10 Strategies for Implementing Smart Technologies

Studies show positive impact of smart technologies on student engagement in the classroom .  They can be used to deliver instruction in a variety of ways that may be categorized based on three modalities of learning: visual learning, auditory learning and  tactile learning (Beeland, 2002).

This document outlines 10 strategies for engaging learners through the use of Smart Technology. This is not a how-to document; we simply describe some of the types of activities and strategies that may be useful in your course.

Strategy #1: Integrate Small Group Work

The basics: Have students work collaboratively. As the instructor, you can move from group to group offering encouragement and inciting further discussion. During the group work, students are responsible for specific tasks about the course content (i.e. locate online resources, develop multimedia infographics, create small presentations, etc.). Allow student groups to share their collaborative efforts with the whole class via the SmartBoard.

Strategy #2: Teach from the Front of the Class

The basics: The Smart technology can essentially turn your computer into a ‘touch device,’ allowing for control of your computer from the front of the room. Nearly all computer capabilities, navigations and functions can be commanded from the board.

Strategy #3: Present Immersive Media Rich Lessons

The basics: With Smart Notebook (and even other presentation software, such as PowerPoint, Prezi, ect) you can create media rich lessons that seamlessly integrate text, images and videos all into one immersive file.

Strategy #4: Import PowerPoints and Create Interactions

The basics: Use your created PowerPoints and import them into Smart Notebook. With minor additions, you can create interactive presentations for your Face to Face classes, while retaining all of your content.

Strategy #5: Lecture on the Fly

The basics: Using SmartBoard Technologies, address student questions and feedback to your lectures in real time. Based on student responses, you can further explain content with your handwritten notes over your pre-created lecture slides. Offer the revised slides to students via D2L.

Strategy #6: Student Interactions at the Board

The basics: Student engagement and interaction is a mainstay of the Smart Technologies. Smart Notebook contains a plethora of interactive pre-made activities and lessons centered around student interactions. Integrate readily available and freely used Web 2.0 applications through the Smart Board.

Strategy #7: Ask Questions Using a Student Response System

The basics: Instructors integrate polling questions into the flow of their face-to-face meetings to re-engage learners. Using ChimeIn and the SmartBoard, you can activate, highlight and address student questions in real time.

Strategy #8: Control Content through your Tablet

The basics: Like other Interactive White Boards (IWBs), you can use your tablet (iPad, android device) to control your desktop projections on the board.  This allows you to be mobile in class, while you lecture and present.  Students can also interact with your lessons from the Smart Board at the same time.

Strategy #9: Brainstorming Sessions

The basics: Using the SmartBoard Technologies, allow your class to brainstorm ideas on the board. Ideas can quickly be erased, edited, grouped, copied, saved, and shared.

Strategy #10: Interactive Problem Solving

The basics: Create equations using SmartBoard Technologies. Lock them down, and let students problem solve the equations with help from students and the instructor.  Easily edit, clear, copy or save solutions for future use or review.

If you’re interested in employing one of these strategies but aren’t quite sure how to get started or need some assistance, please contact Michael Manderfeld, michael.manderfeld@mnsu.edu or Marni Dunning, marni.dunning@mnsu.edu to arrange for a consultation.

Do you have your own effective strategy for engaging learners that isn’t represented here? Let us know about it! Email your ideas to Michael Manderfeld, michael.manderfeld@mnsu.edu

Beeland Jr., W.D. (2002). Student Engagement, Visual Learning and Technology: Can Interactive Whiteboards Help? Retrieved March 23, 2004, from http://chiron.valdosta.edu/are/Artmanscrpt/vol1no1/ beeland_am.pdf.