SMART Board

Mackenzie Dennis

What is it?

            The SMART Board is an interactive white board developed by Smart Technologies in 1991. It was developed as a tool for teachers to use in the classroom for 21^st century learners. The SMART Board uses touch detection to operate, just like a computer. There is a stylus that can be used as a pen or a mouse that allows the user to scroll or write on the board.

     The board is tethered to a computer and a projector, and uses a specific whiteboard technology to operate. From the computer a teacher can make PowerPoint slides or presentations and project them onto the board. The user can then write on the board, where the work is saved onto the computer for students to review later.

How can it be used in a math classroom?

            In the classroom the SMART Board can be used as a projector and transmit a lesson on the board. A math teacher can use this during their lecture to make the lesson more interactive. The board can also be used similarly to a traditional white board where users can write on the board to demonstrate mathematics problems and solutions.

            There are also many different programs that can be used on the SMART Board. Some programs are as simple as bringing up a calculator, while others can be as complex as creating a game to play on the board. These different programs can all be used to aid in the effectiveness of a teacher’s lesson.

Example Programs

-Jeopardy: “Use your SMART Response system to engage EVERY student in your classroom Jeopardy Review game. The class is divided into two teams - the Red team uses the ABCD buttons to respond, and the Green team uses the EFGH buttons. The team with the highest percentage of correct answers gets the points for that question! This template is ready for you to add your own questions for any subject area. An instruction sheet is attached to help you get started.” * http://exchange.smarttech.com/details.html?id=806ef19a-f06f-4143-8828-1f8462070e50

-Connect Four: “This is a review game based upon Connect Four. Feel free to insert your own questions. Enjoy!” * http://exchange.smarttech.com/details.html?id=7fdc0436-bbaf-4909-95ce-257e6ebad911

-Classroom Feud: “This game format can be used to review content from any subject.” * http://exchange.smarttech.com/details.html?id=7145260c-58be-4345-a415-66653f879c36

-Math Hoops: “Basketball team game template for review and/or practice using orally read problems or inserting problems into linked pages. Includes Scoreboard, timer (optional) and directions. Could be renamed and used for any subject.” * http://exchange.smarttech.com/details.html?id=adeca03a-45b1-47fd-a6e9-5c1d533da95d

Who else can use it?

            A SMART Board can be used for many different subjects in many different classroom settings. The board can also be used for other purposes such as business meetings and presentations.

Websites

*http://exchange.smarttech.com/#tab=0

A good website to use to find lesson plans or ideas when using a smart board.

*http://smarttech.com/SmartBoard

A website to view the different models of SMART Boards that are offered.

*http://www.bristolvaschools.org/mwarren/SBActivities.htm

A site for resources and lesson ideas.

Resources

* http://www.scholastic.com/smarttech/teachers.htm

* http://smarttech.com/

*http://smarttech.com/us/Solutions/Education+Solutions/Products+for+education/Software/SMART+Notebook+collaborative+learning+software/SMART+Notebook+Math+Tools+software

*http://www.ivci.com/images/2000i-rear-projection-smart-board.jpg