Setting Up for Success: How to Position, Connect and Start Using Your Interactive Display

By Natalie Tubman, CommBox Head of Customer (NZ)

Welcome to Week 2 of our series on Collaboration Enabled Classrooms. Last week, we looked at what an interactive display is and why it plays such an important role in a modern learning space. This week is all about practical setup. If you are new to interactive screens, this guide will help you feel confident from day one.

The goal is simple. A connected classroom should make teaching easier, not harder. Good setup lays the foundation for that.

Step 1. Position the screen for visibility

A well positioned display improves behaviour, engagement and accessibility. Place it where every student has a clear view and avoid corners or tight spaces. The anti-glare tempered glass on all CommBox models supports visibility even in bright classrooms but you will still get the best results if the screen faces natural sightlines.

Check the height. Younger learners need the board set lower so they can write and move objects comfortably. Older learners can handle a standard meeting-room height.

Step 2. Make your connections simple

Every CommBox interactive display includes front access ports that make connecting easy. The USB-C port with 65W charging lets you plug in your laptop with a single cable that handles touch, video and power.

The Classic S5 also includes CommBox Connect for wireless screen sharing if you prefer a cable-free option.

If you are using the Neo, you only need your HDMI and USB touch cable or a USB-C cable for an instant connection. The Neo is a non-OS display with whiteboarding, annotation and screensharing built in, which keeps the setup simple and secure.

Step 3. Run your first lesson routines

The easiest way to build confidence is to start with simple routines you can use every day.

1. Morning starterOpen CommBox Whiteboard and write the learning intention. Choose a background that suits your subject. The S5 now includes handwriting lines, music staves and keyboard layouts designed for Australian and New Zealand classrooms.

2. Quick collaborationInvite a student to highlight a key idea using their finger or stylus. The 40-point touch capability on CommBox displays supports multiple students working at the same time.

3. Capture learningSave the whiteboard as a PDF on the S5 and upload it to your drive. On the Neo, take a photo of the screen as a quick record.
   

Step 4. Keep the tech out of the way

A Collaboration Enabled Classroom feels natural when technology fades into the background. To create this experience, keep cables tidy, place the remote somewhere consistent and turn on power scheduling if the screen is left on by students. The Neo includes power scheduling as part of its built-in tools.

Step 5. Build your confidence

You do not need to use every feature at once. The aim is to get comfortable writing, annotating and sharing. Once those routines feel natural, you can explore more powerful features on the S5 such as AutoFill, Primary User Mode and the AI Toolkit in future weeks.

Next week

Week 3 will look at how to use your interactive display to support real collaboration between learners. We will cover student-led presentations, small group work and activities that bring learning to life.