Information Technology

Instructions for using SoftBoards

Note: Use only the special markers and eraser provided. Use no other pens, erasers or markers.

To start:

On the SoftBoard:

1. Press the on/off toggle switch to ON (located below the board to the right of the plugs).
2. Plug the whiteboard connector into the "Softboard Input" connector on the front of the desk unit.

On the computer:

1. From the START menu, choose Programs, SoftBoard Applications, SoftBoard Record.
2. From within the SoftBoard software, choose the SoftBoard pull-down menu.
3. Click SoftKeys setup.
4. From the setup window choose Presentation Strip and click OK.

To create a page using SoftBoard:

On the SoftBoard:

1. Using the a stylus, press the RECORD square on the SoftKeys control strip on the upper left edge of the SoftBoard.
2. IMPORTANT: you must always choose record before you write on the board in order for the SoftBoard to capture what you write.
3. IMPORTANT: The SoftBoard sounds a two-sound alarm when the RECORD and STOP SoftKeys are pressed with the stylus. Listen for this sound before writing. Write with any or all of the black-cased-color-designated markers. Write or print words, draw diagrams, create mock-up charts.
4. IMPORTANT: Use only one marker at a time.

To erase information:

1. Use only the special eraser tool.
2. IMPORTANT: SoftBoard must be in RECORD mode to erase.
3. IMPORTANT: don't worry about ghosting of prior lines, words, etc. as they will not appear on your printout.

To save a page using SoftBoard:

On the SoftBoard:

• Choose the STOP SoftKey from the control strip.

On the Computer:

1. Choose Save As from the FILE menu.
2. Choose your appropriate drive and folder as the save location.
3. Enter a file name (under 8 characters) with the SoftBoard (.sbd) extension.

To generate a second or multiple pages

On the SoftBoard:

1. Press RECORD SoftKey from the control strip.
2. In RECORD mode, write desired information.
3. Press PAGE BREAK SoftKey from the control strip.
4. Write or draw, as desired.

To turn off the SoftBoard:

On the Computer:

1. Save your work.
2. Choose CLOSE from the FILE menu.

On the SoftBoard:

1. Press the on/off toggle switch to OFF (located below the board to the right of the plugs).
2. Recap all stylus markers.
3. Return the stylus markers and the eraser to the tray below the SoftBoard.
4. Unplug the Softboard from the front of the desk.

Courtesy of Pam Schindler, Wittenberg University Professor of Management.

This document last reviewed April 19, 2013.