Pros and Cons of SMART Board Technology
SMART boards give students a hands-on approach to classroom concepts. These interactive white boards engage students much like they are accustomed in today's high paced technological world. SMART board users have many options. Users may choose to click through their presentation using a desktop or a laptop computer, advance their presentation by tapping their finger on the board itself or from the convenience of a nearby computer.
Although these interactive white boards allow users many options, SMART boards are not without their drawbacks. SMART boards are relatively new and are not without their quirks. For one, the Ink Aware features are only available in programs, namely Microsoft Word and Excel, that are Ink Aware compatible. In addition, one must have impeccable handwriting in order for the SMART board to recognize letters. Converting from handwriting to text requires patience and the willingness to retype multiple times.
Although these interactive white boards allow users many options, SMART boards are not without their drawbacks. SMART boards are relatively new and are not without their quirks. For one, the Ink Aware features are only available in programs, namely Microsoft Word and Excel, that are Ink Aware compatible. In addition, one must have impeccable handwriting in order for the SMART board to recognize letters. Converting from handwriting to text requires patience and the willingness to retype multiple times.
Are SMART boards for You?
Educators must ask themselves if the benefits of using SMART boards outweigh these drawbacks? One common complaint of K-12 educators who instruct via SMART boards is that users feel they get so wrapped up in the technical components they overlook classroom discipline. This is not to say students are climbing the walls and exiting through the windows, but educators feel they are unable to monitor students to see who is paying attention and who is not. While some teachers are extremely proficient in technology, others are not so technologically inclined. When such difficulties occur, teachers become frustrated as they must spend class time troubleshooting the problem, thus taking away from the learning environment.
In short, teachers must spend time outside of class getting familiar with this new technology; otherwise confusion prevails and students wander off task. It also may be a good idea to experiment with a more responsive class intially in case something goes wrong. If you put in the prep time, you'll find SMART boards a welcome addition to your classroom.
In short, teachers must spend time outside of class getting familiar with this new technology; otherwise confusion prevails and students wander off task. It also may be a good idea to experiment with a more responsive class intially in case something goes wrong. If you put in the prep time, you'll find SMART boards a welcome addition to your classroom.
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