POT Assignment for Lesson 9.4: Smart Board/ Interactive Board

 

1       Explain what is smart board?

Smart Boards, also known as interactive whiteboards, are digital devices that combine a whiteboard and a computer. They use electromagnetic technology to detect input from a stylus or touch, allowing users to interact with projected images or digital content displayed on the board. 

To use a Smart Board, a computer and a multimedia projector are required. The computer is connected to the Smart Board, and the projector displays the computer screen onto the board's surface. Users can then interact with the content using the stylus or touch.

Smart Boards are commonly used in classrooms, boardrooms, and other settings where group collaboration and interaction are essential. They offer a range of features, including the ability to draw and annotate on images, display videos and animations, and share content with remote locations in real-time.

2       State the features of the smart board?

These boards are highly interactive and versatile tools for teaching, training, and presenting. 

Some of the key features of Smart Boards include:

1. Preparatory software: Smart Boards come with software that needs to be installed on the computer to enable its functioning. This software allows the user to interact with the board and perform various functions.

2. Wall-mounted board: The interactive board is fixed on the wall and is connected to a multimedia projector to display the content.

3. USB and Bluetooth connectivity: The Smart Board can be connected to the computer via USB cable or by Bluetooth connectivity, providing the user with a range of options to work with.

4. Magnetic pen: A rechargeable magnetic pen is used to interact with the board, and it allows the user to select different colors, line thickness, and also works as a mouse.

5. Calibration method: Smart Boards can be easily calibrated by touching the calibration mark displayed on the board using the magnetic pen at the opening time.

6. File saving: The original file used is not affected, and a separate file with the interactive activities done on the displayed image on the board is saved separately in its software.

7. Operational modes: Smart Boards have different operational modes, including Interactive mode, Office mode, and Whiteboard mode, that provide users with a range of options to work with.

8. Annotation tools: Smart Boards have a range of annotation tools, editing tools, page creation, page management tools, presentation tools, file management tools, and miscellaneous tools that allow the user to create and manipulate content.

Overall, Smart Boards are powerful interactive tools that enhance collaboration, creativity, and engagement in teaching, training, and presenting.

3. Describe the uses a smart board in the classroom.

A teacher or instructor can use a smart board in the classroom in the following way:

- The smart board provides the instructor with the ability to plan and prepare instructional materials in advance and store them in the computer for future use.

- The instructor can easily open stored information on the smart board using the interactive magnetic pen, just by clicking on the relevant icon from the tool bar provided on the board itself.

- With the use of smart board, the instructor doesn't have to spend time and effort drawing diagrams, but simply select them and store them in the computer. 

- The size of the diagrams shown on the board can be adjusted by clicking and dragging on them; the size can be increased or decreased as needed.

- The thickness of the line written by the magnetic pen can be easily changed by selecting the relevant icon, and the color of the line can be chosen from the color palette provided on the board.

- Geometrical shapes like circles, squares, and triangles can be easily drawn for mathematical functions by clicking and dragging on the board.

- The instructor can draw lines, mark and write anything on the opened file displayed on the board, and it will be saved separately without any modifications to the original file.

- After completion of the class, the whole information displayed on the board can be saved as a PDF file to be issued to the participants.

- The smart board is designed to work without USB connections, also known as Bluetooth mode, and the information can be accessed through Bluetooth connectivity from any corner of the classroom.

- The instructor can use the interactive board to motivate and inspire learners and sustain their interest till the end with lively interaction.

- With the interactive board, different trade instructors can make use of this facility according to their time tables, so that this resource can be utilized effectively for teaching and training various trade groups of the Institution.

- The smart board can also be effectively utilized for organizing seminars, meetings, and other official purposes.

Overall, the smart board is an ideal tool for any classroom setting for effective teaching and development of learners' skills. It simplifies the learning process for learners and changes the way teachers/trainers impart knowledge and skills.