Smartboards in the Classroom

A lot of veteran teachers seem to be uncomfortable with technology in the classroom. Why? Because they are comfortable with the way they have been teaching and why change things that work? However, technological devices make teaching more effective or should I say it aides the teacher in more than one way. More concepts can be covered and time can be saved. Furthermore, in an age when children are use to instant gratification, getting entertainment at the touch of a button, we have to be able to compete for their attention in clever new ways. The Smartboard is a board with much more capabilities than the traditional white or blackboard. It is connected to the computer and you are able to not only write on it you can also show videos, create touch screen lessons, pull up grids automatically, have students take quizzes with remotes and show them the results and data.

Instead of using an Elmo you can use a document camera with the Smartboard, you can take pictures or a document and then use the Smartboard pen to grade or do problems with students.

The other cool thing is how easy you can erase what you write or you can save and get a new page to write on with the ability to come back to what you wrote. You can save lessons and make them interactive.

I usually use virtual formats in the Envision curriculum, and I stop to teach and check for understanding. I can write right on the lesson as it plays and erase, say something like a math problem. Or I can highlight important details as students read a word problem.

How much do they cost? They range between 1,000-6,000, and I feel they are worth every penny. In my school district there are several classrooms with them. Talk to your administration about purchasing one for your class. Or you might buy one yourself. They are durable and are kid friendly. My students love to use them.

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