Interactive display technology represents a major step forward for teachers and managers, but before adopting a system, it’s natural to wonder how to use a smartboard. An interactive display is intuitive and can be utilized right out of the box to perform a range of basic tasks. As a teacher or manager gets comfortable with the system, they will be able to unlock more advanced techniques that can transform the way they engage students with a variety of lessons. And with more and more programs being released all the time for the technology, its functionality will only improve further as time goes on.
How can a teacher learn how to use a smartboard?
Though there are training classes available, most teachers can pick up on the most important and basic functions after a bit of practice. Out of the box, the technology comes with a program that allows teachers to create slideshows and presentations with nothing but touch controls. It can be tied to a number of lesson plans and is especially helpful for early childhood education, as it is effective for producing flash cards for spelling or counting practice.
What are some advanced functions of an interactive display?
There is a huge number of programs available with the technology, giving teachers an opportunity to change up their lessons plans from day to day. For example, some programs are ideal for younger students, prompting them to dance or sing along to a song, read or spell out loud to a presented passage, or draw something on the display. Special markers come with the system that don’t produce a permanent mark on the board itself, but create a mark on the screen. So teachers can allow students to sketch on the display, write their name, answer math questions or color in shapes. When it’s time for another student to work on the display, a simple press of a button clears everything.
There are programs that introduce various scientific experiments and concepts, using video and animation. These are designed for younger and older students alike. There are games that allow students to compete in quizzes. There are programs that allow students to take virtual tours through world famous landmarks, and through other countries. And if a teacher wants to access educational resources online, they only have to access the browser through the display, as it is connected to the computer and its network.
Most of these functions will also be relevant to a business manager that needs to learn how to use a smartboard. Managers can prepare slideshows and presentations ahead of time and use the markers to comment on certain slides and sketch out details. Videos, animations, photos and illustrations can flesh out a presentation further, and will contribute to employee engagement and meeting recall.
What’s important is that teachers and managers utilize the system in the way they are most comfortable, as even at its most basic, this technology can make a real impact.