11 The Development and Significance of Classroom Technologies

11.1 Introduction

Are we really aware of how progressive technology has become as we’ve grown up? Education is the foundation of future  generations. From blackboards, to whiteboards, to SMARTboards, to individual computers; each innovation has influenced our classroom environment and our personal takeaways. The advancement of classroom technologies has a tremendous impact on how students perceive and retain information.

We are going to discuss one particular invention that has changed teaching across the world, SMARTboards. Invented in 1987, and implemented into schools in 1991, by the early 2000s they were worldwide. The technology advanced over time and led to other companies branching off to create more complex boards that improve efficiency, increase usage, etc. SMARTboards have also had a positive effect on student comprehension of material and it allows more ways to learn than the previous methods such as paper.

11.2 What are SMARTboards?

SMARTboards work to provide a more dynamic learning environment, allowing students to discover and explore new topics utilizing its technology connections. An example of how it came together could be that you combine that box television on a rolling cart and a plain whiteboard together then project what was on the computer; whether it be a movie, word problems, websites, etc. The technology gave students a much more interactive outlet for learning. Students can utilize the technology that allows them to make connections to their lessons and lectures in the classroom.

Children grow up with blocks, coloring books, etc to learn their shapes and colors. Implementing SMARTboards into these classrooms will create an escape from everyday paper, for students to advance their learning as they move onto math, reading, sciences. The interactive features encourage the young intellectuals to use with hands, test their knowledge and learn from their mistakes.

“SmartBoard” by lisagiles is marked with CC PDM 1.0

11.3 History of SMARTboards

1.3.1 Background and History

SMARTboards came to be in 1991 by a company called SMART Technologies. In 1992, the company created the rear-projection board and later in 1997 they established the in-wall rear projection. After these innovations, SMART Tech started to grow more rapidly, by 2001 they had updated their software from SMART Notebook 2.0 to a software with SMART Recorder. In 2005 they released a tablet that allows users to pick and modify on-screen items, as well as write and store notes and run apps. From 2007 to 2008, they had added several new features including a built-in grade book, a collective learning system, a document camera and the SMARTboard 600 interactive system.

SMARTBoards were made for the sole purpose of creating a new interactive to present material, specifically for classroom education. While it did take 30 plus years for this technology to slowly catch up, they added several significant features to the tool, and it has continued to serve its intended purpose during its entirety.

Figure 11.2 This was one of the very common types of SMARTboards used in a classroom; it comes with a projector, a light, and interactive pens that will write on the board.

“Reflected light Smartboard” by touring_fishman is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0

11.4 SMARTboards Impact on Society

11.4.1 Pros of Technology

It is beneficial for both students and the instructors. The technology is improving efficiency through its rapid assessments and feedback that allow students to further understand and conquer real-world problems (Shaikh, 2019). The big screen at the front of the room is like a tv for students, it naturally grabs their attention. In favor of the learning environment, the SMARTboard reflects what is on the computer and directs all eyes to the board. This new style of learning causes the audience to engage with the material as it is cast onto a whiteboard yet is able to be manipulated by the human hand. Children in this decade have become so adapted to growing technology that they can maneuver the most advance pieces better than their creator. Digital learning has made education more accessible, time-saving, and inexpensive to all students, particularly those that only dreamt of receiving an education in the past, especially at high-standard institutes and universities in advanced and educationally progressive countries (Shaikh, 2019).

For professors and educators, technology has become a tool that eases their job. It provides a simple way to display and teach their curriculum yet encourages students to connect and absorb the material. It gives them the opportunity to force students to pursue social interaction and challenge one another’s intellectual intelligence. While having a classroom advancement such as the SMARTboard, it supports the function of teaching long distance. Providing a way to give students that are unable to attend for any reason, a space to join the classroom and learn along with his/her fellow classmates.

“the iOS family pile (2012)” by blakespot is licensed under CC BY 2.0

11.4.2 Cons of Technology

SMARTboards were built for classrooms and teaching facilities. This progressive technology has been in our school system for over thirty years. That large period of time led to many improved and declined models that led it to become one of the most complex classroom tools. Technology will always have its drawbacks; some including software issues, high maintenance, viruses, and every newer model is more expensive than the last. Not accounting for one of the most common problems which is a user with no knowledge of the machine. When the handler is unfamiliar with the technology, they can interfere with the system, increase the cost of repairs and this stall will prevent students from learning because their class time is being taken away.

11.5 Future Outlook of SMARTboards

11.5.1 Future of Smartboards

SMARTboards have stopped their rapid progression in the past 10 years due to other technologies being made and used in the classroom, such as laptops and cell phones. There is no way to determine exactly what will happen to this technology, but it is certain that they will remain in classrooms due to their reliability and sturdiness until another technology challenges to replace it.

Chapter Summary

SMARTboards are learning tools used in the classroom today that have been built to cater to the growing minds of young students. The first board dates back to 1987, but as technology develops, so does the SMARTboard. So throughout the 90s and early 2000s, SMART Company added a few new features such as a digital camera, a grading system, ability to run apps, and take notes. This technology has had its bonuses and downfalls when it comes to influence on society. While this giant digital whiteboard can have its mechanical problems like viruses, complex programs and unfamiliar users, the pro-side overshadows those issues. It is helpful for students because it gives them a unique interactive way to learn their lessons, keeping them engaged with the material as well as other students. It is helpful for instructors because it provides an easy method of teaching by displaying lesson plans, as well as organizing assignments and inserting grades electronically. SMARTboard hasn’t made many big advancements to the invention in over a decade, so the future for this technology is unknown. It is thought to be one of the most innovative classroom technologies of our time and will remain in classrooms until something bigger challenges its methods.

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