New Technology in the Classroom:

SMART Boards

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Gone are the days of pencils and paper… computers and SMART technologies have

taken over our schools.

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From games and toys, to calculators and SMART boards. How much is all this

technology actually helping kids learn?

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Studies show that technology is a form of hands-on learning that accelerates

comprehension and memory of concepts learned.

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“Technology – when used effectively – can provide ways of teaching that are much

better matched to how children learn.”~ Jeremy Rochelle, et al.

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SMART boards are a teaching tool that can compete for students'

attention with TV, games, and other exciting external visual activities.

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These interactive whiteboards are used by more than 1.5 million teachers and more

than 30 million students worldwide.

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Classrooms report 95% daily usage of their SMART Boards.

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This continued usage benefits students in a variety of ways.

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"As digital tools permeate the classroom, kids get more actively involved with

learning, they become doers.” ~Scott McLeod, Iowa State University.

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Students with special needs are more engaged and interactive when SMART Boards are used.

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SMART Boards are also effective in engaging students with attention and behavioural concerns.

Teachers say that SMART technologies have improved their ability to differentiate instruction.

This allows every student the equal opportunity to learn and grow their full potential.

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SMART Boards promote an increase in technology “vocabulary” among both students and teachers…

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… which is something that will help them to succeed in our technologically advanced world.

Technology alone does not guarantee student learning…

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… it is the way in which teachers use the technology that determines whether learning happens for students.

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Whether it be for teaching math, science, language, or music, teachers agree that SMART Boards give students opportunities they may not have had.

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Sources:

Health and Research Group, University of New Brunswick

SMART Technologies Report, 2011, smarttech.com

Education Oasis, 2006

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All images are from Creative Commons, and sourced by Flickr.

Image by: emily kendall, Flickr.