How did you learn to use your SMART Board?
8th Grade Teacher: Most of the learning was trial and error. One of
my colleagues helped me learn a few things, and we had some
professional development, too. I continue to learn from my
colleagues who do more with it. For example, I don't use a lot of
animation or flashy colors like they do in elementary classes, but I
know how to do it.
8th Grade Teacher: The school computer technician had an in-
service for those interested and then after that teachers who wanted
a deeper understanding could go to Franklin Ohio to SOITA for a
workshop which I attended.
7th Grade Teacher: I learned to use the SMART Board at school
through teacher in-services and on my own through trial and error.
There are new software packages coming out all the time like
Easiteach, so there is always the opportunity to try something new.
4th Grade Teacher: a little introductory training, a lot of trial and
error, from other teachers.
How long did it take you to become proficient?
8th Grade Teacher: It only took a couple of weeks, but I'm still
learning. I've been using it for several years now, so I can't really
remember what it was like before I had one. :)
8th Grade Teacher: Using it on a fairly regular basis say at least 1 or
2 times per class, probably about a month.
7th Grade Teacher: I became proficient rather quickly, but as stated
above I am constantly learning.
4th Grade Teacher: I felt comfortable after one quarter, but would
not say I was proficient for at least a year. I'm sure there's still a lot
for me to learn.
How do you utilize your SMART Board in lessons?
8th Grade Teacher: I use it in many different ways. We brainstorm
together, create charts, diagram sentences, show web sites, evaluate
student work, model for the class, etc. One time we even stuck
post-it notes on a chart on the board. The starters and responses
are ready to go each day. It helps me transition quickly and
smoothly. (If someone is absent, they can access the work they
missed, so you don't have to write it down. It's still there from
yesterday or last week.)
8th Grade Teacher: It is great for an anticipatory set or motivating
activity for the beginning of class whether that be a
question/thought of the day, short video clip, or just a picture or
image. It is much larger and easier to see (and neater when typed)
then an old chalk board or dry erase board. It makes it very simple
to integrate web sites into the classroom, virtual tours, videos,
games, pictures and about anything else one can think of that would
make a class more exciting. I type notes on it, use it to shows
videos and pictures, place homework and worksheets on it as well.
7th Grade Teacher: As a language arts teacher by far the most
common use of the SmartBoard for me is creating PowerPoint
lessons to give background information on the stories we are about
to read, direct instruction as we read and post-reading instruction.
I also use the SmartBoard to teach vocabulary, like word parts so
the students can dissect words and really see the parts due to the
various colors that can be utilized with the board. The SmartBoard
is a great tool to enhance instruction.
4th Grade Teacher:
I use the document camera or my laptop almost
daily to model note-taking in Social Studies. I use the interactive
smart board features for some learning games (Trap Door, Word
Hunter, Hangman, etc.) I also use the smart board to demonstrate
computer lessons and to share web sites or video streaming.
What is the impact of the SMART Board on student engagement?
8th Grade Teacher: Kids love it! They will all volunteer to come up
to the board to participate, whether it's sharing something their
group has brainstormed, doing a closed word sort on the board, or
diagramming a sentence.
8th Grade Teacher: It allows the students to become more a part of
the lesson rather than to just sit there and listen and to a teacher talk
for 40 minutes. Students can go up to the board and actually
interact with it whether that be through a map activity or virtual
tour. The students when taking notes can even take turns filling in
the blanks on the board which they love to do. Students can play
review jeopardy or millionaire also through the program.
7th Grade Teacher: Students love it! Instead of trying to visualize a
concept on their own, it comes to life through the pictures I create
for my students. They love to come up to the board to write on it.
4th Grade Teacher: Kids love it, especially when I find a way to
work in the interactive component.
Do you think SMART Boards are effective as instructional tools?
8th Grade Teacher: Absolutely. Although it initially took some time,
I now use templates that the kids recognize. Daily Grammar
Practice has an apple on the page, starters have a pencil, reading
responses have a book, etc. If you're reading a book to the
students that contain an allusion, you can show them a picture of an
Iron Maiden or Stonehenge. It's much better than passing a picture
around or even showing one on the overhead. It builds their
background knowledge with a click of the remote.
8th Grade Teacher: Without a doubt. They allow a teacher to use a
variety of tools and methods to deliver the information to the
students. By doing it in a slide format everything is very neat,
organized and orderly.
7th Grade Teacher: Yes the SmartBoard is effective as an
instructional tool. As stated above the students are really engaged
when we are using it in class.
4th Grade Teacher: Definitely.
What are the limits of SMART Board?
8th Grade Teacher: Well, they don't always work. You generally
have to do a lot of scanning of documents.
8th Grade Teacher: The only limit I see to the Smart Board is that in
my teaching setting I have to have my projector on a desk next to
my computer so anytime a student or myself writes on the board
one must stand to the side and write or if not what is being written
can not be seen. It is an easy and relatively inexpensive fix though
by simply hanging the projector by the ceiling in some way and
aiming it down to the screen removes most of those issues. Other
than that I see no other limitations.
7th Grade Teacher: Technology doesn't always work - so as with all
lessons you need to have a backup plan.
4th Grade Teacher: Teacher ability and knowledge. It is tough to
use at times because sometimes your shadow gets in the way when
trying to touch the screen.
What technology is the SMART Board replacing or
complimenting?
8th Grade Teacher: I never use an overhead anymore. Now that I
have my document camera, I don't have to scan anymore because I
can take a picture of the document with the camera and put it right
on my board. Students can easily show their work on the
document camera and it appears on the board -- and you can write
on it. You can share a picture book with the class. Very cool!
8th Grade Teacher: For me personally it has replaced my dry erase
board and the use of Power Point to some extent. It complements
the use of technology and staying up with the times in the
classrooms.
7th Grade Teacher: Technology is all integrated. With the laptop,
document camera, DVD and CD hookup the traditional overhead
projector and cassette player are no longer needed.
4th Grade Teacher: Replacing overhead, chalk board/white board,
and the TV.
