SMART Board

 

Equipment needed:

  • PC (laptop or desktop) (Mac can be used but setup is different and software does not work as well)

  • SMART Board with connection cord

  • Projector with connection cord and electric cord

Getting Started:

  • Position the SMART Board in desired location (preferably up against something solid like a wall or desk)

  • Lock wheels into position (double check that the wheels are locked to avoid having to reorient the board during a presentation)

  • Position the projector to display onto the SMART Board and plug into the wall (this may require some planning ahead in order to assure that there is an outlet within cord distance)

If an extension cord is to be used, tape the cord to the floor to avoid accidental tripping

  • Position the PC laptop on the cart with the projector ensuring that the laptop is stable and will not fall

  • Connect the laptop and the projector with the appropriate connection cord

  • Connect the SMART Board and the laptop with the appropriate connection cord (if connected appropriately light on SMART Board by connection will turn from red to green)

  • Turn on laptop and projector (projector must be plugged into laptop before turning the laptop on)

  • Find the SMART Board Driver software and click on it (under the Start > Programs menu)

  • ·        After the SMART Board Driver software loads the Orient Board dialog box appears

  • Choose one of the three options to orient the board (the more points chosen, the more precise the SMART  Board is)

  • Close out or minimize the dialog box after orientation is set (minimize if there is the possibility that board may be bumped accidentally and need re-orientation - i.e. having children come up to the board to work on an interactive web site)


Advantages

Disadvantages

Fun to use

Movement of screen requires

re-orientation of board for programs to function correctly

Large Projection – easy to see

Can be expensive.

Grants available from SmarterKids.org

Interactive format

Must practice touching screen in order to use appropriately

Can use electronic “pens” to write on screen to highlight or draw attention to a certain item

Can only use one color at a time  –    if pen not replaced SmartBoard will not function

Can be used as a dry erase board

If  marks not completely erased, there may be discoloration on board – can also damage surface of SmartBoard

Page displayed along with any drawing can be saved into PowerPoint or Word for printing or viewing at later time ( good to do for absent students)

Basic computer skills necessary in order to use board and its software


Click here to see Instructional Uses for the SMART Board.

 

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