How to Incorporate Smart Boards Into Lesson Plans
- 1). Install the Notebook software from the SMART Technologies website and create your lesson using the program. The Notebook software is like PowerPoint. You can create slides by inserting text, clip art, audio and videos using the Notebook software. The Notebook software has an internal clip art library that you can use. You can also insert a picture from your computer. Depending on your teaching styles, you can put solutions for classroom exercises in your notebook slides or leave those sections blank and fill them in during your lecture. If you have an existing PowerPoint document, you can even import it to the Notebook software. However, it is best to create your lesson using the Notebook software because every component will be movable when you present it in your classroom.
- 2). Present your lesson using the SMART Board and the notebook "PowerPoint" lesson you have created. Be sure that the SMART Board is connected to the computer. Open the file and start teaching. Write on the SMART Board using the SMART pens, which are located in the pen panel of the SMART Board. The board and the computer program are both active. You can either touch the board or use the mouse to move objects, go to another slide, edit objects or insert additional components.
- 3). Engage students with the SMART Board by inviting them to the board to present their solutions. During a classroom exercise, after students do their work independently, you can invite them to come to the SMART Board to write out their solution, move objects with the SMART Board and/or use a document camera to project their work. For example, SMART Board clip art has a protractor tool that students can use to measure an angle on the SMART Board. The SMART Board screen is big enough for everyone to visualize. Since objects on the SMART Board are movable and editable, students can enjoy learning more interactively.
- 4). Incorporate other SMART Technologies interactive tools with the SMART Board. The Senteo Interactive Response System, AirLiner Wireless Slate, and SMART audio can be used in conjunction with the SMART Board. The Senteo Interactive Response System can engage students sitting in their seats to answer questions. Students can use the AirLiner Wireless Slate to write out their solutions in their seats instead of coming to the board. SMART audio works well in a big classroom because even a shy student can answer questions and the microphone can project the sound for everyone to hear.
- 5). Save the file in PDF format and upload it online as a handout for students. When teachers use chalk boards or erasable white boards, it is impossible to save the work. With the SMART Board, you can easily save the lesson, export it as a PDF and upload it online for students' use. Students do not need to write down all the notes in class and can focus during your lecture.
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