Smartboards: The Future is Here at MSAD # 36

Darren J. Akerman,
Supervisor of Instruction

Students use protractors for ‘Alien Angles’
For many of us, the role of teaching conjures images of blackboards, chalk, and lectures. The most exciting lessons usually had more to them—something creative, different, or challenging. The classrooms of today must offer students and teachers new opportunities to learn.

It is no secret that the young people of today think differently, and have not only adapted to the technological revolution, but in many cases, create it. Think of the young thinkers who developed Google or Youtube. Even Bill Gates started out in his garage as a college student tinkering with computers. There is evidence to suggest that the changes technology has brought—from the availability of multi-media functionality to the access of information instantaneously—a profound difference in the perceptions of people, the manner in which they learn.

Manipulating interactive graphics

Enter Smartboards—also known as Mimioboards. A Smartboard looks like an ordinary whiteboard, the kind teachers use with markers. But a Smartboard is connected to a computer, and allows educational websites to be viewed and heard by an entire class. Moreover, a Smartboard is highly interactive. With the use of an electronic stylus, (rather like a large pen), it is possible to click, double click, drag, draw, write, and insert digital photographs.  Want to show a quick educational video clip? How about some mathematics and science templates? Or a map of the world?  It can all be done on a Smartboard. Students enjoy the responsiveness and amazing effects, such as drawing shapes with a mere sweep of the stylus—stars, triangles, etc. For older students, Smartboard presentations can be saved in an electronic file and returned to, replete with teacher’s notes.  With another click of the stylus, anything on the electronic notebook can be printed out in hard copy.

At MSAD # 36, we recognize that instructional leadership requires facility with technology. We are in the process of implementing four new Smartboards at Livermore Elementary School, a series of roll-away LCD projectors at Livermore Falls Middle School, and a Smartboard for each classroom at Livermore Falls High School. Due in part to the resounding success of Smartboards installed in the Special Education classrooms at LES, we have generated considerable student and staff interest. The Parent Advisory Team at LES recently had a Smartboard demonstration, and agreed to assist in procuring more. It should also be noted that MSAD # 36’s status as a Procurement/Service Center, as well as its leadership with the electronic bidding forum, GetBestBid, enables us to purchase Smartboards at a significant savings.

For further information about Smartboards, go to:

http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/tech/tech206.shtml

For a series of videos featuring instructional uses of Smartboards, go to:

http://www.teachertube.com/search_result.php?search_id=Mimio