Technology Tools: Smartboard

What is SMART-Board?

The SMART Board interactive whiteboard is an interactive whiteboard that uses touch detection for user input – e.g., scrolling, right mouse-click – in the same way normal PC input devices, such as a mouse or keyboard, detect input. A projector is used to display a computer’s video output on the interactive whiteboard, which then acts as a large touch screen. The SMART Board typically comes with 4 digital pens, which use digital ink and replace traditional whiteboard markers.

- SmartBoard Technology

The Positive

Specifically, Chris Preston and Lee Mowbray researched the benefits of using Smartboard technology in a Kindergarden classroom setting. They implemented the use of the board in the subject of science which can be difficult to instruct at this age. Students at this age are usually taught science concepts and are able to make detailed observations while demonstrating considerable thinking skills. However, children at this age are still learning the basics of reading and comprehension requiring much visual and audio aides and models in the classroom. SMART Boards are a brand of interactive

teaching science Hardware arrangement whiteboard. Simply speaking, it can be described as a whiteboard displaying the image from the computer monitor with the surface operating asa giant touch screen. The set up can consist of a desk or ceiling mounted data projector and computer or can work on a totally integrated system as is the case for rear projection SMART Boards. The computer can then be controlled from the board itself by touching the SMART Board screen, either directly with your finger or one of the electronic pens.The board technology enables the teacher or student to perform a range of functions.

The user can do the following:

• Write on the whiteboards huge touch-sensitive surface with the electronic pen, drag-and-drop images or text
• Interact in many ways such as pressing icons to hear pre-recorded sounds, video, or other audio concept
• Watch simulations and view graphics
• Capture text to model proper penmanship
• The ability to save notes, drawings or annotationsfor future use.

Continuing with the specific Kindergarden group, Smartboard technology allows for engagement and knowledge building of young children.

When fostered, they are given the opportunity to interact in a physical and mental way in the learning environment (Harlen &Rivkin, 2000}. This gives the opportunity for students to learn about science, in this case, while integrating the use of motor and social skills in the classroom. Socially, when using the board, the student begins to grow confidence by practicing and interacting with the lesson provided. The student's self-confidence and esteem have been noted in the use of the board. Also, the use of the Smartboard is effective with this group due to their short-attention span. With the use of it being interactive, audio, and visual, students in the lower schools become very focused on it.

The Negative

Mentioned in the article above, one of the overall negatives of the Smartboard is simply the price of the board. A grant was provided for 9 million dollars for those who were interested in using it in 2003. Steve Kennewell and Alex Morgan provided research on the teacher's perception of the Smartboard during this time. While many enjoyed the various uses, some teacher's found that it was not very user friendly at first. Since the board is touchscreen, there is a process to calibrate it. At first, this was a feature that needed to be searched for in the program. Fortunately, from the research, the present boards have an instant notification of calibration if needed. With the students, the research provided that 90% actually ended up instructing and aiding the teacher with the process. As mentioned above, this is a great example of the technology building up the student's self-confidence and technological sense.

Review Questions

1. What is a Smartboard?

2. How is a Smartboard controlled?

3. What age group specifically was being studied?

4. What were some of the Positive contributions of the Smartboard?

5. What were some of the Negative contributions of the Smartboard?

Review Answers

1. An interactive whiteboard that uses touch detection for user input

2. With the use of a computer, document camera, VCR & DVD

3. Kindergarden

4. Some of the positive contributions included visual and audio aides, improving social and motor skills, modeling of proper penmanship, and interactions with daily lessons.

5. Some of the negative contributions included the price of the board itself and not being user friendly to teachers who may not be computer efficient.