Tech+Tool+1

**Technology Tool #1: SMART Boards!**



**What is a SMART Board? **  ** ﻿ **  In 1991, the company SMART first introduced interactive whiteboards. A SMART Board is an interactive presentation device that interfaces with a computer. Images from the computer are digitally projected onto the SMART Board. From there, users can manipulate images using a digital pen or highlighter tool. Additionally, the board has touch detection allowing users to navigate with their finger just like a mouse. A useful feature of the SMART Board is that user input can be saved or printed for later use.

**Why use a SMART Board in the classroom?** Because SMART Boards are so interactive in nature, they make for fun, helpful tools in the classroom. While there are many practical uses, I will just highlight one example of how to use a SMART Board when modeling pre-writing skills in a K-8 setting. SMART Boards are an effective demonstration tool. For example, a teacher can use the SMART Board to demonstrate how to brainstorm ideas for an expository essay. Using the “think aloud” strategy, the teacher can first write the main ideas of the essay on the computer. Once complete, the teacher can then use the whiteboard to visually connect the thesis, the supporting information and the evidence with the touch of his or her finger. After the lesson, the teacher can print out the brainstorming example and distribute copies to the students for their reference. Return to the top page of the portfolio.