Cassidy Roger's Portfolio

Category: EdTech Inquiry

Smart Boards Presentation Week

March 18, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Lily, Jahniaa, & Cassidy

After many weeks of research, our group inquiry on SMARTboards and implementing them in the classroom has come to an end. We have explored three key questions such as: what is a smartboard? How much do they cost? How can we use them in the classroom? What are some tips & tricks to navigating a SMARTboard? And of course, with most technology comes pro’s and con’s, so we explored some of the great features and some things to be cautious of when using a SMARTboard. 

 

So what is a SMARTboard? The SMARTBoard, also known as the Interactive Whiteboard, was developed by SMART technology and introduced in 1991. SMARTboards look very similar to your average whiteboard except they have the added advantages of a touch-controlled screen that works in connection to your computer and a projector. SMARTBoards use a resistive technology, meaning there is a small air gap between the board and resistive material, that allows users to press on the board with a pen or a finger and it will respond as a desktop mouse would. SMARTBoards can be written on with the use of digital ink to underline, highlight, circle and write with. When a pen is removed from the colour slot, the tray senses what colour has been selected and the colour will correspond on the board! 

 

How much do SMARTboards cost? On the SMARTboard website, the boards range from $2800 – $13700. This price on a teacher’s salary is not likely something that teachers would be able to purchase for their class themselves. Luckily, there is funding that exists for this type of technology! Some examples are as follows: 

  • Best Buy has grants available specifically to fund the price of technology in classrooms. They believe that technology in the classroom helps to develop students’ confidence and creativity”, which is why they want to help teachers to be able to afford these technologies. 
  • PAC grants are another option for funding. Teachers can advocate to the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) in efforts to have them apply for funding. These grants are not specifically for technology but can be used in such a way

There are a variety of ways you can implement the use of a SMARTboard in a classroom. SMARTboards are great for taking lessons online and enhancing them with technology. This can be done with powerpoint, google slides and/or video lessons. SMART tech offers a resource called LAB (Lesson Activity Builder https://www.smarttech.com/products/education-software/smart-learning-suite) which offers 6 core activities and allows you to customize them to your needs. SMARTboards are also great for group activities in the morning or brain breaks in the middle of the day! Those are just some of the many different ways you can enhance lessons and engage your students with a SMARTboard in the classroom.

What are some tips and tricks to navigating a SMARTboard? Well there is no doubt that using a SmartBoard can be a little intimidating at first! For years education has relied on chalkboards or whiteboards as classroom necessities, so a SmartBoard is a big jump from that. When getting started, it is important to remember that there are so many resources readily available to help you be able to use a SmartBoard to its full potential. Simple online instructions will be able to assist you in things like changing the SmartBoard pen size, accessing templates, erasing large areas, preparing presentations, and more! Once your board is installed, simply find what software it uses and you can easily google any question you may have. Something very useful I also found were the YouTube videos that users have uploaded to give you a virtual tutorial. From watching these videos you can get a clear idea of how to execute the feature you are looking for, and they often offer additional tips and tricks along the way! Once a video tutorial is searched, related videos will then pop up in your suggested area which allows for further research and exploration. All in all, SmartBoards have many incredible features that can assist learning in tons of different ways! Make sure you are giving yourself time to access different online resources for your particular software so that your SmartBoard can be efficiently used in class, and you aren’t missing out on its potential!

As most forms of technology usually do, SMARTboards had a various list of pro’s and con’s that could influence one’s decision to purchase. Making this list allowed us to better understand what kind of clientele SMARTboards cater to and how much time and money you would have to invest to have one in your classroom. They are very interactive which means students’ learning experiences can become more motivating, accessible, and engaging. SMARTboards offer many different features that can make them adaptable to most lessons and useful for many different learning occasions. SMARTboards are compatible with different kinds of technologies which make them a technologically advanced tool and also a very efficient classroom resource. In turn, SMARTboards may not be a practical wish for all schools due to their high cost. With the initial price also comes installation, maintenance, tech support, and add ons or tools. Due to these factors, many schools could not be in a financial position to buy one or more SMARTboards which could create inequality in students’ learning experiences. Schools must have access to the internet and proper power sources in order to operate a SMARTboard, which unfortunately does not make them accessible across the world. All things considered, SMARTboards can be an excellent learning tool if you have the means to purchase and maintain one. Although the cost is high and sometimes unmanageable, SMARTboards would be a great product to be fundraised for or gifted to schools that have smaller budgets!

Overall, all of us agree that having access to a SMARTboard can be a great asset to many different classrooms. When used correctly, they can provide enhanced learning opportunities that promote teamwork, engagement, and interactivity. Although we understand purchase may not be feasible for all budgets, those that can manage the initial price can use their SMARTboard for many years to come. Additionally, there are many different resources that can help to assist educators in using the many features SMARTboards offer. When used to their potential, students can benefit from the tools and features that can make their learning experiences more efficient and motivating. As future teacher candidates, we all would hope to have a SMARTboard in our classrooms one day and are eager to learn how to use them. From our inquiry research we believe we have built a strong foundation of information to help us in moving forward, and look forward to using them one day soon! 

Here are some of the resources we found really helpful when doing our inquiry:

 

Sources:

https://www.teachhub.com/technology-classroom-benefits-smart-boards

https://www.smarttech.com/Products/Education%20Displays

https://www.eztalks.com/whiteboard/disadvantages-of-interactive-whiteboards.html

Week 3: Group Inquiry – Tips & Tricks

March 2, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Week 3: Tips and tricks

Cassidy, Lily, & Jahniaa

Cassidy: Tips and tricks

 

There is no doubt that using a SmartBoard can be a little intimidating at first! For years education has relied on chalkboards or whiteboards as classroom necessities, so a SmartBoard is a big jump from that. When getting started, it is important to remember that there are so many resources readily available to help you be able to use a SmartBoard to its full potential. Simple online instructions will be able to assist you in things like changing the SmartBoard pen size, accessing templates, erasing large areas, preparing presentations, and more! Once your board is installed, simply find what software it uses and you can easily google any question you may have. Something very useful I also found were the YouTube videos that users have uploaded to give you a virtual tutorial. From watching these videos you can get a clear idea of how to execute the feature you are looking for, and they often offer additional tips and tricks along the way! Once a video tutorial is searched, related videos will then pop up in your suggested area which allows for further research and exploration. All in all, SmartBoards have many incredible features that can assist learning in tons of different ways! Make sure you are giving yourself time to access different online resources for your particular software so that your SmartBoard can be efficiently used in class, and you aren’t missing out on its potential!

 

(sources: http://tldsb.on.ca/smart/pdfs/sb_tipsandtricks.pdf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAt7Yl–wQ8) 

 

Lily Pro: 

One benefit of SMARTboards is the low maintenance needed to operate them, and this of course is great news to any busy teacher! Unlike white or chalk boards, materials do not need to be replaced and the mess created by these boards are reduced. As well, SMARTboards allow you to keep the notes that were written during class instead of having to erase them at the end of the lesson. This helps students who might be falling behind to be able reference the notes, as well as to help the teacher keep track of where the lesson left off at the end of the day. SMARTboards are made easy to use, so every class can be enhanced through its use!

 

(source: https://www.teachhub.com/technology-classroom-benefits-smart-boards)

 

Jahniaa Con:

One disadvantage to using a SMARTboard in the elementary classroom is the visual impacts it could be having on a teacher’s students. It is important to keep in mind that not all students have fully developed vision and may struggle to look at a screen all day. SMARTboards require visual tracking which involves following a moving object or icon on the screen. This can be hard for young and underdeveloped eyes. Some signs to look out for in students who may be struggling to view the classroom’s SMARTboard includes: watering or rubbing of the eyes, visual fatigue, disruptive behaviour or lack of comprehension on SMARTboard lessons. (Source: https://www.brighthubeducation.com/teaching-elementary-school/68395-using-smartboards-when-students-have-visual-needs-or-impairments/ )

 

SmartBoards: Week 2

February 25, 2020 / / 0 Comments

Created by Jahniaa, Lily, and Cassidy 

HOW MUCH DO SMARTBOARDS COST? IS THERE FUNDING TO SUPPLEMENT THE PRICE?

On the SMARTboard website, the boards range from $2800 – $13700. This price on a teacher’s salary is not likely something that teachers would be able to purchase for their class themselves. Luckily, there is funding that exists for this type of technology! Some examples are as follows:

  • Best Buy has grants available specifically to fund the price of technology in classrooms. They believe that technology in the classroom helps to develop students “confidence and creativity”, which is why they want to help teachers to be able to afford these technologies.
  • PAC grants are another option for funding. Teachers can advocate to the Parent Advisory Council (PAC) in efforts to have them apply for funding. These grants are not specifically for technology but can be used in such a way.

(sources: Interactive Displays | Whiteboards & Flat Panels, Best Buy School Tech Grants, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Parent Advisory Council Community Gaming Grants )

PRO

While SMARTboards may cost a large sum upfront, they have the power to reduce costs downline. For example, using a SMARTboard can reduce the amount of paper used within the school and minimize the costs that come along with printing multiple worksheets, assignments, course content and readings. With technology changing teachers are required to integrate more technology into the classroom. SMARTboards provide teachers with the opportunity to teach effectively and efficiently, which is hard to put a price on. These boards allow teachers and students to work collaboratively with multimedia resources such as PowerPoint presentations, video lesson, 2D & 3D virtual spaces. SMART technology costs a lot for a reason because it takes traditional methods of teaching and improves them by creating an effective 21st-century environment for teachers to teach and students to learn to the best of their abilities.

(source: https://www.edusys.co/blog/smart-board-in-classroom-advantages-and-disadvantages)

CON

It is no shock that the price of a SmartBoard could make them inaccessible for many classrooms. Funding is generally less than teachers would hope for, which could make the purchase of a SmartBoard a large and somewhat difficult decision. In some cases, schools may be able to afford enough SmartBoards for every classroom, whereas others may only be able to fit one or two into their budget. Due to the ever-growing push for more technology in the classroom, some students could feel as though their education is lacking because they are not being able to interact with a SmartBoard when other students are. This kind of imbalance can create inequality and biases throughout schools and districts, which ultimately can affect the students.

Additionally, there are also variables that need to be factored into the cost of a SmartBoard such as updates and repairs.  Much like our iPhones and laptops, SmartBoards will most likely require software updates and general maintenance to keep them up to speed. SmartBoards are such a large piece of technological equipment that daily use from multiple students is bound to lead to damage one way or another. Depending on the cause and measure of repair, techs and replacement pieces could also cost a fair price to keep classroom SMARTBaords in optimal daily condition. All of such must be considered when thinking about purchasing a SmartBoard for your school!

(source: https://sites.google.com/site/missmcintyresclassroom/disadvantages-of-smart-boards)

SMARTBOARDS – WEEK 1

February 13, 2020 / / 0 Comments

CREATED BY JAHNIAA, CASSIDY, & LILY

WHAT ARE SMART BOARDS?

The SMARTBoard, also known as the Interactive Whiteboard, was developed by SMART technology and introduced in 1991. Smart Boards look very similar to your average whiteboard except they have the added advantages of a touch-controlled screen that works in connection to your computer and a projector. SMARTBoards’ use a resistive technology, meaning there is a small air gap between the board and resistive material, that allows users can press on the board with a pen or a finger and it will respond as a desktop mouse would. SMARTBoards can be written on with the use of digital ink. When a pen is removed from the colour slot, the tray senses what colour has been selected and the colour will correspond on the board! SMARTBoards are being used all over the world, especially in classrooms to enhance teaching and learning experiences! (source: https://www.techwalla.com/articles/how-do-smart-boards-work)

PRO

Interactive → more engagement

Student engagement and motivation is perhaps one of the most important parts of an educator’s job. With the use of a smart board, students are able to gain interactive learning experiences and participate in hands-on learning in the classroom. Educators are able to plan lessons so that students can engage with the SmartBoard and demonstrate their learning in different ways by interacting with the SmartBoards and their peers. This efficient and effective technology also provides opportunities for students to work together, strengthening both their technological and social skills. When students are collaborating and actively participating in class their  learning outcomes can surely benefit and can often allow for more diverse inquiry and questioning. SmartBoards allow students to take their learning to the next level! (source: https://syntheticsmarts.com/smart-boards/)

CON

One con, like with all forms of technology, is the technical difficulties that are often associated with these technologies. This becomes an even larger issue when teachers are improperly trained. Not knowing how to resolve a technological issue associated with the Smartboard results in wasted class time, and might even leave the teacher without a lesson or a place to demonstrate their lesson. Without proper training, teachers may not be maximizing the use of the board, which reduces the benefits and makes it harder to justify the high cost. The challenge is providing teachers with enough training to be able to make the most of this educational tool! (Source: Disadvantages of Interactive Whiteboards)

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