Savvy Teaching: SMART Boards

Image Resource: edcompassblog.smarttech.com

During my summer session 1 class, I completed my practicum in a local Kindergarten class. Each morning the students would gather in the front of the room and take turns using the SMART board. This was the first time that I had ever been exposed to a SMART board and I thought it was the coolest idea! {If you have never seen or used a SMART board, I think it is also known as an interactive white board, it is similar to a regular white board; however, it is hooked up to the computer and what is on displayed on the computer, displays on the white board. Objects can be moved on the white board (which moves the objects on the screen -- as seen in the first image below), the white board can be written on, etc.} The teacher had various activities that were used on the SMART board - some of these included the days of the week, the date (month, day and year) and the weather. Students were called upon to come to the SMART board and either write in the correct answer or use a special pointer to move the correct objects around.

Since it was the end of the school year when I did my practicum, the students were very familiar with the board and could use it with little or no assistance. I can only imagine the excitement at the beginning of the year as a Kindergarten student getting to use this (I'm an adult and loved it!).

I think SMART boards are an excellent way to incorporate technology into the classroom. Everyone can see the screen well, there are countless things that can be done with the SMART board and all of the students can take turns participating. How fun!

This blog contains some interesting articles about SMART boards:

http://teacherslovesmartboards.com/2008/03/smart-board-art.html/