References

SMART. (n.d.). Education - SMART Technologies. https://www.smarttech.com/en/education

ISARK. (n.d.). Interactive Smartboard Solution - Large Touchscreen TV Panel Solution 2022. (2021, October 6). https://www.israk.my/smartboard/

Meier, J. (2022, October 11). What is a Smart Board and Why Do Educators Love Them? Gordon Flesch Company. https://www.gflesch.com/blog/what-is-a-smart-board

Mumford, C. (2017, April 28). Ed Tech Review: Smart Boards. Hey Teach! https://www.wgu.edu/heyteach/article/ed-tech-review-interactive-whiteboards-and-tvs1704.html

Rogers, B. (2021, August 2). What Is a SMART Board and What Is It Used For? | AdEPT. AdEPT. https://www.adept.co.uk/what-is-a-smart-board-and-what-is-it-used-for/

Stealey, K. (2022, September 7). What are the advantages of smart boards in schools? Insights. https://insights.samsung.com/2022/09/07/what-are-the-advantages-of-smart-boards-for-schools-2/

Weatherford, M. (2020, March 3). How Much Does a SMART Board Cost? Smarter Systems. https://www.smartersys.com/blog/how-much-does-a-smart-board-cost#:~:text=Typically%2C%20it%20will%20cost%20anywhere

SMART Board Reviews From Educators

There are several reviews regarding the SMART board, and here are a few positive reviews. Catherine Chabrier, a school general director in France said "There’s constant interaction between the teacher and the students. They’ve got a closer connection. Students are participating more and becoming active learners." Chris Mumford who is Hey Teach! Content Manager said that SMART boards "really do have the ability to make otherwise mundane lessons seem just a little bit cooler." Musah Abdulmumini said the SMART board "significantly increases student collaboration, improves teaching efficiency, and significantly improves student knowledge and attainment." There are many great reviews out there regarding the electronic board and how it has changed a lot of classroom settings resulting in more interactive learning experiences.

Cost of the SMART Board

The biggest con to the SMART board is definitely the price. SMART boards are costly. The larger the board and the higher the resolution, the more the board will cost. Typically the electronic boards range from $2,000- $7,000. Also, the software the educator needs can change the price of the board. Specialized programs can cost $0-$600 depending on the application/program needed. Software that enhances the performance and connectivity of the board can cost $150-$1,5000 per month. Also, accessories for the smart board such as pens and erasers can cost an additional $20-$200. If the SMART board is to be mounted on the wall or put on a stand these can also cost $250- $1,500 and over. All in all, the starting cost of the SMART board is already costly, and the accessories and programs added will definitely increase the price of the board significantly.

Size of the SMART Board

SMART boards come in different sizes, and the size of the board depends on the classroom size. SMART boards come in 55, 65, 75, and 86 inches. The most popular and common size for electronic boards is 65 and 75 inches. The size of the board depends on the classroom environment and size. For example, a small classroom might only need a board that is around 55 inches, while a larger classroom will definitely need a larger board of around 75-86 inches to better accommodate the classroom size. The angle at which the SMART board is placed is very important in creating the optimal viewing angle.

Pros of Having a SMART Board in the Classroom

- Can present as additional content for learning

- Effortless and easy to navigate

-Lesson prep just got easier and more efficient for educators

-Students can engage with the data and boost their engagement

-Results in better engagement from the class

-SMART boards can accommodate several types of learning styles

-Lessons can be saved, shared, and sent directly to the students

-Important topics/information can be highlighted and made clear to students on the spot

-Several colors are available to use when writing with the finger on the board

-Environmental friendly, all the information can be presented on the board rather than printing

-Low maintenance, doesn't require cleaning like a regular whiteboard

What is a SMART Board?

    SMART boards, also known as interactive whiteboards or electronic whiteboards, are an educational tool that revolutionized the academic environment. SMART Boards are large display devices with a touch screen that allows educators/students to interact, manipulate, and collaborate with the information displayed with the simple touch of their finger. Smart boards are connected to a computer through an HDMI cable allowing the display of the computer screen onto the interactive whiteboard. The SMART board also allows students and educators to write/collaborate on the board simultaneously, so it responds to multiple touches. As well, the interactive whiteboard allows for information to be shared to several electronic devices on the spot. These electronic whiteboards allow students to collaborate and engage more with the presented information.