SmartBoard

Review by Don Bates



A SMART Board is an interactive whiteboard. It uses your computer and projector to display information from various sources. The surface of the board is touch sensitive, and it can be activated with the SMART Board’s markers or with your finger. This is a great tool for presenting information, and it gives the presenter more freedom because they don’t have to remain in front of their computer. A great addition to this technology has been the introduction of the SMART Slate. This has allowed even more freedom for the presenter because it allows you to control the SMART Board remotely. So, now you can be anywhere in the room and present the material.
 * What it is? **

SMART Boards can be run on any type of computer with enough memory to install the software. The first technology requirement is obviously the need to ensure space is available to install the software. You need to ensure your computer has a USB port. This is how the SMART Board gets its power. The system also requires a VGA connection to project the information. If you are using a Mac computer, you will need an adapter. These are the bare minimum to operate the SMART Board. You should also have internet service and supporting technology such as a printer and speakers to enhance the ability of the SMART Board, but these are not required. The SMART Technologies website is http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-us/products. Product cost can be found by contacting a regional representative. They are roughly $700 to $2000 depending on the size of SMART Board.
 * What technology is required? **

The Smart Board Interactive Whiteboard is touch sensitive and operates as part of a system that includes a computer and a digital projector. The three components work together as follows:
 * The Smart Board Interactive Whiteboard**
 * The computer runs an application and then sends the image to the projector
 * The projector projects the image onto the interactive whiteboard
 * The interactive whiteboard acts as the monitor and input device (mouse and/or keyboard), allowing you to control any application by simply touching the interactive whiteboard.

This tool has allowed me as an inclusion teacher to improve the learning environment for my entire classroom. Students with disabilities are able to participate by using active buttons students can respond to questions. It has helped students with vision problems because you can enlarge the projection. ADD students are able to get up and be active learners. Its applications and uses go on and on. The one disadvantage is that your back is to the class during any activity on the SMART Board. That is why I seriously recommend purchasing the SMART Slate. You can be anywhere in the classroom and present the material. It also allows students with physical disabilities to participate because they don’t have to come to the board. This tool is going to be a staple in all schools. We went from the chalkboard to the dry erase board and the overhead projector, and now, we have the SMART Board.
 * How can improve the learning environment? **

These are two very good articles depicting the environmental change taking place in the classroom.  Added   [|Magic Lessons with Whiteboards.]  Media & Methods, Mar/Apr2004, Vol. 40 Issue 5, p29-29, 1p, 1 bw; (//AN 13466649//  [|The Wonders of Interactive WHITEBOARDS.]  By: Starkman, Neal. T H E Journal, May2006, Vol. 33 Issue 10, p36-38, 2p, 1 color; (//AN 21550997//) The following links are beneficial to any educator seeking resources. http://www.education.smarttech.com/ste/en-us/
 * Articles and Resources **

http://smarterkids.org/