I debated whether to call this SMART Board resources, and decided not to. The SMART Board may be a tool to make learning interactive, but it isn’t in and of itself interactive. I have seen many people using a SMART Board, some simply like a chalkboard, some as a PowerPoint projector, and others as a truly interactive engaging tool to spark and motivate learning in the classroom.
Before I continue please remember I’m all about educational purpose/objective, so there may be sometimes when you are simply using the SMART Board as a projector, or whiteboard to record student brainstorming or procedures. If it is a sound educational purpose and fulfills your objective for that part of the lesson great. If though, on the other hand, all you do is use this tool to project your lectures, or record your lectures you might want to think twice.
So how can you make your teaching interactive and engage your students in their learning? I have gathered many websites where you can find interactive whiteboard activities to do just that.
Check out: SMART Board Resources
Want to continue being exposed to new websites for Interactive Whiteboards? Consider joining the Diigo group Interactive Whiteboards in the Classroom.
Need a forum where you can get questions answered about your SMART Board? Consider joining the ning SMART Board Revolution. I always have people help me out here, it is truly a great and active network.
Here’s some logistical ideas on how to use a SMART Board, or other interactive whiteboard for interactive learning:
- Although using it during whole group activities can be done wonderfully well, remember that it still only allows one child at a time to interactive with the board. If used this way make sure you are keeping all the students engaged not just the one walking up to the board.
- Have an entrance task activity up on the SMART Board as students come into the room. This could be a review from previous lessons, or a way to activate prior knowledge for the up-coming lesson. This would work for secondary students as they enter the classroom, as well as elementary students as they enter the room in the morning, or after lunch.
- Use the SMART Board as a center and have an interactive task or activity for students to do that reinforces a skill or concept. This way you can have a small group of students working together to solve a problem, set-up an experiment, or complete a review quiz.
- Have an activity set-up to use as a sponge activity for those students who get their assigned work completed.
Have other ideas or resources for interactive learning using an interactive whiteboard? Add them here, we’d love to hear about them!