SMARTboards for SMARTstudents
Public schools in
Fauquier County, Virginia have started infusing Engagement Technology
into their educational system. It now employs interactive SMARTboards
that allow students to get involved in the learning process.
The
SMARTboard is an electronic white board connected to a computer and a
data projector. With its touch pad, it can be used like an ordinary
chalkboard for writing lessons. It can also be used for viewing images
and videos through its projector. More importantly, it allows teachers
and students to manipulate the projected visual objects.
By
allowing students to see, hear, feel, manipulate learning concepts, the
SMARTboard accommodates different learning styles and provides a richer
learning experience. Lessons written/displayed on the board can be
saved for a tardy or absent student. And through the Internet, these
saved lessons can be posted on a website for future reference.
The
SMARTboard is also very flexible for different subjects. For example,
in Math, students can manipulate coin images to show mathematical
solutions. In English, students can edit sentences and correctly
punctuate paragraphs using colored markers. In Social Studies, students
can label continents and ‘move’ them to their correct geographical
locations.
Public schools with limited budget were able to
obtain this technology through leasing arrangements which allows them
to pay for the technology over a period of time. Hopefully, after four
to five years, when the lease is up, they can trade the technology for
newer versions. It is a smarter way of improving their educational
system without necessarily strapping their budget.
Did you know?
Engagement Technology are tools that help teachers to engage students in learning.
Source:
Felts, Alice. “High-tech learning makes for smart students”. Times Community Newspaper. Townnews.com. http://www.timescommunity.com/site/tab2.cfm?newsid=17290758&BRD=
2553&PAG=461&dept_id=580094&rfi=6
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