Smartboards

toc An interactive whiteboard combines the simplicity of a whiteboard with the power and abilities of a computer. The system includes the whiteboard itself, a computer, a projector, and whiteboard software. Instead of traditional markers, it accepts touch input from a finger, pen, or any other solid object.

=About= Interactive whiteboards have been around since the early nineties, but only recently have they been starting to be used widespread in multiple subject areas. There are several different brands of interactive boards that have specific tools and accessories to each. Promethean, SMART boards and Mimio are some of the companies that produce interactive white boards.

Most interactive white boards involve a special board that has a projector attached to the top that uses a different technology to project so that it can project a large image from a close distance. Most include markers, an eraser and there are several other accessories that can be used with the interactive technology (see Specific Tools below).

Mimio offers a unique do-it-yourself interactive white board experience. By providing a portable bar that you attach to a normal white board or wall or other solid, light surface and your own projector, anyone can have an interactive white board at their disposal. The Mimio Bar uses the same software as their interactive white board, and offers all the same tools. The advantage to this bar is the price, the ability to use it easily in multiple locations, and when used on a normal whiteboard, the ability to draw on projections with normal dry erase markers. click here to check out the Mimio bar

Click here to read reviews and compare interactive white boards

=Capabilites= Although each brand of interactive white board has its own specific capabilities, there are general capabilities shared among all interactive white boards.
 * touch screen "mouse" clicking
 * On screen drawing, writing, highlighting, and erasing
 * Slide show presentation
 * touch keyboard typing
 * text editing
 * screen capturing
 * screen recording
 * downloadable presentation gallery
 * image gallery
 * timer/countdown
 * calculator
 * Interactive polls
 * much, much more!

=Specific Tools= Specific tools for interactive whiteboards include an interactive whiteboard with touch input, a projector, and the interactive whiteboard software,

Specific Tool #1 - Wireless Tablet
The wireless tablet accessory of the smartboard can be useful for a wide range of uses. Teachers have free mobility to move around the classroom while still using the whiteboard. And multiple students can use their tablets to interact with the smartboard at the same time.

How to Use
Click here to watch a short youtube clip about how to use the wireless pad

Specific Tool #2 - Vote/Assessment System
This smartboard accessory allows you to import or create tests and quizzes to include in your lecture slides or presentations. Students are assigned a number, and give a 'clicker' to record their answers. This is an easy way to make sure that students are engaged and following along in class.

How to Use
Click here to watch a quick clip about how to use this assessment system

=Implementation Ideas=

English
The interactive whiteboard has a highlighter function that teachers can use to highlight text on either a website or document that is displayed on the whiteboard via their computer.

Mathematics
The whiteboard can screenshot what is on the board as well as take videos, which can be posted on the teacher's website for students to view at any time. It is also good for vectors and geometry as it can display graph paper and using their finger the teacher can move around things that they have drawn.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2-nK_y5zWk

Science

 * Smartboards can be used to label diagrams of scientific processes.
 * Can be used to show videos or images while still being able to write on the board.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zpkPVry7wHQ

Social Studies
Can be used to drag and drop states or state capitols in the right areas, whether calling up individual students to do it or doing it as a class.

**Resources For Your Smartboard Lessons**

 * Here you can find schools in the state of Florida that use Smartboards in their classrooms. Contact information is given so that you can get in touch with real teachers that are using this technology in their classrooms everyday to ask how they feel about it. SMART Showcase Schools - FL
 * At this website you can find ideas for your smartboard lessons and interactive games to use on the smartboard with your students for Language Arts, Science, and Social Studies. It's a great place to start if you're feeling overwhelmed about how to effectively use your smartboard. Interactive Whiteboard Activies
 * Here you can find a blog run by real teachers, who ask questions and give feedback about lessons involving smartboards. You can find great ideas to keep your class interesting. Smartboard Lessons

=Opinions & Feedback= ** Mathematics **
 * General**
 * Can integrate interactive qualities into a normal presentation
 * Allows screen recording of any navigation or work done on the board and can later share with students
 * Navigation of tools can be confusing
 * Not very easy to to use the keyboard to type
 * Files and images can be hard to find
 * Check out this blog where a teacher offers a SMART board use tutorial
 * English **
 * The tools such as writing, highlighting and erasing is good for editing texts as a class in real time.
 * Allows screen recording of any navigation or work done on the board and can later share with students
 * relatively easy navigation of writing and editing tools
 * A great alternative to using a normal chalkboard or overhead projector.
 * Allows screen recording of any navigation or work done on the board and can later share with students
 * relatively easy navigation of writing and editing tools
 * Allows for student participation through SMART Response clickers.
 * [|Click here to see how a math teachers uses one in her classroom]
 * Science**
 * Offers good options for interactive periodic tables that students would enjoy
 * Allows to show simulations
 * lots of images and interactive tools


 * Social Studies**
 * An abundance of maps included in the program.
 * not many other tools specific to social studies.
 * Easy to navigate the internet to look at current events or other websites.