SMARTBoard

Use of SMARTboard allows instructors to use a range of material as graphics. Pictures can be used directly from books without alteration. One caution, be aware of size and variety of print.

SMARTBoard – It is really Smart? The SMARTBoard is an interactive whiteboard that improves the way you meet, teach, train and present. It combines the look and feel of a regular whiteboard with the power of a computer so you can save and print notes, collaborate on electronic documents, share information and run multimedia materials. The SmartBoard is a first-rate PC-interactive whiteboard, which means that, in addition to recording everything you write, it also can be used in conjunction with an LCD or DLP projector to operate all the functions on a computer. It's also the only device in this roundup that automatically "senses" the color of the dry-erase pen you're using without asking you to press buttons, use special pens or attach clumsy sleeves. Rather, the board offers individual trays that hold different-colored pens, and when you lift a pen out of its tray, the board automatically activates the correct color. In use, the Smart Board was extremely responsive, and the surface of the board did an excellent job of acting as an interactive screen for an LCD projector. In a fairly well-lit room, the image from the projector was easy to see and worked flawlessly as a computer interface. As you work, the SmartBoard's software displays thumbnails of each saved screen, which makes it easy to go back to display individual screens. In addition, the SmartBoard software lets you "type" text onto the screen by using a virtual, onscreen keyboard. After you type text onto the screen, the program also has a spell-checker. None of the other boards we looked at had these features. The basic board comes with wall-mounting hardware, but you can purchase a wheeled stand for $499 that is easy to move around and adjust for height. The SmartBoard is powered by a connector that intercepts the keyboard cable from a computer. Calibrating the image from the projector with the SmartBoard was a breeze - the board's software displays a series of crosses on the board in various positions; all you have to do is touch them and the SmartBoard does the rest. The software lets you print a whiteboard "slide," but, oddly, there's no way to save a screen image. To save an individual image, you must save it with an entire project a collection of slides - or copy the image to another program, such as a paint program, and print it from there. The SmartBoard 560 we evaluated came with a 60-inch-diagonal screen, but Smart also makes models with 47-inch-diagonal and 72-inch-diagonal screens, as well as more expensive rear-projection models. Overall, the SmartBoard 560 we evaluated was easy to set up and use, and it performed all of its various functions admirably. If you're considering a full-featured interactive whiteboard for your office, the SmartBoard is definitely one to consider. PRICE: $1,999. CONTACT. Smart Technologies Inc., 403.245.0333, www.smarttech.com. CIRCLE 317 ON READER INQUIRY CARD

How does the SMARTBoard work? It uses resistive technology, which means there is a small air gap between two sheets of resistive material inside the Board. When you press on the Board with your finger or an ordinary dry-erase marker, a contact point is registered and its coordinates correspond to the same area on the computer screen. Because the SMART Board is based on resistive technology, it does not require a special stylus or pen to perform mouse or pen functions at the Board, only pressure on the Board's surface.

How does the SMARTBoard help? Frees you from the podium Allows for class interactivity Allows for ease of application change You can write on the SMARTBoard It is great for explaining progressive clicks on database web interfaces – a strong tool for instructors need to meet visual learners.

What can you do with it? Write, draw, or type over any Windows application with a Magnetic pen Use your finger, or a pointer, to “click” on web links, or open and close documents - Your finger is the mouse! Create and edit using annotation shapes and objects Import documents from many electronic sources Export (save, print, or e-mail) any SMART Board-created document

SMARTBoard pens Although these “pens” don’t have ink, they will write on the board for you using magnetic sensors. You can set the width and colors of the pens to your preference. One feature I like is setting one of the pens to be a “highlighter.” This is perfect for when you want to highlight a word on a document or web page. The SMARTBoard can also be used with Expo/erasable pens in non-interactive mode, functioning as a normal whiteboard.

Other Advantages of SMARTBoard Opening and closing documents while standing by the screen saves time - you do not have to be constantly at your keyboard. Clicking on links with your finger or a pointer makes demonstration more clear - you don’t “tell” the students what you are clicking on; you “show,” and they see the link and will easily follow along with you. Your computer keyboard remains fully functional and can still be used with the SMARTBoard. Most instructors tend to go back and forth between standing by the board to do touch demonstration, and standing by the keyboard.

How much is this SMARTBoard The specifications will determine price, including size of the board, whether you want a rear or front-projection board, and whether you want it to be mobile (on wheels) or permanently mounted. The current price range appears to be from $1,400 to $10,500, depending upon various options.

Overall Thoughts About SMARTBoard The ability to “show” rather than “tell” is the best part of this technology. You will have more time to teach by cutting down on endless trips back and forth to the podium or keyboard.

Common Problem Watch out for professors trying to use “regular” markers on the board (not a good thing!) and also knocking the projector out of alignment.

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