Contributor: Tracy Doherty
Using SMART Notebook Tools
The easiest way to start using the SMART Notebook is to make a commitment to it and get started. Open the SMART Notebook and use it in place of your regular white board or chalk board. Pick up the marker and start writing. In no time, writing with the pen becomes comfortable. The next step is making other daily tasks easier.
The items in BLUE are topics that have been requested by faculty members.
Some easy tools to start with:
- Extending the page
- Adding a new page
- Changing pen colors
- Trying out the highlighters
- Navigating through the pages from the page tab on the sidebar
- Typing notes instead of handwriting them
- Typing the objective for the day, then handwriting the class notes
Check for software updates
I am currently using Version 11.
Many more conveniences have been made available with the newest version.
To check for updates, go to:
All Programs > SMART Technologies > SMART Tools > SMART Product Update
Tools and Conveniences:
- Giving notes to more than one section?
- Have notes ready ahead of time or use them from your previous completed section
- Use the screen Shade to hide the notes and reveal as you go
- Screen View
- TWO-PAGE View
- in version 11 it is possible to use the screen shade on both pages of your two page view
- you may want to show the previous page notes to refer back to
- FULL SCREEN View
- TRANSPARENT View
- This will allow you to be in the notebook software but write over a web page or document that will now be visible behind your pen marks
- Customize your pen colors
- this will change your preset marker colors to the colors of your choice
- you may only do this while plugged into the SMART board
- SMART Technologies > SMART Settings > Hardware settings
- Insert shapes
- Venn Diagrams
- use Shapes for mapping
- Diagramming Sentences
- Creative Pen
- Crazy colors
- interests the kids
- Use it, it's entertaining
- Erasing
- Erase more quickly by using the eraser to circle the area you would like to erase and tap the center
- On Screen Live Timer
- use the interactive timer for your timed quizzes or activities
- you will find this in the GALLERY tab on the side toolbar
- search for timer, options will come up below in the interactive folder
- Gallery (in the side toolbar)
- Use the GALLERY to search for other preloaded conveniences for your learning area
- Create your own template
- Save it in the MY CONTENT folder of the Gallery
- Possible page styles to save
- Venn Diagrams
- Diagramming Sentences: Basic Image
- Personalized Table
- Idea Mapping
- Once you have created a page you might use frequently
- Click on the page Sorter on the side toolbar
- Click on the arrow for the menu on the correct page
- Choose Add Page to Gallery
- This page will be available in your MY CONTENT folder
- Clone Objects
- Instead of redrawing or rewriting, CLONE it!
- Select the objects your would like to clone
- click the arrow in the top right corner of the selection box to drop down a menu
- choose CLONE
- TABLES
- insert a Table by clicking on the table button
- choose the number of rows and columns
- enter information in each cell
- the table can be moved around your page
- tap and select the table by clicking and dragging around the table
- choose the short cut menu arrow
- Choose ADD TABLE SHADE
- you can click to reveal one cell at a time
- you can click the corner of the cell to hide it again
- Screen Capture
- use this tool to capture an image or text from a document, eText or web page and insert it into your SMART Notebook file
- select the CAMERA button
- a floating toolbar will appear
- go back to the document or window that contains the needed information
- select the style of selection preferred
- I usually use the first button on the toolbar
- this will select a rectangle selection
- touch and drag to select information
- information is automatically inserted into your SMART Notebook page
- if you would like your selection to be inserted into a new page then check that box in the floating toolbar
- Interactive Lessons
- Use the SMART Exchange
- shortcut button in toolbar
- search here for pre-made interactive lessons
- enter your topic and try them out
- search by grade level
- Google Search
- for "SMART Board Lesson on _____" with your topic
- SMART Ink
- version 11 activates this SMART Ink feature
- this allows you to write on a page of most programs you have open
- you will then have the opportunity to save the page with your edits to a SMART Notebook page in your open file
- SMART Recorder
- Record your on screen activity to save for future use
- can be posted for students to view at home
- you will need a microphone to record sound along with your notes
- here is your chance to be in film
Resources and Training
- SmartTech Training: http://www.smarttech.com/Resources/Training/New+this+month+-+public
- Interactive lessons possible for foundations classes http://www.theteachersguide.com/SmartBoards.htm
- National Library of Virtual Manipulatives http://nlvm.usu.edu/en/nav/vlibrary.html
- Flash Cards, free teacher account where students can coolaborate http://www.studyblue.com/
- Mobile Tech Interaction
- in Beta Testing
- have students collaborate by texting their answers to the SMART Notebook page
- Free Resources http://smarttech.com/Home%20Page/Resources/Training/Training%20Search%20Pre-filter?WT.ac=Training_FreeResources
- SMART Board Lessons posted from a NY school district http://www.longwood.k12.ny.us/longsmart.html
Challenge
Try one or two of the tools mentioned above.
Search the SMART Exchange.
Google Search a lesson for your classes.
Good Luck!
Questions for Response/Comments:
1. What is one tool you will try in the above resources?
2. If you are an active user of the SMART Technologies, what are some best practices can you share? What's working for you? What is easy? What is most useful?
3. What would help you the most in your classroom, whether covered or should be covered?
2. If you are an active user of the SMART Technologies, what are some best practices can you share? What's working for you? What is easy? What is most useful?
3. What would help you the most in your classroom, whether covered or should be covered?
Wow! The SMART notebook has a huge amount of features. The piece that piques my interest the most is the beta Mobile Tech interaction. The ability for students to be able to send information or at least respond to questions through any device would be invaluable.
ReplyDeleteWhile they work on getting this feature up and running, another site http://www.socrative.com/ allows teachers to quickly ask questions to students and have them respond through any device.
Two key benefits:
1. students do not need to create another account with another password to remember
2. it is not an app that is limited to only the iPad but works whether you are on a laptop, phone, Kindle, or any other web based device.
Also that last link you provided to the NY School District has some really nice resources.
Thanks Tracy. Lots to try and thanks jimmy for the socrative site
DeleteThanks for all the great tips! I'm going to check out the link you suggested for lessons for foundations classes as well as the crazy pen! I'm also going to. check out socrative.com...thanks Jimmy.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely try the socrative.com site as well. I am interested to see how i can incorporate that to get the students more engaged. thanks guys
ReplyDeleteThe mention of Venn diagrams.. do you suppose there is support material for drawings line-angle diagrams for organic compounds. I used to have a program to do so?
DeleteThere are so many tools and shortcuts available. There has to be something to make that easier for you too. If not, I can help you make something to use instead.
DeleteThat would be so great! Thank you. That is something that my AP Chem and other science teachers could really use.
DeleteSuper duper! Many times I an challenged in using these items, but I really would like the interactive lessons. I think my basic chemistry would like to help me try!
ReplyDeleteSeveral of my chemistry regulars have already introduced me to the flash cards!
I was hoping to learn enough that I can share it with several students who need to improve their study skills in particular vocabulary - which, in chemistry, could qualify as a second language!
You can also use the screen capture tool to copy pre-existing powerpoint slide presentations into a Smartboard file. I write notes on the slides during class, save it, and post it to a googlepage on my class website. Anyone not in class that day has full access to all the notes.
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to add audio to it. Thanks, Tracy, for figuring out how to do it!
That is a great idea for students that are absent from class. Especially when a new topic is started and is being continued to another class period. The student will not be completely lost. They can refer to the slides and apply the information to the new notes being given that day. Since this year we have had many students absent with the flu, I have found that it takes several days before the students are caught up. Using the slides, they could cut down on the time needed for catching up and see the actual notes given the days they were not in class.
DeleteTracy, I love your statement, "the easiest way to start is to ...get started"! That is great advice.
ReplyDeleteTracy, I am interested in using the Smart Recorder with my class. The link was very helpful and clear on how to use. I am also interested in adding the audio piece. Thanks for the clear instruction.
ReplyDeleteTracy, thanks so much for all of the valuable tips. I love the idea of 'cloning'. I will also look into the interactive lessons piece.
ReplyDeleteI am going to have to try that trick with the eraser! That sounds convenient.
ReplyDeleteWow Tracy, this was very informative. Thank you! Similar to Jimmy, I had no idea about all the different functions you could use with the SMART technology. I would very much like to get those fun fonts/colors for my ink pens. I also would like to try the SMART Recorder. It sound like an interesting way to reinforce a lesson.
ReplyDeleteLike Laura and Donna I often use power points but I did not realize that I could save the notes within notes that I put there! When I started this new topic I used the white board with my slides ...now both the classes can use the notes made from each other!
ReplyDeleteBut I am still learning how to use some of the drawing tools better.. the students need the giggle periodically.
Lynne, you have to search fornoremade lessons. The nice thing I have found is that I don't have to use all the slides that someone else has made. I delete what I would prefer not to use and use the rest. It has been so helpful. Huge timesaver.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the wonderful resources. I love the idea of Smart Ink and using the feature with other programs. Will also be using the interactive resource to get my students up to the board in class. Found a great tangram lesson that would be helpful in teaching my students how to draw subjects starting with just basic shapes.
ReplyDeleteI use the Online Exchange all the time and the resources that you find are great, from single applications to complete lessons.
ReplyDeleteThank you Tracy for all this info. I always wondered how I could do a Screen Capture. The Smart Recorder also sounds interesting. I will definitely be trying them out descreetly at first before my audience see it.
ReplyDeleteAs the students always point out that I do not make a complete circle when trying to erase a lot at a time from the SmartNotebook :)
I really didn't think about all of the ways you can really use the SMARTBoard. I have accessed some of the lessons they provide and they have never really had a lot to use in the area of Science - as much time as it would take, it really seems like with all of the options available, I could create many of my own learning displays that the company doesn't pro dive. Thanks Tracy so much - I have saved your module separately so I can access it any time (in other words, it can be my summer project).
ReplyDeleteI really enjoy using the smartboard in my classroom for Health and Drivers Ed. A few things I have trouble with is that I dont know a lot about what More the smartboard can do for me in these areas along with all the extras smarboard has. Some of the comments and new ideas that teachers are making i dont know what they are talking about. Some of this is very helpful and Im always looking to learn more.
ReplyDelete