Projectors on the Go for Professors: Simple Solutions to Ease Teaching
With the fast-paced academic world of institutions of higher education, professors often find themselves teaching and moving in between classrooms throughout the day. In situations like these, portability, flexibility, and ease of setup are elements to consider for teaching tools. Portable projectors provide an excellent answer for professors desiring quality technologies that can easily be transported and applied in various classrooms. In the following article we will discuss, how portable projectors can help enhance teaching, what features are needed to consider when selecting one, and the best portable projectors that provide simple solutions for the on-the-go professor.
The Utility of Mobile Projector Equipment in higher education
Based on a professor's schedule, teaching often includes moving to new classrooms, lecture halls, or off-campus educational facilities. As such, relying on the technology offered in each classroom can be rather dicey and sometimes unexpected: each classroom may not have the preferred equipment, sometimes it may not work properly, and other times it may not allow for a professor's laptop or presentation material
A portable projector allows professors to combat all of these challenges, as they have mobile projector equipment with reliable display technology no matter where they are teaching. This provides professors with flexibility regarding the lecture's set up, since they have guaranteed a presentation device regardless of the classroom set up. Portable projectors also allow a form of personal control over the quality of the presentation and ensures faculty can use the most current technology, rather than using antiquated or equipment that works when the equipment is mobile.
Key Advantages of Portable Projectors for Professors
Portable projectors can help make teaching easier and more effective for professors moving between classrooms. Here is how:
1. Flexibility amongst many classrooms
Professors teach many classes in different classrooms. Portable projectors provide flexibility in carrying around the same reliable piece of equipment no matter where the professors teach. Instead of relying on a classroom projector that might not work or be of poor quality, professors can use one portable projector and be assured it would work effectively in every classroom.
2. Easy to Setup and Quick Start
Portable projectors can be set up in minutes, and typically require only one cable connected to a laptop or mobile device. Many models have plug-and-play, meaning the professor only has to connect their device to the projectors and start projecting in a matter of minutes. Not only does it essentially save time from having to fumble with equipment, but it allows professors to maximize teaching time when transitioning classes.
3. Lightweight and Compact Design
Today's portable projectors are lightweight and compact, often weighing only a few pounds and small enough to carry in a backpack or laptop bag. These small, lightweight projectors can be easily carried between classes, and even from campus to campus. Many portable projectors, although small in size, can provide a great deal of image quality and depth of features, making them a practical solution for busy faculty members.
4. Wireless Connectivity
Many portable projectors also offer wireless connectivity, allowing professors to connect to their laptop, tablet, or smartphone without wires. This is especially useful in classrooms where outlets are in limited supply and where running a wire may not be practical. No wired connection gives professors more freedom over where devices can be located and teachers can move around the room.
5. Cost-Effective Solution
Portable projectors can also save the university money as opposed to installing several fixed, permanent projectors in different classrooms. Currently, professors who own their own portable projector can transport it to any classroom, and it is not necessary for the university to install permanent projectors in each classroom. For departments with limited budgets, portable projectors may also offer faculty with access to teaching technology without the cost of installation.
Salient Features to Consider While Choosing a Portable Projector
When buying a portable projector, there are a few salient features to think about to make sure it meets the needs of the university professor:
1. Brightness (Lumens)
Brightness is an important feature to consider when making your selection, especially as many professors teach in well-lit rooms. If teaching in a room full of windows, I would recommend finding a projector that has a minimum brightness of 2500-3000 lumens. If you teach in a large classroom, large room, or lecture hall, I would recommend looking for projector at least 3000 lumens or higher.
2. Resolution
The projector’s resolution affects the crispness and sharpness of the projected content. You will want the resolution to be at least 1080p (Full HD) resolution so that projecting text, images, and videos are clear. If you are going to be showing diagrams, charts, or multimedia content teachers may want to go for a higher resolution to insure the material is clear and readable to the entire audience.
3. Portability and weight
The size and weight of the projector is an important consideration. Look for a portable projector that weighs less than 5 pounds and is compact enough to fit in a standard laptop bag or backpack. Ultra-portable projectors can weigh as little as 2-3 pounds and are perfect for a professor who is, or plans to be, on the move often.
4. Battery Life (if applicable)
There are often portable projectors that come with battery power so users can run without plugging any cord to an outlet. This would be particularly useful in classrooms and outdoor settings that do not have convenient access to a power outlet. A projector with 2-4 hours of battery life would typically be appropriate for students in most or all class settings.
5. Wireless Connectivity
If a projector has wifi or Bluetooth capability, they usually have the option of enabling the user to avoid the use of cords when they present or need to decide to switch devices. This is especially useful in instructional classroom settings when a professor would like to walk around the class or if they need to quickly switch between devices when presenting.
6. Ease of Use
As much as you can, select projectors that simply plug-and-play with minimal setup. Many of the newer modern projectors have user-friendly interfaces as well as auto-adjustment features (such as auto-focus and automatic keystone correction) that automatically secure an all-around easier user experience for blur or alignment. This also saves valuable time, so the professor can turn their attention back to instruction.
7. Durability
As mentioned by definition, portable projectors are designed to be portable and frequently transported for use. Therefore, a durable projector that can withstand the sometimes daily transporting and bumping around should be of consideration. Look for a projector that come with a user-protective case or a sturdy design.
Best Portable Projector Recommendations for Professor
There are a couple of the best-rated portable projectors that are perfect for professors working in multiple classrooms:
1. Anker Nebula Capsule II
• Weight: 1.5 lbs
• Lumens: 200 ANSI (great for smaller and darker settings)
• Resolution: 720p HD
• Battery Life: 2.5 hours
• Wireless Connectivity: Yes (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth)
• Price: Approximately $450
This Anker Nebula Capsule II is an extremely portable projector and it is only about the size of a can of soda. The Nebula Capsule II has a built-in battery, which is useful for professors who know their having to present in some random location with no access to power. The brightness is not as bright as some other models but is quite adequate for smaller classrooms and darker settings.
2. ViewSonic M1+
• Weight: 1.5 lbs
• Lumens: 300 ANSI
• Resolution: 854 x 480p
• Battery Life: 6 hours
• Wireless Connectivity: Yes (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth)
• Price: Approximately $300
The ViewSonic M1+ is a very light and portable projector with a very good battery. Some professors need battery power for on-the-go presentations. This projector has a lower resolution than others, but it works very well if you are presenting presentations in smaller classrooms or informal settings, such as on the go.
3. LG PF50KA CineBeam
• Weight: 2.1 lbs
• Lumens: 600
• Resolution: Full HD 1080p
• Battery Life: 2.5 hours
• Wireless Connectivity: Yes (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth)
• Price: Around $600
Offering Full HD resolution and a lightweight design, the LG PF50KA is a versatile option for professors who want quality imagery. The built-in wireless connectivity and battery life ensure an element of flexibility in diverse classroom settings.
4. Epson PowerLite 1795F
• Weight: 4 lbs
• Lumens: 3,200
• Resolution: Full HD 1080p
• Battery Life: No (AC power required)
• Wireless Connectivity: Yes (Wi-Fi)
• Price: Around $900
For professors needing a portable projector with professional make, the Epson PowerLite 1795F is a great choice. With a high brightness, plus Full HD resolution the projector is suited for larger classrooms or lecture halls, where visibility is paramount.
5. BenQ GS2
• Weight: 3.5 lbs
• Lumens: 500
• Resolution: 720p HD
• Battery Life: 3 hours
• Wireless Connectivity: Yes (Wi-Fi and Bluetooth)
• Price: Around $600
The BenQ GS2 is a rugged and portable projector that features wireless connectivity and a built-in battery, making it a great option for professors with durability needs and flexibility. The added feature of a water-resistant make adds an extra layer of protection while being transported.
Conclusion: Portable Projectors as a Change agent for professors
Portable projectors offer a simple, agile, soft solution for professors teaching in multiple classrooms, or presenting in different locations. Portable projectors are lightweight, easy to setup, and have the ability to produce a high-quality presentation, and allow professors to quickly be ready to give dynamic multimedia-rich classroom activities regardless of the teaching environment. Developing a portable projector, will allow professors to increase presentation quality, decrease set up time and have continued experiences using content that is solidifying opportunities for transference in multiple classroom experiences, enhancing student learning.
