As expectations for higher education evolve, so too must the teaching environments that support them.
Universities across the UK are investing in flexible, high-performance spaces that promote accessibility, collaboration, and clarity. At the centre of this transformation is a new generation of writing surfaces that meet the demands of both students and lecturers.
The Electric Dry Wipe Column Board is one such innovation. Purpose-built for use in lecture theatres, seminar rooms, and training spaces, it offers a practical upgrade that improves visibility, accessibility, and teaching efficiency. In this article, we’ll explore the key features of this advanced board system, common questions from university teams, and how it complements the wider Presentation Spaces range of column board solutions.
Why Traditional Whiteboards Aren’t Enough Anymore
In modern lecture theatres—especially those with tiered seating or large audiences—standard whiteboards can cause unnecessary limitations:
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Limited writing space: Content often has to be erased before a topic is finished.
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Restricted visibility: Boards set at a fixed height are difficult to see from all areas of the room.
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Manual height adjustment: Heavy or fixed boards are cumbersome and unsuitable for many users.
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Disruption to teaching flow: Wiping and repositioning slows down lectures and causes distractions.
As universities adopt more active and inclusive learning strategies, these limitations can hinder teaching outcomes, especially in subjects requiring detailed annotation or visual explanation.
The Electric Dry Wipe Column Board: Built for the 21st-Century Lecture Theatre
The Electric Dry Wipe Column Board brings a smarter, more adaptable approach to traditional teaching tools. Operated with a simple push-button system, it allows for effortless vertical adjustment and maximises the usable writing area without disrupting the lecture.
Key Features
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Push-button electric height adjustment
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Gloss-white, ultra-durable vitreous enamelled steel (VES) surface
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Silent, smooth gliding movement
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Available in 1, 2, or 3 board systems
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Independently counterweighted panels
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Surface sizes from 0.9m to 1.2m high and 2m to 6m wide
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DDA-compliant accessibility features
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25-year warranty on writing surface
Whether used to write up complex theories, sketch technical diagrams, or facilitate audience interaction, the board delivers the space and visibility that modern lecturers need.
Who Benefits Most From This Upgrade?
Facilities and Estates Teams
The Electric Dry Wipe Column Board makes planning simpler by offering a clean, minimal design that integrates smoothly with AV equipment and projection screens. The near-silent motor and concealed mechanism mean there’s no need for extensive retrofitting or disruption.
Lecturers and Academic Staff
Academic staff appreciate the uninterrupted writing space, ergonomic controls, and high-contrast surface, especially in STEM subjects or any discipline where students benefit from seeing detailed progression across multiple steps.
Students
Students in larger lecture theatres benefit from better sightlines, especially when combined with tiered seating. The height-adjustable system ensures the board is visible from all corners of the room and accommodates inclusive teaching for lecturers with mobility needs.
Common Questions from Universities
1. Is the electric system safe and reliable?
Yes. The enclosed motorised mechanism is robust, tested for regular institutional use, and designed with safety features to avoid trapping or jamming.
2. Will it fit in our existing lecture theatres?
The system is designed for flexibility and can be installed in most existing large teaching spaces with minimal disruption. Our team works closely with your facilities staff to ensure a seamless installation process.
3. How is the surface different from a regular whiteboard?
The scratch-resistant VES surface is highly durable and has a gloss-white finish that resists staining and ghosting. It’s easy to clean, offers better clarity, and is guaranteed for 25 years.
4. Is it suitable for interactive or hybrid learning environments?
Yes. While it offers a traditional dry-wipe surface, it can be used alongside projection screens or interactive displays for hybrid teaching styles. For full interactivity, consider our Flexi-View Interactive Column Board.
Real-World Applications
STEM Lectures
Mathematics, engineering, and science lecturers benefit from the ability to move between complex problems or diagrams across multiple panels—without erasing previous work.
Lecture Series or Team Teaching
Multiple users can present sequentially, adjusting the board height to suit their needs and preferred writing position. This makes it ideal for guest lectures or interdisciplinary sessions.
Inclusive Teaching
The board’s height adjustability makes it suitable for wheelchair users and helps universities meet DDA compliance, supporting inclusivity across teaching staff and students.
Seminar and Training Rooms
Training spaces benefit from the flexibility of the adjustable system. Presenters can pre-fill panels with content or switch between groups of learners without needing to stop and clean the board.
How Does It Compare?
Electric Dry Wipe vs. Electric Chalk Column Board
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Electric Chalk Column Board: Ideal for subjects like maths and physics where chalk provides better tactile control.
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Electric Dry Wipe Column Board: Perfect for modern teaching preferences, with easy-clean surfaces and dry erase convenience.
Electric vs. Interactive Boards
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Flexi-View Interactive Column Board: Combines height adjustability with full digital interactivity.
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Electric Dry Wipe: Maintains traditional feel with ergonomic, physical writing surface. Best for those who don’t require touchscreen capabilities.
Why Universities Are Choosing Electric Column Board Systems
Forward-thinking institutions are investing in column board systems because they improve:
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Lesson flow and clarity
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Staff wellbeing and comfort
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Accessibility and DDA compliance
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Versatility for different teaching styles
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Integration with AV systems and hybrid learning tools
As part of a wider classroom design strategy, these systems help create better learning environments that align with BB93 and other standards focused on acoustics, visibility, and inclusive design.
Conclusion: The Smarter Surface for Modern Teaching
The Electric Dry Wipe Column Board is more than just a whiteboard—it’s a practical upgrade for today’s university lecture theatre. With electric adjustability, a durable writing surface, and accessibility-first design, it addresses the needs of modern educators, students, and estates teams alike.
To explore our full range, including the Electric Chalk Column Board and Flexi-View Interactive Column Board, visit our product range or contact us for expert guidance.
Ready to upgrade your teaching spaces? Let’s work together to create lecture theatres that support clarity, collaboration, and accessibility for every learner.
