SMART Class

Today, we worked on having our students use our digital cameras to make PowerPoint presentations. After school during our study group, we had some great discussions about how this lesson could be adapted for all grade levels. We spent some time learning how to add sound to PowerPoint. Here is what you do: Plug in a microphone to your computer. Click on record narration under slide show. Check the microphone level and then click on okay. You can change the quality if need be. Choose the slide and start talking, you can click on different slides as you continue to talk through the slide show. When finished click on save, it takes a little time. When you play the slide show the voice will go along with the show. WOO HOO!

smart board class

Today we explored a variety of tools that could be very useful in the classroom. To get to the new tools you need to have installed smart board 10. Click on the gallery (the little picture), scroll down to tools. I used the word generator program. I entered words with short vowel sound. When the frog spits the word I am going to have my class sort the words for which vowel sound each had.

Study Group

November 20, 2008

In order to print out or send a smart document to a student:
Click on File
Go to Export
Save as PDF
Attach as an email

This would be helpful for students who are absent but need to have the curriculum that was taught in class.

Erase and Reveal Helps with Higher Order Thinking

Teacher Tube: Erase and Reveal Smart Board Tip

Best Practices in Action!

Lights, Camera, Action!

Click here .....SMARTBoard! Enjoy a series of videos on interactive SMARTBoard lessons and tips.

Allen Swanson's Words of Wisdom

Allen Swanson's concluding remarks in a report, "Transforming High Schools with Interactive White Boards" makes the following points about BEST PRACTICES.



...Good installation followed by adequate training focused on student-centered teaching with supporting interactive activities will lead to successful effects on student interaction. Student interaction is a sign of engagement, which leads to higher student achievement. And this is the GOAL OF EDUCATION.

More Useful SMARTboard Tips

Follow the link for tips and ideas. It is organized and easy to navigate. Find SMARTboard lessons aligned with standards.


"With younger children who have trouble dragging items, some teachers have provided students with a small mallet (with a soft end such as one used with a xylophone) and found it to work successfully. It also helps with the shadow problem, allowing the students to better see what they're doing. Also, they can better reach the top area of boards with the extended length.
Alternatively, Q-Tips work well to assist dragging!

Another technique that works well with younger children who have trouble dragging is to use the two-finger method. Put one finger on the object you want to move. Keep that finger on the object and touch the whiteboard with the other hand in the location you want to move the object. Then, remove the finger that was originally touching the object. You should see the object zoom to where the other finger is placed! (Left hand touch object, right hand touch destination, left hand let go, right hand let go.) "

For more great ideas, click on the following link.

http://www.rockingham.k12.va.us/resources/elementary/soltechintegration.htm