SMART Boards have been around for many years and are becoming increasingly popular within more classrooms. I remember when I was in grade 8 when SMART Boards were being installed in our classrooms. We were all so excited and they were replacing traditional blackboards everywhere. Learning for us was now more interactive and the possibilities were endless.
SMART learning technologies have three goals for students. One goal is to encourage students to connect. With SMART Boards every student is able to collaborate and contribute in the class. Goal number two is to reach every learner by making interactive lessons and matching individual students learning needs. Three, it makes learning personal and allows the freedom for students to learn in their own way.
With all these great benefits we have to ask, so what is the problem? The issue with SMART Boards is although more schools are installing them in their classrooms most schools cannot afford this device. SMART Boards can range from $1500 to $6500 depending on the model. Plus, the additional costs of the components such as the interactive pens and erasers needed to "write" on the Board. Not all schools have the opportunity to create a technological learning environment for students.
In my personal experience working in various schools I can see the difference in teaching with and without a SMART Board. A teacher I was working with did not have one in her classroom and was just trying to show a video on the laptop - then connecting it to the projector took up a lot of her teaching time. Also, if a supply teacher is unfamiliar with the technology, it may be difficult to teach in that classroom with all traditional white boards and chalk boards removed.
As future educators we must be aware of new technology such as SMART Boards and how to integrate them within our lessons.
Alexandrea@NU
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