I believe black/greenboards cost less than whiteboards.
I would expect a good quality, real slate blackboard (the kind I had in all my classrooms growing up) is considerably MORE than a whiteboard.
But most significantly is the chalk vs. marker.
Yes.
Chalk is much cheaper than markers.
YES!
Markers always run out quickly.
> Someone forgets and uses the wrong kind permanently staining the > whiteboard.
Yup. However I have seen some good enameled white boards that DON'T stain very easily -- "permanent" marker wipes right off with a little alcohol.
Lastly, markers have that weird chemical smell.
And teenagers can sniff them ... Happens when you give them glue, paint, correction fluid ... It will happen with markers.
Seems to me there's nothing wrong with blackboards and nothing to be
> gained by whiteboards.
Initially they may be cheaper to install new. It's a losing proposition fiscally when you look at the cost of markers vs. chalk and the cost of replacing damaged white boards.
Thoughts anyone?