Technical Tool Investigation: Smart Boards

A Smart Board is a system integrating a touch sensitive ‘white board’ screen, a projector, and a computer with supporting software.  Instead of using ‘white board’ markers, teachers and students can use a ‘digital’ pen or more recently, their fingers (click here for more touch info). The smart board, with images projected upon it, acts very much like a touch computer screen.

If a teacher is fortunate enough to get a Smart Board, they should realize how much work is required to redesign and integrate lessons to take full advantage of the system.  Those with strong Power Point skills, webpage building, and strong computer skills will be best equipped to rapidly derive benefits from the technology.  But never forget, technology can only enhance great teaching.  If a teacher is not comfortable teaching with a Smart Board, they should forgo the complixity.