Revolutionising University Lecture Theatres: The Power of the Electric Chalk Column Board
In today’s rapidly evolving educational landscape, universities are under increasing pressure to provide state-of-the-art facilities that enhance both teaching and learning. The traditional chalkboard has long been a staple in lecture theatres—especially in disciplines like mathematics and physics—where complex equations and diagrams are best communicated visually and in real time. But as class sizes grow and expectations rise, even the most familiar tools are ready for a smart upgrade.
Enter the Electric Chalk Column Board – a transformative solution that brings greater accessibility, efficiency, and impact to university teaching spaces. In this post, we’ll explore the key benefits of this innovative board, answer the most common questions from teaching and facilities teams, and show how it supports better communication across a range of academic subjects.
Why Upgrade? Common Challenges of Traditional Chalkboards
Despite their enduring popularity, traditional chalkboards often fall short in today’s busy lecture theatres:
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Limited space: Standard boards fill up quickly, requiring lecturers to erase content before students are finished noting it down.
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Poor visibility: Fixed boards can be hard to see from the back of tiered or wide rooms and DDA Compliance is usually poor.
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Interrupted flow: Constantly wiping and rewriting slows down lessons and interrupts complex explanations.
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Increased maintenance: Chalk dust and worn surfaces add to cleaning loads and reduce legibility.
These issues are especially pronounced in subjects like maths, physics, and engineering—where step-by-step clarity really matters.
The Electric Chalk Column Board: Built for Modern Higher Education
The Electric Chalk Column Board tackles these challenges with a combination of intelligent design and impressive functionality. Measuring 6m x 1.2m we can nest up to three boards together to give over 21sqm of writing area!
Key Features
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Extra-large surface: Ideal for working through extended problems or diagrams without needing to erase content mid-session.
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Electric height adjustment: Smooth, button-controlled movement makes it easy to keep content visible for all students. Fully DDA Compliant.
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Quiet, seamless operation: Adjust sections during lectures without noise or disruption.
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Robust and reliable: A durable, low-maintenance surface designed for daily use in high-demand settings.
- No power? Our electric Column boards can be adjusted freely with a touch of the hand
Frequently Asked Questions from Teaching and Facilities management Staff
Based on feedback from university teams across the UK, here are the top questions we hear about electric column boards:
1. How does the electric system work, and is it safe?
The motorised mechanism allows the board to move up and down effortlessly. It’s fully enclosed with safety features that prevent jamming or accidental contact, making it reliable and safe for everyday academic use.
2. How disruptive or complex is the installation process
Our experienced team ensures a smooth installation process, working with your facilities staff to fit the board into your existing lecture spaces with minimal disruption. The board system uses a UK standard 3 pin plug and is entirely plug and play.
3. Is it just for STEM subjects?
Not at all. While the board’s scale is perfect for maths, physics, and engineering, it’s also excellent for subjects that rely on visual explanation – from economics and architecture to the creative arts.
4. How easy is it to clean?
The surface is easy to wipe down and resists excessive chalk dust build-up. Its finish ensures excellent clarity, even after repeated use.
5. How does it compare to whiteboards and interactive systems?
Each tool has its strengths. Many educators in technical subjects prefer the precision and feel of chalk. For those looking for marker-based or digital options, we also offer the Electric Dry Wipe Column Board and Flexi-View Interactive Column Board.
Practical Applications in Lecture Theatres
Here are just a few examples of how the Electric Chalk Column Board transforms real-world teaching:
1. Mathematics: Solving Extended Problems
Lecturers can write out complex proofs or multi-step calculations across a continuous surface—helping students see every part of the process without interruption.
2. Physics: Drawing Large-Scale Diagrams
Whether explaining circuit diagrams or magnetic fields, the board’s size and height adjustability make it ideal for clear, accessible visualisation.
3. Team Teaching: Accommodating Multiple Users
With multiple lecturers or guest speakers, the electric adjustment ensures everyone can work comfortably and at the right height. Our is the only fully DDA Compliant electric Column board system available in the UK.
4. Workshops and Student Presentations
Invite students to work together at the board during seminars—perfect for group work, collaborative problem-solving, and active learning.
5. Accessible Teaching: Supporting Inclusion
The ability to move the board at the touch of a button makes it easier to use for staff and students with mobility needs, helping create more inclusive spaces.
Blending Traditional and Digital Tools
Modern teaching spaces are increasingly hybrid. That’s why our electric board range includes:
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The Electric Dry Wipe Column Board – ideal for marker use, with the same adjustable functionality.
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The Flexi-View Interactive Column Board – bringing touch interaction, annotation, and content sharing into your lecture theatre.
Together, these tools give universities the flexibility to adapt spaces for different disciplines, teaching styles, and accessibility needs.
Why the Electric Chalk Column Board Stands Out
For anyone searching for the best chalkboard solution for university lecture theatres, this product offers unmatched advantages:
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Up to 18 metres of continuous writing space
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Smooth electric height adjustment
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Better sightlines for students
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Minimal maintenance requirements
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Inclusive and versatile for a wide range of subjects
Ready to Upgrade Your Lecture Theatres?
Our Electric Chalk Column Board is more than a teaching aid—it’s an investment in better communication, student engagement, and staff wellbeing.
Explore how this and our other electric board solutions can support your academic environment. Get in touch today for planning advice or to book a no-obligation consultation with our expert team.
