SMART board Interactive Whiteboard

What is the tool:
I decided to research a tool that I am personally unaware of, but my roommate uses in her classroom. The SMART board is a digital projector that connects your computer to the projector.

How Can it be Used?
A teacher can use this technology in many different ways in the classroom. With this board, some of the features include: controlling computer applications, make notes, charts, search the internet, and play videos.

Watch this Video for more information.

What are some of the Advantages?
The flexibility of the SMART board engages all learning styles. The students who are visual learned can see moveable objects, images, and diagrams which can also be seen from the back of the classroom. Kinesthetic learners can interact and explore by moving letters, number, words, and pictures with the touch of a finger. And Auditory learners can be immersed in a complete multimedia experience using optional USB speakers or SMART audio.

What are some of the Disadvantages?
A disadvantage for the SMART board would be price. Since we are in an economy where there are budget cuts it might be harder for a teacher to get the SMART board in their classroom. Also, since there is only one smart board and a room full of students, each student would not be able to interact one on one with the smart board like they would in a computer lab.

What Audience can this Technology be used for?
Anyone; Teachers can use this in their classrooms, students can interact and learn from this technology, Businesses can use this tool for presentations or meetings.

Where can I learn more about this Tool?
You can go online to:

http://education.smarttech.com/ste/en-US/
http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-us/products
Lessons for the SMART board:
http://technology.usd259.org/resources/whiteboards/smartlessons.htm

My Thoughts:
I think this is a very useful tool for the education system. It enhances technology in the classroom and gives students different features to use in their schoolwork. However, it is very expensive. I think it is important for lower economic schools would really benefit from this technology but unfortunately might not be able to get it.