Quick answer: An interactive screen (or interactive flat panel) is a large touchscreen display that replaces a traditional whiteboard and projector with a single, glare-free, high-definition surface. For most UK schools the best choice is a SMART Board from the GX, MX Pro or QX Pro range, picked according to budget and how much built-in software and processing power you need. This guide explains the differences and how to choose.
Interactive displays have largely replaced projectors and traditional whiteboards in classrooms, and for good reason: no bulb to replace, no shadows, no calibration, and a bright touchscreen that pupils can write on directly. But the range of models and jargon (GX, MX, QX, iQ, OPS) makes specifying one confusing. Here is how to choose.
Browse the full interactive screens and SMART Board range, or call the team on 01382 913 913 for advice on the right model and size.
What is an interactive screen?
An interactive flat panel display is a commercial-grade touchscreen, typically 65 to 86 inches, built for classroom and meeting-room use. Unlike a domestic TV, it is designed for all-day use, multi-touch writing by several pupils at once, and integration with teaching software. Most run an Android-based interface out of the box and can also connect to a Windows PC.
Compared with a projector-and-whiteboard setup, an interactive screen is brighter, sharper, needs no darkened room, has no consumable bulb, and removes the shadowing and calibration drift that frustrate teachers. The total cost of ownership is usually lower over the life of the device.
Choosing the right SMART Board: GX, MX Pro and QX Pro
SMART Boards are the most widely specified interactive displays in UK schools. The three main ranges map neatly to three budgets and use cases. For a full side-by-side, see our SMART Board GX vs MX Pro vs QX Pro comparison.
SMART GX: the classroom essential
The SMART GX (V3) Series is the best-value option for everyday classroom teaching. It offers responsive touch, built-in SMART software for whiteboarding and screen sharing, and a clean Android interface. For schools fitting out many rooms on a fixed budget, the GX delivers the core interactive experience without paying for features a typical classroom will not use. The entry-level SMART GX ZERO is available where budgets are tightest.
SMART MX Pro: the all-rounder
The SMART MX Pro (V5) with iQ adds the iQ experience: a more powerful built-in computer, the full SMART software suite, and smoother performance with multiple apps and larger files. It is the right choice for departments that use interactive lessons heavily, want reliable wireless screen sharing from pupil devices, and need headroom for future software. For most schools, the MX Pro is the sweet spot between cost and capability.
SMART QX Pro: the premium and large-format option
The SMART QX Pro is the top of the range, built for lecture theatres, large halls and spaces where the highest performance and largest sizes are needed. It offers the most processing power and the best collaboration features, suiting universities, training suites and flagship teaching spaces.
Where a display does not need to be interactive at all, for example digital signage or a presentation screen in a hall, the SMART NX non-interactive display is a more economical fit.
Do I need an OPS PC module?
All SMART Boards run their own Android-based system, which is enough for most teaching. If your school is standardised on Windows, or you rely on Windows-only software, a slot-in SMART OPS PC Module turns the display into a full Windows PC with no trailing cables or separate box. This is the cleanest way to run Windows on an interactive screen.
Don't forget the visualiser
A visualiser (document camera) pairs naturally with an interactive screen, letting teachers project books, worksheets and 3D objects live onto the display and annotate over them. The compact AVerVision U50+ is a popular classroom choice that connects straight to the panel or a PC.
What size interactive screen do I need?
Screen size should match the room and the distance of the furthest pupil. As a guide: 65 inch suits small classrooms and breakout rooms; 75 inch is the standard choice for a typical classroom of 30 pupils; 86 inch suits larger classrooms, science labs and halls where pupils sit further back. The back-row rule of thumb is that text should be readable from the furthest seat, so larger rooms need larger panels.
Still deciding between display types?
If you are weighing up an interactive screen against older technology, read Interactive Screen vs Projector vs Whiteboard: How to Choose for the cost, image-quality and maintenance trade-offs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an interactive whiteboard and an interactive screen?
A traditional interactive whiteboard is a non-illuminated surface that relies on a separate projector to throw an image onto it. An interactive screen (interactive flat panel) is a self-contained, illuminated touchscreen with no projector. Interactive screens are brighter, sharper, need no darkened room, have no bulb to replace, and avoid the shadows and calibration problems of projector-based boards. Most schools now choose interactive screens.
Which SMART Board is best for a primary school classroom?
For most primary classrooms, the SMART GX offers the best balance of cost and capability, with responsive touch and the core SMART teaching software. Schools that use interactive lessons intensively or want a more powerful built-in computer often step up to the SMART MX Pro. The QX Pro is usually reserved for large or specialist spaces.
Do interactive screens need a separate computer?
No. SMART Boards include a built-in Android-based system that runs whiteboarding, screen sharing and apps without any external computer. If you need full Windows, you can add a slot-in OPS PC module rather than connecting a separate desktop, which keeps the installation tidy.
Are interactive screens better than projectors?
For most classrooms, yes. Interactive screens are brighter and sharper, work in normal daylight, have no bulb or filter to replace, and remove the shadowing and calibration drift of projectors. While the upfront cost can be higher than a basic projector, the lack of consumables and the longer lifespan usually make the total cost of ownership lower.
How long do interactive flat panel displays last?
Commercial interactive displays are typically rated for tens of thousands of hours of use and commonly carry multi-year manufacturer warranties. With all-day school use, a well-specified panel will usually serve for many years, considerably longer than a projector before any major maintenance is needed.
Can pupils write on an interactive screen at the same time?
Yes. Interactive flat panels support multi-touch, allowing several pupils to write or interact simultaneously, which supports collaborative activities at the board. The exact number of simultaneous touch points depends on the model.
Specify the right interactive screen for your school
Browse the full interactive screens range, including the SMART GX, MX Pro and QX Pro, OPS modules and visualisers. For help matching a model and size to your rooms and budget, call 01382 913 913 or email info@presentationspaces.co.uk.