Lesson 1: Playing SMART

SMARTboard and software

Best time for use: during the Do Now, mini-lesson, 'With Students' phase of the lesson, and share at the end of the lesson

• to set the Do Now and time an activity or response (using the timer widget)
• to project notes or text
  • could be Powerpoint inserted into SMART notebook file or a Ppt program being projected independently
  • this enables you to keep an easy record of your mini-lessons, rather than using chart paper
  • to make easy links back to prior lessons
• to identify key vocabulary, difficult vocabulary, or exemplary expression (as in poetry) for the lesson or unit of study
  • using highlighter, underline or font color function
• to help students visualize and to provide auditory reinforcement, using:
  • images (e.g. maps for SS) 
  • drawings (e.g. 3D shapes for Math) 
  • video links
    • United Streaming, Brainpops, teachersdomain.org, PBL online
    • can download from youtube, Google Video or any other flash file (that's the video file type that you come across on the internet) using Zamzar
    • can make own movies using imovie 
  • screencasts (these are demonstration videos captured using a microphone and Jing; examples can be found on the Technology page of the wiki; they are really easy to produce)
    • you might need to introduce a new application to the class, and prefer to pre-record your instructions
    • management is much easier, as you can observe class while demonstration is playing
    • it can be replayed for some students, if necessary
  • podcasts (you can capture a sound file from anyone not in the room)
    • might be used for listening practice for a read aloud
    • could be an announcement that needs to be made, or an explanation given, in 5 different classrooms
• to brainstorm, take notes, make connections, or organize 
  • using just the SMART pens and lines
  • using text boxes
  • using KWL or other graphic organizer saved as a template
  • using a mind-mapping application such as Bubbl.us
• to model writing process
  • can be demonstrating a free write
  • might be demonstrating an introduction, conclusion or thesis statement
  • for a whole class or group composition
  • showing how detail can be added
  • showing how stronger vocabulary can be inserted
  • showing how to quote/reference
• to sequence ideas
  • by cutting and pasting or moving text boxes around
• to demonstrate selection of key ideas, supporting details, facts or opinions
  • the highlighter function is great for this
• to demonstrate quantities, portions, coordinates, angles, etc using the many templates saved in the Gallery
  • e.g. graph paper templates, thermometers, protractors
  • objects, shapes or drawings can then be moved around to change coordinates or orientation
• to display a mini quiz or cloze exercise with the answers temporarily hidden
  • using sliding screen function to block answers
• to allow students to demonstrate or interact with text or diagrams
  • students can be involved in the mini-lesson
• to demonstrate editing or a mathematical process
  • can show working immediately on the screen
  • can allow a few students to demonstrate, and then compare their saved answers
• to share student work

Things to be careful about:

1. That you don't become fixed to the board - in the chalk and talk manner - as the SMARTboards are meant to be interactive.
2. Can take more time to set up notes/activities in advance, but frees you up more during the class, plus gives you an ongoing record
3. It takes practice - so don't give up when your page suddenly disappears or when your writing looks awful! 
4. Requires ability to troubleshoot connections, etc., but this is a necessary part of everyone's skill development, plus students can help.
5. Not every file type can be inserted into SMART notebook files, so you'll still need to open up new windows at times.
6. The use of the SMARTboard shouldn't be the focus of the lesson, like a circus performance - it's what is being demonstrated that's important.