Getting Smart with SMARTBoard

Technology has really opened the door to learning and teaching. We are able to use the internet for a limitless amount of information, to communicate with people all over the world. Computers, laptops, netbooks, tablets and even phones are made where you ca do assignments on the and save to an invisible Cloud which can be accessed from any device. And now, we are able to turn even the classroom into an interactive fun space for children of any age! From Headstart to College, the SMARTBoard is bringing life to learning just a little bit more.

I only first used a SmartBoard a year ago in my Physical Science class. I grew up with the black chalk boards and was amazed when they began using the dry-erase boards. I had no idea that there were boards like this! Even though it is a lot to learn for teachers and students, I am a full supporter in using these boards in a classroom. There are so many uses for them, it is amazing. To name a few:

• Digital storytelling
• Brainstorm
• Reinforce skills by using on-line interactive web sites
• Teach editing skills using editing marks
• Use highlighter tool to highlight nouns, verbs, adjectives, etc.
• Illustrate and write a book as a class. Use the record feature to narrate the text.
• Teach steps to a math problem.

The list goes on! But, can these boards be used for Assessment? Of COURSE they can! Everything you can use as a teaching strategy, you can turn into an assessment.

Because this board is interactive, you are able to make not only teaching fun but also make assessment fun. You can have the children go up to that board and do math problems, or underline the verb in a sentence, take turns finding a star shape, or circle. Through certain programs which can be used with the Smartboard, children are able to have fun, even when you are secretly assessing their knowledge on the subject. Here are a few website to visit which have the programs available.

http://www.bristolvaschools.org/mwarren/SBActivities.htm
http://mhess1.pbworks.com/f/Smart%20Boards%2032699193.pdf