SMART Technology

SMART Technology in the Classroom

SMART boards are a sophisticated replacement of the traditional overhead projector. Over the years, this innovative technology has proved popular for students of all ages. The interactive board turns a typical classroom into a fun learning environment. It enriches classrooms in several ways by providing hands on collaboration and creating the perfect learning setting.

I am experiencing using SMART technologies for the first time this year in my classroom. Our school purchased a new SMART board for every classroom at the elementary school I work at. I am still getting used to using it because they have just recently been set up. I started thinking of how using my new SMART board has been beneficial.

• My SMART board provides flexibility in my classroom. It allows many different forms of media – including photos, illustrations, maps, graphs, games, and video, to be displayed. These tools not only enrich the classroom experience but also help to expand the nature of content that can be used in learning.

• The SMART board enhances my teaching and my student’s learning. SMART Boards provide new ways for me to teach, and my students to learn. These tools support a wide variety of learning styles. For instance, visual learners can watch me use the whiteboards to project visual elements, whereas audio learners can listen and have discussions. On the other hand, they come with touchscreen capabilities that allow my tactile learners to touch and interact with the board.

• There is access to online information and tools on my board. SMART boards allow teachers and students to easily access a rich database of online resources. I can use the wide variety of online information sources such as knowledge databases, online video and news items to reinforce my students.

Although I am sure there are more benefits to using SMART technologies in the classroom, I feel that so far, those are the benefits I have noticed.

Overall, incorporating SMART Boards to the classroom environment is likely to change the way teachers impart knowledge to students and at the same time simplify the learning process for students. Students will find it easy to engage with lessons and gain a better understanding of the overall lesson. It is an ideal tool for any classroom setting. The education field needs technology like this for students, learners, and educators to continue to grow in their field.

Has anyone else had the opportunity to use a SMART Board in the classroom? What are your opinions on teachers and students having access to such a innovative piece of technology? What benefits do you think the SMART Boards have in the classroom?

S. (2016). SMART Learning Suite. Retrieved October 14, 2016, from      https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fQ7Z1OU_-Ck