Many teachers who are introduced to SMART Boards get very overwhelmed after an Intro class. I do feel that the software is pretty intuitive, but it can seem like a lot to begin. It’s one thing to use it as a whiteboard replacement. But, the thought of creating or even recreating lessons takes time, no matter what anyone says. In all honesty, I recommend taking the creation one unit — or even one day — at a time.
One tool that can help supplement your own creativity is the SMART Exchange. This is a site that contains a collection of SMART lessons created by and for teachers. You can search the entire collection, browse by subject area, or narrow down to your state standards.
For a few teachers, as they leave their very first training, they find a lesson they can use on the SMART Exchange. Within minutes, they have a lesson just right for their instruction. As a person becomes more comfortable with the software, they can build in bells and whistles. To begin, why not toot someone else’s horn? Use a SMART Exchange lesson!
At some point, I will explore the Community to connect to other SMART teachers. I think this could be an amazing way to learn tricks beyond even what the “advanced” user may know.
Have you used the SMART Exchange? What was your favorite lesson? Which search do you find to be most effective?