Teaching With Technology: The SMART Board By Elyse Greenberg, Alexander Zendejas, Stephanie Ross, and Jeffrey Feld (Group 11)

About the SMART Board What is a SMART Board? A SMART Board is an interactive, electronic whiteboard that can enhance instruction and learning.  The first SMART Board was introduced in 1991. It was created by SMART Technologies. SMART Board is the first interactive white board. Over 800,000 SMART Board interactive whiteboards have been installed and are used mainly in education; however they have also been used in military, government, and corporate settings.

The Cost of the SMART Board The cost for a SMART Board, a projector, and installation is approximately $3500. Many Parent Teacher Associations or Parent Teacher Organizations (PTA’s or PTO’s) help pay for the interactive white boards. Some schools even hold fundraisers in order to raise money to purchase the SMART Boards for their classrooms. In Tucson, Amphitheater School District held a gala in February 2007---all proceeds went to an initiative to put SMART Boards in their classrooms.

SMART Boards In The Classroom BENEFITS Allows the teacher (and students) to interact. Teachers do not have to be stuck behind a computer (or have their back turned away from the class)--instead they can be at the front of the classroom interacting with the screen and the students. Can control any computer application through the board. Can use any of the markers (4 colors) to write in digital ink over applications, web pages, applications, or videos. There is an eraser! Can take and save notes for future reference! Can convert handwriting to text! Students are able to use the SMART Board as well! It will make them want to participate in lessons and discussions. DRAWBACKS Could be hard to write on---your body could cast a shadow on the screen, where you are writing. Might be hard to write neatly. They may be very hard to move if they are installed on a wall. Just like with any type of technology, there are glitches, which in a classroom could cause problems. VERY EXPENSIVE!

Why Use a SMART Board in the Classroom? It is great for teaching lessons! If a student is absent, you can email them the notes from the day. Depending on what you are using the SMART Board for, it can be colorful…students LOVE and respond to colorful things! Different learning styles will enjoy the SMART Board. It is a great tool for all ages of students! Interactive! You can play movies on it (you don’t have to use a T.V. or pull down a projector screen). Since the screen is large, everyone will be able to see it! No one will complain because they can’t see! Kids love technology and electronics! Technology is changing! If you are able to and fortunate enough to have a SMART Board, why not use it? It is an amazing tool to use!

Resources Used http://www.waukesha.k12.wi.us/WIT/SmartBoard/benefits.htm http://its.leesummit.k12.mo.us/smartboard.htm http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/About+Us/News+Room/Facts+about+SMART/Quick+Facts+and+Stats/ www.eller.arizona.edu/.../ArizonaDailyStar_Smart_Board_tech_Feb8_2007.pdf http://performancepyramid.muohio.edu:8081/SMARTboards/Pros-and-Cons.html