Sonya Griffith, Year One teacher at Cromer Public School on the Northern Beaches in Sydney started using her SMART Board in term 1, 2006. They decided to purchase SMART Boards after seeing them being demonstrated at another local school and teachers of Cromer Public School instantly saw the potential of SMART Boards. After some thorough research by the principal of the school, and listening to what other teachers said about the SMART Boards, they decided that SMART Boards were the best option. “It was decided that SMART Boards were the “Rolls Royce” of interactive whiteboards, and therefore we made our decision to go with SMART Board as our interactive whiteboard product choice.”
Cromer Public School initially purchased three SMART Boards with wireless tablets and progressively over the course of a year purchased another six. Currently, Cromer Public School has nine SMART Boards with wireless slates, as well as scanners, wireless keyboards and digital cameras to assist in the use of their interactive whiteboards.
Integrating SMART into all aspects of learning.
Cromer Public School has integrated SMART Boards into their everyday lessons in as many innovative and dynamic ways as they can create. Use of their SMART Boards includes Literacy, Maths, Science, Social Studies and Art to make their classes educational and entertaining. Sonya has developed a number of lesson plans for a variety of subjects. “In Literacy we select a number of resources that feature sounds, animations, exercises and clips that help reinforce content. We also use ‘Big Books’ to facilitate the reading of books by a whole class.” Sonya has also developed a number of unique ways to facilitate ICT learning as she uses video footage and PowerPoint™ to illustrate ideas and create inspiration for information reports. “In Maths, we use SMART Notebook™ to support maths lessons, utilising the grids, graph, paper, coins, rotations and mirror flips to present and develop mathematical grids,” states Sonya, “We also use many interactive websites and software for lessons. The instant feedback is very motivating to the students. They see it as a game and on many occasions are enjoying themselves so much, they want to keep playing through their lunch break. Prior to teaching with the SMART Board, I never in my career had to hurry children out to play because they are so rapt in their learning”. As well as using the SMART Board for the everyday subjects, Cromer Public School is also using the SMART Board for creative purposes, permanently installing a SMART Board in the art room. “In a recent portrait unit, we took photos of the children’s facial expressions and used them to demonstrate how the shape of the face changes with expression.” States Sonya Griffith “The children created some fantastic portraits portraying a variety of expressions. With the support of the SMART Board, this lesson catered for a variety of learning styles and was very thorough in helping the children to understand the concepts taught.”
Learning the basics of technology at a young age.
Sonya has seen a marked improvement in her students ICT knowledge through the demonstration by her as well as their personal interaction with the SMART Board. “For my year one’s to so easily navigate their way around a computer, search for and scan through information, assess the usefulness of the website and then scan, print, save, open and close applications, not to mention the variety of applications they have high skill in. It is just amazing to observe. The students with a SMART Board are very privileged to acquire all these ICT skills”.
Creating more enjoyable lessons for students and teachers.
Cromer Public School’s quick adaptation to the SMART Boards has resulted in these benefits being discovered sooner. Sonya has seen a number of huge improvements in her students since the SMART Board has been introduced into her classroom. “Students enjoy lessons more by interacting with the SMART Board while learning. As a result I use authentic and colourful stimuli to illustrate concepts instead of flash cards. Demonstration of techniques is also much higher on the SMART Board, as children can demonstrate their problem solving techniques to other students. This encourages learning from peers. Students are also much keener to participate and demonstrate their knowledge. They are challenged to engage and the students believe this is more fun.”
Sonya has also felt a sizeable shift in her lesson planning style and teaching techniques. Some of the features of the SMART Board that she feels have benefited her are her ability to store and revisit lessons in the future, and the flexibility it provides during the delivery of lessons. “Due to developing materials prior to lessons, I find I can more effectively and efficiently deliver lessons, allowing more time for me to work with individuals and small groups with needs.” Sonya has seen a change in her lesson planning also. “I now generally prepare my lessons at home and consequently have less to prepare when I am school. My lessons run much smoother, are much more interactive and I use a lot of group work, allowing small groups to work on the SMART Board. This is very effective and allows me more time to work with students personally.”
Discovering the wealth of interactive resources.
Utilising any information, resources and training available to her; Sonya has become very efficient at developing her skills, finding resources and finding new and innovative ways to wow her class through her lesson planning. “With the SMART Board, I have access to a wider range of stimuli, so my lesson planning incorporates a broader range of materials and technology.” Sonya also uses the gallery in almost every aspect of her teaching, “The essentials for educators gallery is fantastic. I value the maths, planning tools and images and use them in many lessons. It is great when a student asks ‘Miss, where is Perth?’ and within a matter of seconds I have an Australian map on the SMART Board to demonstrate. The gallery supports so many lessons, it is like gold!”
Sonya has also developed her skills and knowledge through her training and available websites, “The SMART Training was very good and I particularly enjoyed the SMART Teachers Conference as it gave me many great ideas.” Sonya also regularly uses the www.interactivewhiteboard.net.au web site for inspiration, as well as posting her lesson plans to share with other teachers. “The available resources on the website are fantastic and I have also contributed several lessons to the collection.” Through her training, the website and her own personal research, Sonya has managed to truly grasp the skills required to master a SMART Board. “The combination is great as I have a fantastic time using great reliable software and my creativity to whip up some really interesting lessons for my class.” At present, Cromer Public School is also developing a support network with in the school, as well as with other SMART schools in surrounding areas to enhance the professional development of their teachers.
Providing students with something that will stay with them well beyond their time in the classroom.
Cromer Public School is considering the future of their students and the school and attempting to provide an education to its’ students that prepares them for that future. “SMART Boards are something that will not only benefit the students now, but will prepare them for a future in a world evolving with ICT. They love it and I love seeing how much they are enjoying their learning.” and Sonya loves being able to share with her students her passion for interactive technologies. When asked about “The SMART Board in an essential for quality teaching and learning. The benefits to the students’ acquisition of skills in all areas, including confidence and motivation – not just academic, are amazing. I love it!” The teachers of Cromer Public School see the SMART Boards as an important long term investment for their school and their students education. “There is a bright future for education and quality teaching due to SMART Boards as a teaching and learning tool, and the endless benefits they bring to education.”