Interactive Whiteboard News

December 6th, 2006 It's been a while since I've posted here so I'll do a quick catch-up. Since May SMARTboard have updated the Notebook software to 9.5.72.3. I can now get my Notebook software running correctly. The reason I couldn't install everything correctly first time was because I had a Beta version of 9.5 running on my computer and it needed a fix from SMARTboard to work properly again. I particularly like the fact that every so often new items of clipart are downloaded to my pc, but I do have a concern with this. Many schools, especially schools in my own authority have pcs that are running on a network. Like most networks the users (teachers) have restrictions placed upon them with regards to things like websites, downloading files, installing files, etc. Therefore there's a very good chance that any software updates and updates to the clipart won't get installed automatically (unless you are aware of it and then talk very nicely to your network manager or company). This is a shame because there are some very useful resources now found in the Essentials for Educators section.

I thought you might also like to have a look at this article "Whiteboard wizards would be better off with a book". What do you think?

May 10th, 2006 If you weren't already aware SMART Notebook v9.5 is available from here. Looks good, some neat features, however I've experienced some difficulties in trying to install the Essentials for Educators pack. Actually installed fine on my Apple computer but still hasn't on my PC.
I have now started making help files to go with this new version. They are available in the Making Resources section.

January 16th, 2006 Just come back from BETT Show 2006 so I thought I would fill you in on some of the latest developments in the 'whiteboard world'.
SMART Notebook version 9.5 was unveiled and at first look it seems very good. Here's a brief list of some of the new features:
- attach a sound to an image.
- more clip art which can be searched
- hyperlinks to any file
- drage video clips from the clip art
This software should be available from the end of March.

Saw a very interesting product (it's name defeats me at the moment!) It allows the teacher to use any surface as an 'interactive whiteboard'. The company demonstrated the product by using a piece of white cloth pinned to the wall. Basically the product is a small box that sits on top of the projector and pen. After callibrating the 'screen' the box tracks the tip of the pen. It appears that all the things you can do on the traditional interactive whiteboard can be done using this - but without the need of the interactive whiteboard. I hope to trial one soon to see how good it is.

Have a Promethean board? Then click here for the latest news from the BETT Show.Have a Promethean board?

August 24th, 2005 Added a couple of new links in the Making Resources section. The links point towards Teachers' TV who recently broadcast three programmes on the interactive whiteboard. Each clip is approx. 15mins long and can be viewed by clicking on the link. Well worth looking at.

June 9th, 2005 Want to know how to download a free, high quality video clip from British Pathe? Have a look in the Making Resources section to access a help file.

June 6th, 2005 Have you looked at the Making Resources section ? I have now started to add SMART Notebook version 9 help files to this area. Should be complete by the end of the month.

May 3rd, 2005 Version 9 has now been tested on the STEP2 network. If your school would urgently like this software to be installed on your network then please contact the STEP team. However, if you can wait then software will be gradually installed across the whole network sometime over the summer term.

February 24th, 2005 If any of you picked up a copy of the new SMART board software at BETT 2005 then it appears that a small number of our users have been experiencing difficulties. A new copy is therefore being sent from Steljes to everyone over the next 7 - 10 days.

February 4th, 2005 Users of SMART Notebook version 9 please note that if you have made a teaching resource, it appears that you can only open it in version 9. Therefore, at present, you will not be able to open it using the previous version that is installed on the STEP2 system. Version 9 however, will open any of the resources made on older versions of the software.

January 25th, 2005 SMARTboard have now made version 9 of SMART Notebook available to download from their website. If you have a broadband access and want to download this file (102MB) for use at home then click here. Also available is a SMART Board 9.0 User Guide available by clicking here and a 'What's new in 9.0' document is useful as an overview to the changes.

January 24th, 2005 This weekends Daily Mail (Saturday 22nd) along with several other newspapers headline that "School whiteboards that could damage children's eyesight". The National Radiological Protection Board found that someone could seriously damage their retina by looking into the beam (from the projector) for only around 2 seconds from a few yards away. But Mr. Walker from the Health and Safety Executive said that he was confident that teachers and children would not be at risk if they followed safety guidelines. The DfES said safety issues relating to electronic whiteboards had been clearly highlighted on its website and that of BECTA. The BECTA guidelines can be found by following this link.

January 18th, 2005 SMART Board have now launched version 9 of SMART Notebook. New design and many new and useful features added to the software. The new software is not yet available to download from the SMART Board website, but I have received a copy on CD. Will be initially testing the software for reliability on the STEP2 system and then releasing it across the whole network. I will then be in contact with all schools with regards to any training needs or support.

January 11th, 2005 Happy new year to everyone ! In the new edition of TES ICT in Education Online (January 7th), Jack Kenny writes that "despite the heavy investment in interactive whiteboards, many teachers are not getting the most out of them." He believes that the most frequently used piece of software is Powerpoint and if used well, you would wouldn't guess its origin, but used unimaginatively it has a clunky, linear, plodding feel (something that I have been saying for some time). My belief is that Powerpoint certainly has its uses on the interactive whiteboard, especially when used as the 'backbone' to a teaching resource, but with added hyperlinks to interactive activities made in SMART Notebook or Flipchart. As an example look at the Science resources that were made on the GTCW funded science working party (STEP Learn.net)

December 3rd, 2004 An interesting article by Jason Lee can be found in this weeks TES (December 3rd 2004). Entitled 'A whiteboard smokscreen ?' Academics attending a seminar at London University's Institute of Education were concerned with the large amount of Government funding set aside for the introduction of interactive whiteboards. Many believing that schools could have spent the money better on technologies they actually want. Laptops or tablet PC's and projectors being possible cheaper and more effective options. The DfES defended its investment by stating that evidence is emerging that learning has improved as a result of their introduction. Adding that Ofsted found "that the technology improves the pace of the lessons, as well as engaging lower-attaining pupils and encouraging better concentration."

December 3rd, 2004 There are rumours that there is going to be a new version of SMART Notebook to be launched at BETTS 2005 in early January 2005, with many new and improved features. Watch this space for further news.

November 17th, 2004 I have been made aware that some Newport schools have not yet recieved a list of all the interactive whiteboard resources, graphics and videos that are available from Learn.net. If you are one of these schools would you please contact Gareth Morgan and I will send you another copy.

October 12, 2004 Attention all teachers in Newport who are using their SMARTboard connected to the STEP2 network ! Are you encountering problems using the pens over applications other than SMART Notebook ? If so, double click on the SMARTboard Tools icon contained in the Smartboard folder on your desktop. A Smartboard menu will appear in the bottom right hand corner of your screen. The pens should now be active over all applications.

October 12, 2004 By now all primary schools in Newport should have recieved a list of all interactive whiteboard resources, graphics and videos available to them via Learn.net (www.newportsouthwales.net). There are now more than 400 whiteboard lessons, a large amount of clip art and photographs for you to use, and over 70 video clips. You will also find on the list an username and password for your own school that will allow you to upload your resources onto Learn.net.

October 12, 2004 The National Grid for Learning Cymru are looking for schools to support the development of a wide range of educational resources (including whiteboard resources) via the Innovative Schools Fund.On approval, teachers can receive up to £1500 for the development of resources. For more information contact NGfL Cymru on 029 20265177 or via email info@ngfl-cymru.org.uk.

October 12, 2004 SMART announces new applications, lesson activities and resources
for enhancing math, science and literacy instruction click here......

October 12, 2004 Primary Effective Practice (Promethean) - Gloucester 15th November click here......