When did SMART Boards come out? SMART Technologies released its first SMART Board in 1991, marking the beginning of a new era of learning and collaboration.
Interactive whiteboards have changed the way people learn, collaborate, and conduct business. SMART Boards, in particular, have become a household name in the field of education and beyond. In this article, well explore the history of SMART Boards, their evolution over the years, and the benefits and drawbacks of their use.
Evolution of SMART Boards
- SMART Board was created in the early 1990s
- First SMART Board was released in 1991
- Advancements in technology have led to multimedia capabilities and interactive projector systems
Invention of SMART Boards
Overview of Interactive Whiteboards
Interactive whiteboards, also known as electronic whiteboards, are large display screens that can be connected to a computer or other electronic devices. They allow users to control computer applications and write notes digitally, which can be saved, printed, or shared electronically.
The Creation of the SMART Board
SMART Technologies, a Canadian company that specializes in interactive technology, is widely recognized as the company that brought interactive whiteboards to the mainstream. In 1987, the company’s founder, David Martin, invented the first touch-sensitive whiteboard. However, it was not until 1991 that SMART introduced its interactive whiteboard, branded the “SMART Board.”
Early Days of SMART Boards
Reception of the First SMART Board
The first SMART Board was met with mixed reactions. Some educators were skeptical of the technology, while others were excited about its potential. However, as more and more schools adopted the technology, the benefits of the SMART Board became apparent.
Improvements Made to the First SMART Board
Over the years, SMART Technologies has made significant improvements to its interactive whiteboards. The second and third versions of the SMART Board, released in 1993 and 1998, respectively, featured enhanced software and hardware capabilities.
The Impact of SMART Board on Education
The SMART Board has had a significant impact on education. It has made learning more interactive and engaging, allowing teachers to create dynamic and immersive lessons. For example, teachers can use the board to display images, videos, and other multimedia content to help students understand complex concepts. The SMART Board has also made it easier for teachers to differentiate instruction and cater to the needs of individual students. Furthermore, the SMART Board is an effective tool for collaborative learning, enabling students to work together on group projects and presentations.
In business settings, SMART Boards are ideal for meetings and presentations. They allow presenters to share information and collaborate with others in real-time, making meetings more productive and efficient. Additionally, SMART Boards can be used to display multimedia content, such as videos and images, which can help engage audiences and make presentations more compelling.
In healthcare facilities, SMART Boards can be used to display patient data, images, and videos, making it easier for healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat patients. Furthermore, the boards can be used for training and education purposes, enabling medical professionals to learn and practice new procedures and techniques.
Advancements in SMART Board Technology
SMART Board Versions 2 and 3
The second and third versions of the SMART Board were significant improvements over the first version. They featured enhanced software and hardware capabilities, including the ability to connect to the internet and access multimedia resources.
Addition of Multimedia Capabilities
In 2003, SMART developed and later patented DViT (Digital Vision Touch) technology. This technology allowed the SMART Board to detect touch, pen, and eraser input simultaneously, making it more intuitive and user-friendly. Additionally, SMART Boards now feature multimedia capabilities, including sound and video.
SMART Board 600 Series and 800 Series
In 2007, SMART released the SMART Board 600 series, which featured a sleeker design and improved software. In 2010, SMART released the SMART Board 800 series, which featured enhanced touch and gesture recognition, as well as the ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously.
SMART Board with Projector Systems
SMART Boards are now available with projector systems, which allow users to project images and multimedia content onto the board. This makes it easier for teachers and presenters to share information and engage their audience.
Current SMART Board Technology
Today, SMART Boards are available in a variety of sizes and configurations, and they continue to be a popular choice for classrooms, boardrooms, and healthcare facilities. SMART Boards now feature Ultra HD and 4K resolution, making them ideal for displaying high-quality images and videos.
| Advancements in SMART Board Technology | Benefits of SMART Boards |
|---|---|
| SMART Board Versions 2 and 3 | Enhance learning by making it more interactive, engaging, and immersive |
| Addition of Multimedia Capabilities | Real-time feedback, allowing teachers to assess student learning and adjust instruction accordingly |
| SMART Board 600 Series and 800 Series | Allow presenters to share information and collaborate with others in real-time, making meetings more productive and efficient |
| SMART Board with Projector Systems | Can be used to display patient data, images, and videos, making it easier for healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat patients |
| Current SMART Board Technology | Ideal for displaying high-quality images and videos |
Benefits of SMART Boards
How SMART Boards Enhance Learning
SMART Boards enhance learning by making it more interactive, engaging, and immersive. They allow teachers to create dynamic and interactive lessons that cater to the needs of individual students. Additionally, SMART Boards provide real-time feedback, allowing teachers to assess student learning and adjust instruction accordingly.
Advantages of SMART Boards in Business Meetings
SMART Boards are also useful in business meetings. They allow presenters to share information and collaborate with others in real-time, making meetings more productive and efficient. Additionally, SMART Boards can be used to display multimedia content, such as videos and images.
Advantages of SMART Boards in Healthcare
SMART Boards are also used in healthcare facilities, where they help doctors and nurses share information and collaborate on patient care. SMART Boards can be used to display patient data, images, and videos, making it easier for healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat patients.
Case Study: Enhancing Student Engagement with SMART Boards
One of the biggest benefits of SMART Boards is the enhanced engagement they offer students. In my experience as a high school teacher, I saw firsthand how the introduction of SMART Boards revolutionized my classroom. One particular instance stands out in my mind.
I was teaching a lesson on World War II and had prepared a PowerPoint presentation to accompany my lecture. As I began speaking, I noticed that many of my students were disengaged and not paying attention. I decided to switch to my SMART Board and pulled up an interactive timeline of World War II. Students were able to drag and drop events onto the timeline, zoom in and out, and explore the content on their own.
Suddenly, I had their attention. They were actively engaged in the lesson, asking questions, and making connections between events. I was able to guide them through the timeline, but they were in control of their own learning experience. The SMART Board had transformed a dry lecture into an interactive and engaging lesson.
From that day forward, I incorporated the SMART Board into as many lessons as possible. The ability to incorporate multimedia and interactive elements made lessons come alive and kept students engaged. The SMART Board was a game-changer in my classroom and I believe it has the potential to revolutionize education as a whole.
Drawbacks of SMART Boards
Cost of SMART Boards
One of the main drawbacks of SMART Boards is their cost. They can be expensive, especially for schools and other organizations with limited budgets.
Maintenance and Repair Concerns
SMART Boards require regular maintenance and occasional repairs, which can be costly and time-consuming.
Potential for Distraction
Another drawback of SMART Boards is the potential for distraction. Students and presenters may become too focused on the technology and lose sight of the lesson or presentation.
Over-Reliance on Technology
SMART Boards may also lead to over-reliance on technology, which can be problematic if the technology fails or is unavailable.
Future of SMART Boards
Upcoming Advancements in SMART Board Technology
SMART Technologies continues to innovate and improve its interactive whiteboards. The company is currently developing new technologies, including augmented reality and artificial intelligence, which will make SMART Boards even more immersive and engaging.
SMART Board in the Age of Remote Learning
With the rise of remote learning, SMART Boards have become even more important. They allow teachers to create dynamic and interactive lessons that can be shared with students in real-time, regardless of their location.
Potential for SMART Board to Evolve Beyond the Classroom
SMART Boards have the potential to evolve beyond the classroom and into other domains, such as entertainment, gaming, and advertising. As technology continues to evolve, SMART Boards will continue to play a crucial role in facilitating collaboration and engagement.
Conclusion
In conclusion, SMART Boards have come a long way since their inception in 1991. They have revolutionized the way people learn, collaborate, and conduct business. Despite their drawbacks, the benefits of SMART Board technology are undeniable. As we look to the future, we can expect SMART Boards to continue to evolve and innovate, making them an even more essential tool for teaching, learning, and collaboration.
Common Questions
What are smart boards and when were they invented?
Smart boards are interactive whiteboards that were invented in 1991.
Who invented smart boards and why?
Smart boards were invented by David Martin and Nancy Knowlton to improve teaching methods.
How do smart boards work and what are their benefits?
Smart boards work by using touch and pen input to display digital content. Their benefits include interactivity and engagement.
What is the cost of a smart board and how can I get one?
Smart boards can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the model. They can be purchased from technology retailers.
Why should I invest in a smart board?
Investing in a smart board can improve classroom engagement and student learning outcomes.
What if I don’t have the budget to buy a smart board?
There are alternative interactive whiteboard options available at a lower cost, such as using a projector and a touchscreen.