Source : http://blogs-images.forbes.com/work-in-progress/files/2012/09/Strategy.jpg

The increasing use of SMARTboards in the today’s classrooms has become popular with teachers who want to bring more collaboration and interactivity to improve learning outcomes.  To make teaching more effective, the school and teachers may follow the outlined strategies;

• It is very important for the school to decide on the number of SMARTboards and target group users for the technology. Although sharing SMARTboards among teachers may be cost-efficient, it probably is not the best way to facilitate technology adoption. Teachers need regular and ongoing access to technology to learn how to use it effectively and develop related skills (Smart Technologies). 

• Reliability, visibility and positioning of the boards in the classrooms need consideration so that the SMARTboard is accessed by all users. The Ministry of Education may subsidise the cost if institutions with low budgets have strategic plans to incorporate SMARTboards in teaching and learning.

• Teachers need to be made fully aware of how to implement the new SMARTboards into teaching to expand their pedagogical practices. Training and professional development is absolutely essential and should focus more on proactive and innovative ways of learning with SMARTboards than directions for use (Schuck & Kearney, 2007). 

• A strong support and encouragement by Principals and e-learning leaders for staff development is vital. Teachers should be given release time to attend workshops or professional development sessions and also to develop SMART-aided lessons to minimise workload issues.

• Teachers should be encouraged to seek help from other teachers and share resources and ideas who are considered proficient users. A novice technology user may require additional assistance in implementing SMARTboards into his/her daily lessons.

• Create an area on school’s website, intranet or network where teachers can easily share the content and lessons they create as they become more familiar with their interactive whiteboards (Smart Technologies). Moreover, it should be mandatory for teachers to follow user-guidelines when accessing unlimited web resources so that copyright laws are not violated.

• A critical factor in successful implementation is the provision for ongoing technical support to teachers and the school to ensure help is easily accessible in case of technical malfunction.  The institution has to ensure that a good internet facility is available for users at all times.

• Evaluate the impact of using SMARTboards in student learning that should provide insights on how effectively they are used in the classrooms. It will be useful to review and re-assess the overall impact and uses as the technology becomes accepted and embedded into practice (Schuck & Kearney, 2007). 

SMARTboard Reference List

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