I posted an article on March 19 about SMART Math tools. The SMART Math Tools is an ‘add’ on which means it doesn’t come standard with SMART Notebook software. It costs roughly $120 for a licence per board, which includes a take home licence. The idea behind SMART Math tools is to eliminate the need to switch between multiple software application for tools to make math engaging and understandable. The software’s customizable toolbar is built into SMART Notebook software, so it’s quick and easy for you to access the resources into you lessons.
I teach at an R-12 school (St Aloysius College) which purchased a site licence for the SMART Math tools for 56 SMART boards. Initially after purchasing the licence there several problems arose in regards pushing the software across the network. Under the SMART licence agreement SMART Math tools can only be used on a computer that is attached to a SMART board. This meant that a generic image could not be created as it only applied to specific computers. Secondly, under the licence agreement one take home licence is permitted per board. What happens if an existing teacher activates their software as staff member of the school and then leaves? How would we keep track of existing licences? Thirdly, when we installed SMART Maths tools on top of Notebook 10.7 the pen tray became inactive.
To solve the first problem IT technicians at school created a short cut desk top icon which allowed teachers to activate the SMART Math tools software. This short cut was given to all Primary Teachers and all Math teachers to activate in rooms with SMART boards that they use for teaching Maths. To solve the second problem, all Primary teachers and Secondary Math teachers were given the activation code for the Math tools and asked to email IT when they had used their activation code. Although this method is not full proof it was designed to give us some idea of the installation of SMART Maths tools under the take home licence. Thirdly, the pen tray… After hours of searching the pen tray is controlled by the SMART product drives. So, if you are running Notebook 10.7 and then install SMART Maths tools you then need to ‘repair’ the SMART product drives in order for the pen tray to be activated.
I have also discovered another problem with the Maths tools. If you search the Gallery you will not find a background images that matches the dimensions of the ruler, that is, there is not a 1cm background. You will need to create one yourself (I have uploaded a video tutorial on how to do this) or download the one that I created (located underneath the video tutorial).
Regardless of these ‘teething issues’ I think the SMART Maths tools are great value. When you consider the purchase of SMART Math tools, also take into the consideration that the SMART Math tools is a one off purchace, not a yearly subscription.
Below, Thomas McLean from St Aloysius College is pictured using an interactive SMART board during a secondary Maths lesson. Thomas teaches Year 8/9 Maths, Year 10 Maths Applications and Year 11 Maths Studies at Sy Aloysius College. Thomas embraces the creative potential of SMART board technology in the teaching of Mathematics in order to visualise, reinforce and revisit mathematical concepts taught throughout the curriculum.
For any quotes please contact Maria Vaughton as I DO NOT SELL nor PROFIT from any sales of SMART products. M.Vaughton@electroboard.com.au
Graphic organizers are used to help classify ideas and communicate more effectively. They are visual aids which are designed to assist with problem solving, decision making, planning and brainstorming techniques. SMART Notebook software allows for users to quickly create a range of graphic organizers using the shape and line tools. Once you have created a graphic organizer you can add it to ‘My Content’ under the ‘Gallery’. This will then allow you to drag across the graphic organizer whenever you need it without having to go through the creation process a second time. I have uploaded a video tutorial to demonstrate this process.
I have also uploaded a gallery collection file called ‘Thinking Tools’ as a zip file (56.9KB) which I created using SMART Notebook software. Once you have downloaded the file, unzipped and opened it, the ‘Thinking Tools Gallery Collection’ will appear under ‘My Content’ in your Notebook software. Thinking_Tools_Gallery_Collection_File
When reading an article posted on iLearntechnology.com I discovered this fantastic website called Isle of Tune. Isle of Tune is a free online site that enables students to create a musical journey, allowing students to link their creativity with music. The online resource is very easy to use but I have uploaded a quick tutorial in case you need one.
Recently I have presented several SMARTboard training sessions and it has come to my attention that many teachers are not aware of SMART Exchange. SMART Exchange is a free online resource that I recommend all SMART board teachers access (you are required to register but it is free). I have up loaded a video tutorial on how to search on SMART Exchange and I have also included my favourite searches.
Sparkle Box is a free online resource which provides teachers with 1000s of printable K-3 teaching resources. The copy right associated with Sparkle Box resources states that as long as you download the original resources you are free to use it for your own teaching. They ask that you do not give the downloaded copy to your colleagues. However, you can tell your colleagues to download the resources, just don’t give them your downloaded version. This if fair, considering the resources are free!
Sparkle Box resources are great but they come in PDF form, which means they aren’t interactive for IWB users. However, I have contacted Sparkle Box and as long as you have downloaded the original version and acknowledge the source via a web link you can turn these great resources into fantastic interactive resources through your SMART Notebook software. I have uploaded a video tutorial to show you how.
Social media refers to the use of web based and mobile technologies to turn communication into interactive dialogue (Wikipedia). My question is, how do we teach students to effectively use and self-monitor these internet based applications, which allow for such diverse and creative exchange of user-generated content?
I recently read an article by Dr Kin Kitchen (Head of Learning Technologies at Strathcona Baptist Girls Grammar School, Melbourne) which suggested that teachers show students what a server farm is (a group of networked servers that are housed on one location) through YouTube. He wrote, “When the students see what the internet really looks liked they start to realise that when they do send an email or a chat post, their content is physically being stored somewhere”. However, I failed to find a YouTube clip related to ‘server farms’ that is not only relevant nor meaningful to students.
However, after searching I found the YouTube clip below called ‘Social Media Explained Visually’. I like it because it not only explores social media but the differences between social media and one to one communication. When viewing the video I think teachers need to emphasise the idea of back and forth information and the pulling in effect it may have. “Digital conversations can be shared, rated, scored, copied, cited, commented, forwarded, noted, quoted, voted, sold, stolen, measured, treasured, linked etc…” It is worth viewing!
I am currently preparing a presentation for IWBNet’s Eight National Conference called, ‘Incorporating digital and visual literacy in your classroom through online resources and IWB applications’ (see events page for further details). Hence, a second article related to visual literacy. PicLits.com is a creative writing site which was created by Terry Friedlander. PicLits.com is free to use but requires an email address in order to sign up. Therefore, students under the age of 13 cannot sign up. However, using SMART Notebook software you can either use screen capture or use digianl images in conjunction with infinite clone of words in order to enable younger students to use this fantastic resource. I recommended PicLit.com for upper Primary and Secondary students.
Everyday our students are bombarded with countless images through digital media. Tag Galaxy is a flash application that can be used in the context of the classroom, to model and explore the reading and writing of visual texts through Flickr photo images. Tag Galaxy uses Papervision3D with transition effects via virtual planetary systems. You enter a tag and related tags appear as planetary systems, enabling students to visualize words, ideas, and concepts.
The video tutorial begins with a demonstration on how to use Tag Galaxy with Notebook software to explore the concept of symmetry (please note, the horizontal line of symmetry is inaccurate) and then the idea of antiwar. Thank you to Carol Grantham (Teacher Librarian) from St Aloysius College for referring me to this site.
