Smart Boards have made it easier and more convenient to teach core content using touch screen technology. The minimum amount of technology is needed ( a Mac or PC computer, Smart board software, and a projector) to deliver a highly interactive and dynamic lesson or activity. The interactive whiteboard software, called the Smart Board Notebook) is a content delivery platform that allows students and teachers to engage in active collaboration and learning. It resembles Microsoft Powerpoint and includes images, Flash animations, slide templates, manipulatives and other learning tools and resources for building comprehensive lessons, activities, and presentations. You can attach & upload documents such as Powerpoints, Word & Excel documents to present, as well as websites links, images, movies, and music. The software will also allow you to "write" on the virtual whiteboard. The practical and functional uses of Smart Board technology include:
1) teaching K-12 students
2) tutoring students
3) conducting collaborative meetings with school stakeholders such as staff, parents, and the community
4) holding professional training for teachers and staff.
The Virtual Classroom
The Virtual Classroom is an interesting way to tutor individuals or small groups using a virtual whiteboard online. The whiteboard technology allows a teacher to type or draw on the board. Your students are able to “see” your questions, comments, and responses. If you sign up for the free account, you are able to tutor up to 5 people. When you sign up, you are given an administrative password to login with and it will ask to enter a password that you can then give your students. You specify the time you will meet and you will give your students the password tey will login with. Visit the following link for an example of a tutoring website making use of virtual whiteboard technology. https://sites.google.com/site/tutorgeniusonline/