The Use of SMART Board Technology.

Use of the SMART Board [interactive whiteboard] technology offers several advantages within the classroom setting by helping to address the diverse range of students that are visual, auditory or even tactile learners.  Through experience the interactive whiteboard provided multiple ways to represent information in a plant science laboratory setting.  Interactive text, images, sound and video flies helped engage all learners. The tactile approach to learning by using the touch-sensitive board included using the finger or pen tool to increase student engagement with instant tactile access to digital resources for each laboratory when the interactive whiteboard was used.  In addition, some of the whiteboard sessions captured audio and video files for future use for distance education, or even for students who were absent.  Using the interactive whiteboard allowed for students to do pair and share learning activities by using the SMART airliners. The airliners link to the main whiteboard through Bluetooth technology, therefore students can work within groups without leaving their work stations or even coming to the whiteboard.  One of the greatest advantages of using this technology is that it motivates teachers to incorporate and develop more digital resources and include them in class lessons.  Some of the challenges of use of this technology will be discussed in the session. Overall, the interactive whiteboards engage a wide variety of students in the learning process.