Submitted by amacleod on Mon, 07/14/2008 - 08:38 

The purpose of this presentation was a self study of a new technology that would enhance my classroom and the objective was to provide insight to my technology class to the capiabilities of the new tool called the  SMARTboard.

Introduction:

 I decided to present this tool by first explaining some of its bells and whistles. The SMARTboard has many features and capiliabilites that will not only enchance learning but also provide an interactive and engerized classroom.  What is a SMARTboard?

 The SMART Board interactive whiteboard is a product of SMART Technologies. It is a large, touch-controlled screen that works with a projector and a computer. The projector throws the computer’s desktop image onto the interactive whiteboard, which acts as both a monitor and an input device. Users can write on the interactive whiteboard in digital ink or use a finger to control computer applications by pointing, clicking and dragging, just as with a desktop mouse. Buttons launch a popup keyboard and a right-mouse-click menu for more input options. The interactive whiteboard is usually mounted on a wall or a floor stand and is used in face-to-face or virtual settings in education^[1], business and government. (Wikipedia, 2008)

Demostration

The most useful feature is the Notebook.The main use of the Notebook is to save any screen projected on the board. The screens saved will include whatever is displayed on the screen at the time,including any marked ups made with the SMARTboard pens. The saved screesn may be used lated as part of any document such as Word processing or a power point presentation.The SMART board Notebook permits the user to save the screen in several different formats, HTML, JPG, and power point slides. The saved screen can also be posted to classroom management systems such as ANGEL. The Notebook software enables users to interact with multimedia content and the tools to save, edit and share the content. Notebook has three sides tabs, the Page Sorter, Gallery and Attachments. The Page sorter helps the user view and organize the pages; the Gallery is used to access and save images, sound, movie, animation and text files and the Attachment tab allows the user to attach files, shortcuts and links that can be accessed during presentations. Another important feature of the Gallery is the searchable content of educational material in the Essentials for Educators section. The software included in the SMART board and SMARTboard tools also includes a recorder; video player, keyboard; floating tools; screen shade; calculator;spotlight; and magnifier. 

 Using the Notebook I was able to produce an actual lesson I would use in my Geography class. This lesson was on Canada and its landscape The Smartboard provided me with maps, extra tools such as a flash timer and the ability to add links such as websites, wikis and then save the final product to our class management system,SAM. As mentioned, we are just installing a SMARTboard in our classroom for September  and I believe it will be a valuable tool for many subjects. I found through preparing, practicing and presenting this tool I able to use the applications with confidence and ease.

How to use a SMARTboard- http://smarttech.com/trainingcenter/windows/trainingmaterials.asp

Youtube demonstration-    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DjdNPMZJbLs&feature=related

SMARTboard Tools-http://education.smarttechttp://downloads.smarttech.com/media/services/quickreferences/pdf/english/smartboardtools.pdfh.com/ste/en-us/- 

Teachers'Hub- Classroom Solutions and Resources      http://education.smarttech.com/ste/en-us/

Special Needs-    http://smarterkids.org/research/paper12.asp

Smartboard Lesson Podcast/Voicethreads-  http://pdtogo.com/smart/ 

     PROS

CONS

1. Cost for the basis board are high and variesy. Average cost runs about $5000.00 per classroom
2. The setup requires the use of many wires and hookups for a classroom.
3. The technical setup requires the board and the projector be a certain distance between each or any movement of either causes an alignment problem for demonstrations
4. The positioning of the presentator or participation can cause shadows or blockage of the image.

General Information

A recent survey of current SMART board users revealed that the implement ion of SMART boards in high schools classrooms has increased student engagement, improved student behavior in class and improved overall learning outcomes. A common practice among learning theories is that learners have to be involved and engaged in order to learn. For instant's Malcolm Knowles's (2008) theory of andragogy makes the assumptions that adults need to learn experimentally and they need to approach learning by problem solving. Utilizing the interactive SMARTboard would support these theories and enables the student to reach a higher level of thinking skills and solving problems. This technology can make a difference in ones learning, The use of interactive boards reaches out to the different learning styles. Visual learners will benefit form the graphics, diagramming, manipulating objects and larger text notes. The kinesthetic or tactile learners will be able to reinforce their learning through exercises that involve touch and hands on exercises. The video and audio capabilities that can be incorporated into the whiteboard presentations will enhance the auditory learner. The needs of the hearing impaired student can be addressed as they depend on visual learning.  

Educators can move from the front of the class to be a guide on the side. With proper training, teachers should be able to integrate the use of interactive SMART boards seamlessly into their exiting curriculum. The board can help with lesson preparation by saving time with the resources available and they are easy to implement. It enables the teacher to instruct more effectively by allowing them to save notes and changes to lessons. If a resource is needed, it is at the teacher's fingertips with quick and easy access to the Internet or other applications.  They can save, edit and forward to a student through other class management system. Work can be recalled from a previous class for review or changes. The board creates enthusiasm, and excitment.The ability to switch between applications, show and expand images, draw, highlight or many other capibilities keeps things moving at a speed capturing the student's  attention and excitment.