The Smart Board
The SMART Board is a interactive, electronic whiteboard that is connected to a computer and a data projector. Once the computer image is projected on the board, the SMARTboard can be used as a computer. By just using your finger you can control the computer. Studies indicate that interactive whiteboards benefit student engagement, learner motivation and knowledge retention. The technology has also been successful in reaching students with a variety of learning styles, including those with special needs. And educators benefit too, enjoying better student involvement, streamlined lesson preparation and enhanced lesson materials.
Educators can use digital resources while maintaining dynamic interaction with the entire class. Interactive whiteboards allow computer-based learning without isolating students in front of individual computer screens. Their large, visible workspace encourages a higher level of student interaction in both teacher-directed and group-based exchanges.
Some students are intrinsically motivated to learn for its own rewards, but others require external motivations such as rewards or teacher-defined goals. Intrinsically motivated learers enjoy demonstrating their knowledge on the interactive whiteboard as a means of showcasing individual achievement. Interactive whiteboards are dynamic and compete successfully with student’s favorite consumer technologies (e.g., games, cell phones, MP3 players), helping keep students focused and on task.
Students’ ability to retain information is subject to several conditions, some of which are related to engagement and motivation in class. Successful retention is also aided by accurate review notes. Interactive whiteboards help make lessons memorable because students are more engaged and motivated in class. Different learning styles are accommodated by the technology, improving the chances of retention by all students.
*********Notes taken on the interactive whiteboard can be printed, e-mailed or saved, ensuring the entire class has access to accurate review material *************
The dynamic, highly visual nature of interactive whiteboards is a natural fit for all learning styles. It also helps students with a variety of special needs achieve their educational goals. Visual learners benefit from note-taking, diagramming and manipulating objects or symbols on the large screen. Kinesthetic and tactile learners can reinforce learning through exercises involving touch, movement and space on the interactive whiteboard. Deaf and hearing-impaired students gain from the ability to both see visuals on the screen and the simultaneous use of sign language. Visually impaired students with some vision ability can manipulate objects and text and participate in ways not possible on a small computer screen. Special needs students with physical challenges or behavioral issues benefit from the interactive whiteboard because, the large screen and touch-sensitive surface facilitate learning beyond standard keyboard-and-mouse applications, and it can also be used to promote good behavior.
Interactive whiteboards are easy for beginners to walk up and use, shortening lesson integration time. The technology motivates educators to incorporate and develop more digital and interactive resources into their lessons
Finally, notes and materials can be saved for review and used next class or next year.