1. Using SMARTboards

2. What is a SMART board? According to the Wikipedia definition: “The SMART Board interactive whiteboard 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.”

3. o The software of the SMART boards consists of an interactive whiteboard, a host computer, and other SMART board tools. Versions are available for Windows and Mac. o It has a SMART pen tray which holds four plastic pen tools and an eraser. When a pen tool is picked up from the tray, the SMART board recognizes that it is gone and if you write on the whiteboard with the pen you picked up, it will write in that color. o DViT technology (digital vision touch) - With this technology, users touch the interactive whiteboard’s surface to control computer applications or write on the screen

4. Teachers ask, “Why should I use a SMART board?” http://www.waukesha.k12.wi.us/WIT/SmartBoards/benefits.htm This website gives many reasons why it would be a good idea to have a SMART board in your classroom: 1. The interactive electronic whiteboard is great for demonstrations 2. The board can accommodate different learning styles 3. All ages of students respond favorably to board use 4. Distance learning is an excellent setting for interactive whiteboard use 5. One-computer classrooms can maximize the use of limited computer access 6. The interactive whiteboard is an excellent tool for the constructivist educator 7. The boards are clean and attractive tools 8. Students with limited motor skills can enjoy board use 9. It is interactive 10. It is a kid magnet! Many teachers feel that using the SMART boards make the subject come alive

5. Teachers Love SMART boards o A website where teachers can get lesson plans and find other resources using the SMART board technology. o Website also contains blogs, podcasts, and training videos. A fourth grader demonstrates in this video how to do fractions using a SMART board http://www.smartboards.typepad.com/

6. More websites SMART board resources. Includes training links, interactive sites, SMART board lessons, and interactive video classrooms http://www.internet4classrooms.com/smart_board.htm Mrs. Thompson’s Technology lab. Wonderful K-3 SMART board interactive games. Includes subjects like math, language arts, and writing. http://www.juliethompson.com