SmartBoards tend to range from $1,200 to $5,000 (while some are less and some are more expensive). In my opinion, these prices are not bad considering all of the benefits that come with SmartBoards! SmartBoards can be used as a tv! I saw the students at one of my field placements watching "How to Train Your Dragon" on a SmartBoard. SmartBoards can also hook up to computers and portray the computer images on a really big screen! Teachers can pull up a Microsoft Word document and students can write on it using the SmartBoard markers. Since SmartBoards can connect to computers, they are able to connct to the internet. Therefore, educational technology such as Google Earth, Google Docs, Wikis, Blogs, etc, can all be accessed and seen on the big, touch screen of the SmartBoard.
SmartBoards are beneficial to both teachers and students. They provide teachers with informal ways to assess their students and get their students actively involved with certain lessons, and provide students with a fun, visual way to learn! SmartBoards allow teachers to record their lessons and post the material again at a later time. I would love to use a SmartBoard in my classroom someday if I have the means of getting one. There are alternatives to using the SmartBoard, such as white boards and projectors, but SmartBoards have more unique and engaging qualities to them... they are SMARTer!
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| Students using a SmartBoard to perform activities through Microsoft Word |
Another disadvantage to this technology beside its price is to my mind a steep learning curve. You need quite a lot of special training to be able to use SMART Boards properly. For example, in the workshop I had trouble using those of the touchscreen buttons that were close to the edge of the board. If it was during a class or a presentation, I can imagine how embarrassing that might have been. But with a proper training, I’m sure I’ll be able to overcome these minor difficulties and use a SMART Board effectively.
ReplyDeleteWOW you write a lot! ha i do too! I love reading about smart boards because they seem really interesting to me. I really need to see one being used to really understand them though and see the advantages. I was surprised to read that some smart boards are only $1,200 dollars! I thought the starting price would be way more expensive! I want to see the difference in the smart board that is $1,200 and $5,000
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