Why Teachers Should Use Smartboards in the Classroom

The use of Smartboards in the classroom is a new and popular way to include technology in the classroom. Smartboard has benefits for both students and teachers.Through the use of this technology teachers can bring up to date information to their students. There are many ways that teachers can bring technology into the class through the use of: the internet, graphic organizers, online resources and lesson plans. Teachers can access interactive lessons online designed for the Smartboard. Here are some of the comments that New York teachers have on the impact of the Smartboard:

• "Our students live in a world where technical literacy is vital their future. By using SMART products, we can create an interactive classroom and reach out to our students in a way that pen and paper alone cannot." – Patty Herrman, Rochester Central School District

• "We want teachers to be energized and bursting with ideas as they see firsthand the transformational possibilities SMART products can have on classroom instruction and student learning. We want them to feel enabled, empowered and excited about 21st-century learning.” – Wendy Smith, Webster Central School District

• "Teachers are using SMART Board interactive whiteboards to enhance their curriculum. These interactive whiteboards enable teachers to bring lessons to life!” – Sabrina Rich, Ardsley Union Free School District
  

Research

Research from the University of Virginia (2008) outlines the benefits that whiteboards have on the quality of teaching. Some of the points in the article point to: reduction of stress, time management, increased confidence for new teachers and shared resourses that are easily accessible.

The United States is not eh only country to conduct research on Smartboard technology, the research extends internaionally with mostly all the same outcomes.

• University of New Brunswick - Canada (2008)
• United Kingdom (2007)
• Chilean Research (2004)
• Summary of research

As you can see, the research has pointed tothe advantages of having Smartboard in the classroom. My next post will be on the resources available for teachers on the web and through Smartboard.