Requirements for Using the Smart Board Successfully in the Classroom

In our previous post, we saw the importance of using the Smart Board in the language classroom. We reviewed its uses in the class and how it is used to improve the language class. Now, we will discuss the requirements for using the Smart Board successfully in the classroom.  In order to have a successful class using the smartboard, there are some requirements such as: the software, the USB cable, a projector, a flat surface to project on and a means of writing or manipulating the content on the flat surface.

First of all, we need to have the software of the Smart Board installed in our computer for it to work. The software will depend on the brand of the Smart Board and it should come in the form of a CD along with the Smart Board when you buy it. The software will allow you to use the Smart Board linked to your computer.

Then, we need a USB cable. This will function as a means by which the digital content will move from the computer to the projector and the other way around. It is important to have this cable because even if you have the software, the connection between your laptop and the Smart Board won’t be possible without it.

Next, we need a projector. This will project the images from your computer. The same content you have on your computer screen will be shown to the class thanks to the projector. The projector will increase the size of what you can see in your computer to a suitable one for all of the class to see the content.

Then, we also need a flat surface to project the content on. Even though it is said that any surface can work, it is very much recommended to use the white interactive board that comes with the Smart Board. This way your content will be displayed neatly to your students.

Finally, we need a means of writing or manipulating the content shown on the white interactive board. Again, although expert say that using your finger prints is perfectly fine, we advise you to use the smart pen that should come along with the Smart Board when you purchase it. The white interactive board is going to respond faster to it than to finger prints.

To conclude, in order to use the smartboard successfully in the class, you have to fulfill these requirements. This way, you will use the smartboard without a problem. As a recommendation, we advise you to look for tutorials on how to use it. Explore it and have fun with it. Training on how to use the Smart Board is limited, so you will learn on your own with trial and error. 

By: Kroll Gomez and Melissa Rivera  

The Importance of Using the Smart Board in the Language Classroom

The Importance of Using the Smart Board in the Language Classroom

                Materials are a key aspect when teaching a second language. Not only they can get your student’s attention and get them into the topic, but they also help you organize your class better. In this new technological world where almost every aspect in our lives has been updated, it is also important to update and upgrade the materials we use in the classroom according to the new needs of our students. The Smart Board is the perfect example of a way of not only updating an already known material (the white board), but also to incorporate technology to our class and use it as a tool to teach a second language.

Ball, E. (2011) writes “The Smart Board promotes interactive learning, group collaboration, and helps teachers enhance lessons by using interactive multimedia.”  The Smartboard will immediately awaken the curiosity of your students, making them interested in the lesson as well. They will want to interact with the Smart Board, which will lead them to interact with the lesson you are teaching. You will see your whole class come to life when you use the Smart Board to teach a lesson.

When teaching a second language, the Smart Board comes in handy. It has unique features that will allow you to make your class more efficient. You can practice vocabulary, enhance their reading skills and so much more. As the Smart Board can be connected to the internet, you can show them authentic material for your class and the better understanding of the lesson you are explaining. The Smart Board is effective to catch your student’s attention and they will acquire the language knowledge without even realizing they are doing it.

Make a tedious lesson become interactive just by using the Smart Board instead of the usual materials used in the classroom. Your students will be eager to come to the front and participate like they never were. Heavy grammar classes can be lightened up and boring tasks will become fun. You can use the Smart Board to go through vocabulary and to keep track of your students’ improvement.

Studying a second language is not easy, as it is not easy to teach it. With the Smart Board, creating new classes will be fun for you as well. You can let your creativity flow as you make new tasks for your students. The Smart Board has so many features to help you with language teaching that classes will not become monotonous. You can easily use a new feature in the Smart Board for each practice for your students and never run out of them through the course.

The smart Board is an instrument that will not only make the lesson more interesting for your students, but also for you, the teacher. It is an amazing tool that catches the attention and promotes interactive learning. Classes will be less of a tedious obligation for both parties and rather become a very looked forward time. What are you waiting for? Make your classes more active and use the Smart Board!