by Ashley Attanucci
Staff Writer
As students know, Smart Boards were installed over spring break in several teachers’ classrooms. The boards, however, were not connected until just recently and even with the little curriculum left to teach, teachers are making good use of their new technology.
From jeopardy games to throwing Koosh balls at the screen to drawing diagrams, Smart Boards have a purpose in every class subject.
“They just finally got it hooked up for me so I’ve still been playing with it,” social studies teacher Michael Brock said. “The things I’ve been using with it most is being able to draw movement or directions on the map.”
Teachers are mostly excited for the upcoming school year after they finish training so they can begin to fully utilize their new technology.
“They’re really helpful in the classroom,” substitute Meredith Garnier said. “It’s important for kids to learn technology at a young age so they’re more familiar with it when they’re older.”
Many teachers are still getting used to their Smart Boards, but they are excited to share their knowledge of technology with other teachers to move the student body toward familiarity with technology. But without having to look ahead, Smart Boards offer short-term incentives for teachers.
“Kids pay attention more when they’re involved in learning,” Garnier said. “I student-taught in an elementary school and we used it every day. They all paid attention a lot more [and] they became really familiar with technology.”
For example, research of the University of Virginia shows that Smart Boards lead to improved student learning outcomes and “improved quality of life for teachers” in classrooms. The Smart Board website also offers activities that are pre-made in all sorts of subject areas for teachers to utilize.
“My L.A. teacher Mrs. McMurtry has one; we use it every day and we play fun games that help us learn. Overall, I think it’s a great tool and a fun way to learn.” sophomore Whitney Pickett, said.
It is anticipated that Smart Boards will helps students excel in all types of classroom environments through interaction. Coppell students already claim that Smart Board learning produces efficiency and convenience in the classroom. Easily, teachers can touch the board to access new notes, power points and websites while standing at the front of the room and continue teaching, instead of having to remain at the computer’s side during instruction.
With over a dozen Smart Boards gracing CHS and many more to come students and teachers look forward to an interactive and “Smart” fall semester that, with integration of Smart technology, will keep students engaged and education excelling.
