Smart Boards

What is the tool?
Wikipedia defines SMART Boards as an interactive whiteboard is a large interactive whiteboard that uses touch technology to detect user input – e.g. scrolling, right mouse-click – in the same way normal PC input devices, such as a mouse or keyboard detect input. A projector is used to display a computer’s video output on the whiteboard, which then acts as a large touchscreen. The SMART Board typically comes with 4 digital pens, which use digital ink and replace traditional whiteboard markers. The SMART Board digital ink operates by using an active digitizer that controls the PC input for writing capabilities such as drawing or handwriting.
How can it be used?
The interactive nature of the SMART Board provides many practical uses for the classroom. Using SMART Notebook software, teachers can record each step of a lesson for students to review. The flexibility of use in the classroom, including the multiple ways in which teachers can display information (interactive text, images, sound and video files), has been shown to facilitate ESL instruction and support both differentiated learning and universal design for learning (UDL). Research indicates that use of an interactive whiteboard in the classroom can be an effective means of decreasing teacher stress. Recent research also suggests that the direct interaction with a touch-sensitive display makes use of natural, intuitive movements which allows students as young as preschool to easily use a SMART Board. Furthermore, the size of the display screen has been shown to assist in the education of visually impaired students while the addition of a classroom amplification system has been proven to benefit deaf and hard of hearing students.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of this tool?
There are several advantages for using this tool in the classroom. One of the first things I found to be useful were all the different games and interactive lesson plans. Students are able to participate in activities that help other students comprehend the subject. The tool also has the opportunity to use everyday items besides the pens given to write on the board such as tennis balls or a finger. The major disadvantages of this tool is the cost. Schools are not budgeted for these types of materials so most schools have two or less. The device typical runs for 2,000- 6,000 dollars or more so the device is not typical item in ever classroom.
Who is the audience for this tool?
This device is for all ages to use in the classroom. The following video demonstrates how easy it is to use in all different grade levels:
SMART Boards Why are they so easy to use?

What is your opinion on the usefulness of this tool?
I believe that this is a very useful tool for students and teachers. The advantages of the SMART board make the device an awesome tool for all teachers to make lesson plans come alive for students. The interactive games as well as the advantage of writing material and it turning it into text helps concepts to be comprehend and students enjoy the lessons more.