The+Smart+Board+and+the+21st+Century+Learner

= New Technology Tools: = =The Smart Board & 21st Century Learning =

Smart Board Overview:

 * What is a Smart Board?** A Smart Board is a large interactive white board that is connected to a computer and a projector. The projector projects your computer screen onto a large touch sensitive screen. Whatever you see on your computer monitor, you now see on the large whiteboard. You can move, click, and write on the board using your finger or special infrared pens and you can control your software from the board or your computer. Essentially the Smart Board becomes a giant computer screen - large enough to be seen through the entire classroom and your finger becomes the mouse. The Smart Board is operated by you standing next to it and touching the screen.

10 Reasons to Use a Smart Board in the Classroom or Library Resource Centre:
1) SmartBoards can be used to provide a shared learning experience in a highly motivating setting. 2) Appeals to tactile, auditory and visual learners. 3) Can be used at all grade levels to motivate students. Kids are drawn to the board. 4) Can be used effectively in a one computer classroom or library and maximize otherwise limited computer access. 5) Great for group interaction and engaging students. Students love to interact with their classmates and the board. 6) Work produced by students is typically more creative. 7) Colourful, graphically rich presentations are visually stimulating and hold students' interest longer. 8) Invites active collaboration amongst students. 9) Supports all learners. Easily used by, and appealing to, special needs and ESL students. 10) Students can directly manipulate objects making learning a truly kinesthetic experience.

Ways to use the Smart Board in the Classroom:
1) As a simple teacher presentation tool to show lessons, videos, powerpoint and notebook presentations etc. 2) As a tool that allows students interact with thousands of interactive websites and Web 2.0 sites in any curricular area. 3) As a student creativity tool where students can work together or independently to create presentations using Notebook or other software. 4) As a student presentation tool to present Notebook or Powerpoint presentations etc.