Saturday, June 9, 2012

Technology of Choice: SMART Boards


           
            SMART Boards are large, digital interactive whiteboards that feature touch detection for user input and helps improve learning outcomes.  A projector projects the image from your computer screen onto the whiteboard.  Teachers and students can write on these boards either by using a specialized pen or by touching the screen. 
There is a great advantage to using SMART Boards in the classroom because students are more engaged and excited about learning when they get to interact with the board.  This technology tool is good for both the students and the teachers because it boosts the student’s self-esteem and the teacher’s ability to assess the student’s learning.  This tool also engages students with special learning needs and often improves their behavior.  The use of SMART Boards in the classroom fosters a sense of community and creates a cooperative learning environment.
 Teachers can get started with this tool by first talking to their Principle about this need and seeing if the budget can cover this technology for the classroom.  Then, the teacher can purchase the board and software, which ranges from $3,000 to $7,000.  Once the board is purchased, the teacher will need to get it installed into the classroom which costs about $100 to $300.  There are also pre-made lesson plans available with the SMART Board purchase that can be purchased for $15-$40.

Below is an instructional video for SMART Boards:

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