Software

Buyer's Guide

How Teacher Feedback Shapes the Future of the Classroom

There was a time when teacher feedback was just a nice bonus for tech companies. Today, it has become the absolute primary driver of classroom innovation. A common misconception is that educational technology is just about replacing an old chalkboard with a shiny new screen. However, true Edtech is about building a teacher-centric roadmap that drives real student engagement and better learning outcomes. When companies listen to the educators who actually use their tools every single day, they can create hardware and software that truly changes the game.

Let’s look at exactly how your feedback has influenced the latest product updates at ViewSonic.

Upgrading the ID2456-4K Touch Display

How did teachers improve this podium display? You shared a major classroom frustration with us. For years, teachers had to turn their backs to students to write on the whiteboard or front-of-classroom display. You asked for a better way. We listened and created the myPodium™ ID2456 touch display. This 24-inch screen lets educators face the class while writing. Whatever you draw instantly shows up on the large classroom display or projector for the whole class to see. It keeps you completely engaged with the room.

But we didn’t stop there. We kept listening to your direct feedback to make the next version even better. You wanted sharper visuals, cleaner setups and smarter tools. We took those notes and rolled out the second generation. We upgraded the screen to stunning 4K. We also made two massive physical design changes.

First, we moved all the cable ports to the back of the device facing downward. This ensures messy wires are no longer sticking out of the sides. Your workspace stays perfectly neat. The entire setup connects to a laptop via one single USB-C cable.

Second, we added a dedicated dock that charges the smart pen wirelessly. Now you never have to plug in a USB cable to charge it again. Your pen is simply always ready to go.

Building a Better myViewBoard 3.0

What’s new in our whiteboarding software? We originally created myViewBoard to give teachers a powerful digital whiteboard. But as educators used the software day to day, they quickly noticed a few practical features were missing. Teachers specifically asked for a way to use tabs and a method for saving participate mode. We listened to those ideas and completely redesigned the user interface to build myViewBoard 3.0.

The absolute biggest win for educators is the brand new tabs feature. Teachers can now open multiple lessons in tabs exactly like a web browser. This allows instructors to switch between different class periods instantly without losing their place.

Teachers also loved Participate Mode, but wanted a way to customize and save work. This mode allows up to six students to write on the ViewBoard display at the exact same time. Thanks to teacher input, the new updates allow you to change the background to things like grid paper for math lessons. You can also easily save the final session as a file for student portfolios.

Lastly, we added crucial accessibility tools to make sure no student is left behind. This includes a Spotlight tool to focus student attention, Irlen filters for color blindness and an Immersive Reader for translation and literacy support. It’s a smarter digital whiteboard built entirely around daily classroom needs.

Creating Safer Wireless Casting With AirSync

Why did we build a dedicated casting tool? We packed myViewBoard with tons of amazing features for the classroom. But we heard from plenty of teachers who didn’t want all those extra bells and whistles. You told us you just wanted a simple and reliable way to cast your screen. We listened to that feedback and created AirSync.

This wireless casting software allows you to mirror your screen from any device to one or multiple larger displays. We also added a highly requested Moderator Mode so teachers can see a list of students who want to share their screens. You can approve them one by one. This completely prevents unapproved content from showing up on the board.

It also offers incredible flexibility for everyone in the room. It supports native casting like AirPlay and Chromecast, but it also has a convenient browser-based version at AirSync.net. This means guests can quickly share their screens without downloading a separate app. It is simple, secure and exactly what you asked for.

Learn more about AirSync

Expanding Classroom Safety Tools

What does ViewSonic Manager software offer schools? School security is a massive issue these days. Administrators came to us with a critical problem. They needed a secure way to send alerts directly to classroom devices. Relying on a loudspeaker simply isn’t safe when a threat could hear it. We listened and updated Manager. Manager is our remote management tool designed specifically for IT staff. It includes a free feature called CAP Messaging. This tool connects your classroom displays directly to the school’s emergency alert system like CrisisGo or Raptor. Thanks to these integrations, teachers can now see clear visual alerts right on their board for fire drills or lockdowns.

Learn more about Manager

How to Share Your Feedback

Where can teachers submit their new ideas? We always want to hear from you! You can easily submit ideas using the in-app form located directly inside your myViewBoard settings. You can also join the ViewSonic Educator Community to request new features, share lesson plans and connect with other amazing teachers.

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Summative vs Formative Assessments: When to Use Them and How ClassSwift Can Help

Assessment has always been a core part of teaching, and it plays an essential role in supporting student learning. Educators are expected to monitor understanding, provide meaningful feedback, meet curriculum requirements, and manage grading and reporting, often within limited instructional time.

Choosing the right type of assessment at the right moment helps teachers support student growth, adjust instruction more effectively, and measure learning outcomes with confidence.

Importantly, assessments do not have to wait until homework is checked or tests are graded.

This guide explains formative and summative assessments, offers practical guidance on when to use each, and shows how tools like ViewSonic ClassSwift can help support better teaching and learning.

What Are Formative and Summative Assessments?

Formative and summative assessments serve different purposes within the learning process. Both are essential, but they answer different questions for teachers and students.

Formative assessment is used during instruction to check understanding and guide next steps. These assessments are typically low stakes and ongoing. The primary goal is to provide feedback that helps students improve while learning is still happening. 

Common examples include:

• Quick quizzes or polls
• Exit tickets
• Class discussions
• Practice activities
• Peer feedback
• Checks for understanding during lessons 

Summative assessment is used after instruction to evaluate overall learning. These assessments are usually higher stakes and often contribute to final grades or reporting.

Common examples include:

• Unit tests and final exams
• End-of-term projects
• Standardized assessments
• Final presentations or portfolios

Used together, formative and summative assessments provide a more complete picture of student learning.

Key Differences Between Formative and Summative Assessment

While both assessment types measure learning, they differ in purpose, timing, and how the results are used. Understanding these differences helps educators choose the right approach for each instructional moment.

Rather than choosing one over the other, effective assessment strategies use both intentionally.

When to Use Each Type of Assessment

The best assessment choice depends on your instructional goals and where students are in the learning process.

Factors to Consider When Choosing Assessment Types

Before deciding which assessment to use, consider:

• Instructional goals: Are you supporting learning or evaluating mastery?
• Student needs: Do students need feedback, practice, or a final measure of understanding?
• Curriculum expectations: What standards or outcomes must be demonstrated?
• School or district policy: Are specific assessments required?
• Timing: Is learning still in progress, or has instruction concluded?

These factors help ensure assessment supports learning rather than interrupting it.

When to Use Formative Assessment

If your goal is to guide learning and adjust instruction, formative assessment is the right choice. It works best when you need to:

• Check understanding during a lesson
• Identify misconceptions early
• Adjust pacing or instructional strategies
• Support student confidence and engagement
• Encourage reflection and self-assessment
• Monitor progress on ongoing projects

Formative assessments help teachers respond while there is still time to make a difference.

When to Use Summative Assessment

If your goal is to measure mastery and document learning outcomes, summative assessment is the better fit. Use it when you need to:

• Evaluate understanding at the end of a unit or course
• Assign final grades
• Measure progress toward standards
• Prepare students for standardized testing
• Assess final projects or presentations
• Report achievement to families or administrators

Summative assessments confirm what students have learned after instruction is complete. 

The Role of Technology in Modern Assessment

Technology has changed how assessments are created, delivered, and analyzed. Digital assessment tools reduce manual work while giving educators clearer insights into student learning.

Modern assessment technology can:

• Automate grading and reduce administrative tasks
• Deliver instant, actionable feedback to students
• Monitor student progress in real time
• Support equity and accessibility
• Centralize data and reporting
• Enhance security for high-stakes assessments
• Integrate with classroom tools and LMS platforms 

For a deeper look at how technology supports assessment, explore ViewSonic’s guide to educational assessment tools for formative and summative learning.

How ClassSwift Supports Both Formative and Summative Assessment

ClassSwift is built to simplify assessment, not complicate it. It supports both formative and summative workflows in one intuitive platform, helping teachers spend less time managing assessments and more time teaching.

With ClassSwift, educators can:

• Quickly design, assign, and deliver formative assessments
• Use digital delivery across devices
• Provide instant feedback with auto-grading tools
• View analytics dashboards that highlight trends and learning gaps (paid subscription required)
• Differentiate instruction based on assessment data
• Support a wide range of question types and formats
• Ensure test security for summative assessments
• Integrate smoothly with leading LMS platforms and gradebooks (paid subscription required) 

ClassSwift also supports responsive teaching by turning assessment data into clear next steps.

Learn more about ClassSwift’s holistic approach here.

Tips for Balancing Formative and Summative Assessments in the Classroom

A balanced assessment strategy combines both types to support learning and accountability. These tips can help teachers strike the right balance.

• Blend assessment types: Use formative assessments to guide instruction and summative assessments to confirm mastery.
• Use formative data to prepare students: Address learning gaps before high-stakes assessments.
• Make feedback clear and constructive: Feedback should help students understand how to improve, not just what they missed.
• Avoid assessment overload: Focus on meaningful assessments rather than frequent testing.
• Plan ahead: Use ClassSwift’s planning and scheduling tools to align assessments with instruction.
• Review data regularly: Look for patterns that can inform future lessons and interventions. For more guidance on feedback strategies, check out this resource on creating effective feedback with education technology. 

For more guidance on feedback strategies, check out this resource on creating effective feedback with education technology.

Getting Started with ClassSwift for Smarter Assessment

Effective assessment supports better learning for students and better decision-making for teachers. With the right tools, assessment becomes a natural part of instruction rather than an added burden.

ClassSwift, part of ViewSonic’s education solutions ecosystem, helps schools streamline formative and summative assessments while supporting engagement and responsive teaching.

From quick understanding checks to preparation for end-of-term exams, ClassSwift provides the flexibility, insights, and simplicity educators need.

Learn more about ClassSwift and how to get started:

 https://www.viewsonic.com/edu/classswift-software

Explore additional education solutions from ViewSonic:

 https://www.viewsonic.com/edu/ 

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4 Proven Ways to Increase Student Engagement and Learning

Keeping students engaged while driving meaningful learning is one of the biggest challenges educators face today. With diverse learning styles, evolving classroom technology, and rising expectations, it can be difficult to keep every student involved and motivated. 

Student engagement plays a critical role in academic success. Research shows that when students are actively engaged, they are more likely to understand concepts, retain information, and participate with confidence (Gallup, 2019).

Interactive tools such as ClassSwift help educators apply proven engagement strategies in practical, classroom-ready ways.

Below are four proven ways to increase student engagement and learning, along with examples of how ClassSwift supports responsive and inclusive instruction.

Why Student Engagement Matters for Learning Success

Student engagement refers to how involved students are in the learning process. This includes participation, motivation, and the ability to think critically about what they are learning.

Studies consistently show a strong link between student engagement and positive learning outcomes. Engaged students tend to perform better academically, demonstrate stronger retention, and develop more positive attitudes toward learning (Fredricks, Blumenfeld, & Paris, 2004).

Active learning strategies such as collaboration, real-time feedback, and student choice help move learning beyond passive listening.

For a deeper look at the research behind engagement, check out ViewSonic’s guide on what student engagement is and why it matters for helpful context and classroom insights.

How ClassSwift Can Help Increase Student Engagement and Learning

ClassSwift is designed to support everyday classroom engagement by helping teachers gather insight quickly, adapt instruction, and keep students actively involved throughout a lesson.

It allows teachers to collect a range of student responses, including multiple choice answers, short written responses, sketches, and audio submissions. This helps participation extend beyond hand-raising or verbal discussion.

1. Real-Time Polls and Quizzes for Instant Feedback

Checking understanding during a lesson helps teachers respond before confusion grows. Real-time polls and short quizzes give educators immediate insight into what students understand and where they may need support.

With ClassSwift, teachers can launch live polls or short quizzes as lessons unfold.

These tools encourage participation from every student, not just those who raise their hands, and provide timely insights so educators can adjust their lessons as needed.

This type of responsive teaching aligns with best practices outlined in ViewSonic’s article on student engagement in the modern classroom. 

2. Interactive Assignments and Multimedia Responses

Students engage more deeply when they have multiple ways to demonstrate understanding. Assignments that allow students to respond using drawings, images, multiple choice answers, short written responses, or audio recordings help reach learners with different strengths and preferences.

ClassSwift supports these varied response formats, making it easier for teachers to design activities that keep lessons dynamic while encouraging students to take ownership of their learning.

For more ideas on engaging diverse learners, ViewSonic’s resource on student engagement strategies for learners of all ages offers practical classroom examples. 

3.Gamified Learning for Greater Motivation

Gamification is a proven way to increase motivation and participation. Timed challenges, progress tracking, and recognition features help turn learning into an active experience.

ClassSwift includes game-inspired tools such as timers, buzzers, and interactive activities that encourage healthy competition and sustained focus. When learning feels fun and rewarding, students are more likely to stay engaged and push through challenges.

4. Personalized and Adaptive Learning Pathways

Every student learns at a different pace. Personalized instruction helps ensure that learners feel supported without being overwhelmed or bored.

With ClassSwift, teachers can assign differentiated tasks based on individual student needs. Struggling learners receive targeted support, while advanced students can explore more challenging material.

Personalized pathways help improve both engagement and learning outcomes by meeting students at their current level of understanding.

Additional ClassSwift Features That Support Engagement

Beyond daily classroom activities, ClassSwift Pro (for schools and districts) includes features that support engagement for both teachers and students.

These features include the following, which may require a paid subscription:

• Analytics dashboards that provide insight into participation and understanding
• Integration with classroom technology, including interactive displays

Together, these tools help create a more supportive and engaging classroom experience.

For a closer look at how these features work together, explore ViewSonic’s overview of ClassSwift’s holistic approach to engagement, assessment, and responsive teaching.

Real Classroom Results: Success Stories with ClassSwift

Educators using ClassSwift have seen measurable improvements in engagement and learning across different subjects and grade levels.

In one real-world example, teachers at Mayfair Middle/High school used ClassSwift in language classrooms to increase participation and accountability.

Gamified tools such as timers and buzzers encouraged students to respond more quickly and stay focused, while real-time insights helped teachers adjust instruction and provide targeted feedback.

See the full case study on how ClassSwift enhanced language learning.

In another instance, teachers at Heathlands Primary Academy used ClassSwift’s push-and-respond quizzes to gather instant feedback during lessons. This allowed educators to revisit topics immediately when students struggled, leading to stronger understanding and higher participation.

Learn how Heathlands Primary Academy improved engagement with ClassSwift.

These examples show how pairing proven engagement strategies with the right technology can support measurable improvements in student learning.

How to Get Started with ClassSwift

Improving student engagement does not require a complete change in teaching approach. Starting with small steps, such as real-time check-ins or interactive assignments, can make a meaningful difference.

ClassSwift helps educators apply these strategies efficiently and at scale. To learn more, visit the ClassSwift software page or explore ViewSonic’s full range of education solutions. 

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Quick Checks, Big Gains: Why Real-Time Comprehension Matters in the Classroom

Student understanding can change quickly during a lesson. A concept may seem clear one minute and confusing the next. If teachers wait until a quiz or test to find out, valuable learning time can be lost.

That’s why formative assessments play such an important role in today’s classrooms. Quick, in-the-moment feedback helps teachers adjust instruction right away and helps students stay engaged and confident as they learn.

With interactive tools like ViewSonic® ViewBoard^® interactive displays and ClassSwift^® software, educators can make quick assessments part of everyday instruction without disrupting lesson flow. 

What are Real-Time Comprehension Checks?

Real-time comprehension checks refer to assessing student understanding during a lesson instead of after it ends. These checks are informal, frequent, and designed to guide instruction in the moment.

Unlike traditional tests that measure learning at the end of a unit, real-time comprehension checks focus on what students understand right now. 

Common examples include:

• Quick polls or multiple-choice questions
• Short quizzes or warm-up questions
• Emoji or traffic light check-ins
• Live annotation or problem-solving activities
• Collaborative responses on an interactive screen 

In digital and hybrid classrooms, interactive displays and classroom software make these strategies easier to manage and more inclusive for all students.

Why Real-Time Comprehension Checks Support Student Learning

When teachers understand how students are doing in the moment, learning becomes more effective and more student-centered.

Assessment checks help support learning in several key ways.

Stronger Student Engagement

Students are more likely to stay focused when they know they’ll be asked to participate during the lesson. Quick checks encourage active involvement instead of passive listening.

Early Identification of Confusion

Small misunderstandings can quickly grow into learning gaps. Real-time feedback helps teachers spot confusion early and address it before moving on.

Support for Differentiated Instruction

Not all students learn at the same pace. Real-time responses help teachers adjust instruction, offer clarification, or provide extra challenges when needed.

Increased Student Ownership

When students reflect on their understanding, they become more aware of their learning progress and areas where they may need support. 

Common Challenges With Real-Time Comprehension Checks

While the benefits are clear, some classrooms face challenges when trying to implement real-time comprehension strategies.

Limited Access to Classroom Technology

Without the right tools, collecting responses from every student can feel time-consuming or difficult to manage.

Time Constraints During Lessons

Teachers may worry that frequent check-ins will slow down instruction or take time away from content.

Comfort Level With Classroom Technology

New tools can feel overwhelming without proper training or intuitive design.

Reliance on Traditional Assessments

Classrooms that depend heavily on tests and worksheets may miss opportunities for immediate feedback. 

Key Considerations for Bringing Real-Time Comprehension to the Classroom

Modern education technology helps remove many of these barriers. By combining hardware and software to provide integrated solutions, educators can make assessment checks quick, visual, and easy to manage without adding complexity to the lesson.

Interactive Displays and Whiteboarding Software

ViewBoard^® interactive displays come with the award-winning myViewBoard 3.0 whiteboarding software built-in. With this powerful tool, educators can annotate lessons, highlight key concepts, and manipulate digital content in real time. Multi-touch screens encourage collaboration, allowing students to solve problems directly at the board alongside the teacher.

Student Response Tools

For individual feedback, digital tools allow students to respond from their own devices. ClassSwift integrates directly with the display to let teachers run polls, send quizzes, and check understanding instantly. This seamless connection between student devices and the front-of-room display reduces setup time and ensures every student has a voice.

Visual Cues and Live Annotation

Highlighting key ideas, annotating text, or solving problems live on a digital whiteboard helps teachers see how students are thinking and where clarification is needed. 

Easy Ways to Add Quick Checks to Daily Lessons

Real-time assessments don’t require a complete change in teaching style. Small adjustments can make a big difference.

Simple ways to integrate quick checks include:

• Starting class with a short warm-up question or poll.
• Asking students to respond to a question during a presentation using audio or text.
• Ending a lesson with an interactive exit ticket or emoji-based check-in.
• Using peer discussion followed by a quick class response.
• Inviting students to annotate or solve problems on a ViewBoard interactive display using sketch-based response tools.

These strategies work especially well when supported by interactive classroom technology. 

Why ViewBoard Interactive Displays Work Well for Real-Time Comprehension Checks

ViewBoard interactive displays are designed to support interactive, student-centered instruction and real-time feedback.

Seamless Student Interaction

Multi-touch functionality and built-in collaboration tools make it easy for students to participate directly at the screen or from connected devices.

Compatibility With Popular EdTech Tools

ViewBoard interactive displays integrate with commonly used classroom software tools such as Google Classroom or ClassSwift, making it simple to add formative assessments and live questioning into lessons.

Live Annotation and Immediate Feedback

Teachers and students can write, highlight, and interact with content in real time. This helps make thinking visible and supports deeper understanding. 

Make Every Learning Moment Count With Real-Time Feedback

Quick assessment checks lead to meaningful learning gains. When teachers can see what students understand in the moment, they can respond with clarity and confidence.

Real-time assessments support stronger engagement, better retention, and more effective instruction. With tools like ViewBoard interactive displays and education software tools like ClassSwift, educators can turn everyday lessons into interactive learning experiences that support student success.

Explore ViewSonic’s education solutions to see how real-time learning can fit naturally into your classroom.