before class.
8 Sources
We opened and checked every source on Nov 11, 2026. Brand names are plain facts; we do not endorse any brand. Models change: always read your model's manual. Anything we could not confirm says "not verified".
- SMART, Connecting room computers and guest laptops (SMART Board MX): support.smarttech.com (checked Nov 11, 2026)
- SMART, About the SMART screen sharing apps: support.smarttech.com; About SMART Screen Share: support.smarttech.com (checked Nov 11, 2026)
- SMART, Setting up for success with screen sharing (networks, guests, subnets, mDNS, Bonjour): support.smarttech.com; Configuring the network for screen sharing: support.smarttech.com (checked Nov 11, 2026)
- SMART, Open and save files to a USB: support.smarttech.com; Open a SMART Notebook lesson on the display: support.smarttech.com; About SMART Notebook basic version: support.smarttech.com (checked Nov 11, 2026)
- SMART, What is Google EDLA?: smarttech.com (checked Nov 11, 2026)
- SMART, SMART Board M600 Connecting a computer and Calibrating and orienting: connecting, orienting (checked Nov 11, 2026)
- Promethean, Guided Practice: ActivPanel 9 (PDF): learn.prometheanworld.com; ActivPanel 9 User Guide (PDF): prometheanworld.com (checked Nov 11, 2026)
- Promethean, ActivPanel product page (ActivPanel 10, LX: ports, OPS, EDLA module): prometheanworld.com; Accessing files on your ActivPanel: learn.prometheanworld.com; ActivInspire spec sheet (PDF): prometheanworld.com; Promethean app listing: apps.apple.com (checked Nov 11, 2026)
- BenQ, InstaShare 2 wireless screen sharing: benq.com (checked Nov 11, 2026)
- ViewSonic, vCast: viewsonic.com (checked Nov 11, 2026)
- Newline, Newline Cast+: newline-interactive.com (checked Nov 11, 2026)
- Clevertouch, Clevershare: share content from multiple devices: gettingstarted.clevertouch.com (checked Nov 11, 2026)
- Microsoft, Screen mirroring and projecting to your PC or wireless display (Windows + K, Windows + P): support.microsoft.com (checked Nov 11, 2026)
- Apple, Connect to HDMI from your Mac: support.apple.com; Mirror or extend your Mac display: support.apple.com; Use AirPlay to stream video or mirror the screen of your iPhone or iPad: support.apple.com (checked Nov 11, 2026)
- Google, Connect your Chromebook to a monitor: support.google.com; Cast your Chromebook screen: support.google.com; Cast your Android screen: support.google.com; Chrome keyboard shortcuts: support.google.com (checked Nov 11, 2026)
- New York State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services (DHSES), USB security (PDF): dhses.ny.gov (checked Nov 11, 2026)
Not verified (check your model's manual)
- USB drive formats (FAT32, exFAT, NTFS) for each board.
- Which videos (MP4) each board's media player opens.
- Whether an ActivPanel opens .flipchart files without ActivInspire.
- Which SMART models have Google EDLA.