Critical Evaluation Essay Technology, Language, & Writing

Name

Instructor

Course

Date

Critical Evaluation Essay Technology, Language, & Writing

Smart boards are a major technological development, especially in learning institutions. They are whiteboards with digital capability and they are used in combination with a computer. They allow the images displayed on the computer to be displayed on the board. A person can use a pen or another tool to highlight and modify different sections on the board. Smart boards are easy and effective because the user just needs to tap at the application with a pen or finger. Smart boards are some of the most essential and effective technologies that are used in learning today because of their flexibility and effectiveness.

Smart boards are flexible in that one can use them with different types of media. Teachers can use smart boards to display photos, different kinds of diagrams and charts, maps, games, and videos, in addition to textual information. The use of these tools can lead to greater productivity as it can encourage the students to learn by enhancing their interest. Students will be captivated by the different types of media used and they will find the lessons more interesting (Peterson 47). The use of the different media also means that smart boards are able to cater to students with diverse learning abilities. Some students respond more when they are able to visualize what they are learning. Therefore, the use of smart boards will help such students in their education. Smart boards also make learning fun and students are more engaged in lessons. For instance, students can play diverse education board games on the screen.

The use of smart boards is also advantageous to instructors because it enhances their delivery. Teachers can access different tools and online information. This enables them to know of the new and emerging information in their fields. They can use the online capabilities to get the information they need. The use of online capabilities means that the teachers have more resources at their disposal. Many teachers find the smart boards beneficial because it eases classroom management. They do not have to keep on turning their heads to make sure that the students are attentive when they are using the board. A smart board enables the teacher to face the class while at the same time use the computer to present PowerPoint presentations and interactive websites (Concordia Online). Teachers are able to introduce students to digital technologies when they use smart boards. They can engage students in the learning process. It is possible to split the board into different segments, and this makes it possible for students to compete with each other when they are solving a common problem. Such interactive methods of learning are more interesting and fun than the traditional methods.

Smart boards are easy to use and maintain. They are neater compared to the traditional blackboards and white boards. In addition, the use of smart boards reduces or eliminates the need of photocopying and printing. This reduces the use of paper in the classroom, thereby leading to good environmental practices (Governor Solutions). Smart boards are beneficial in schools that do not have enough computers for every student. The use of the boards means that the students do not have to hurdle together over one computer to see the contents. By using the board, the contents on the computer screen are visible for everyone in the classroom to see. This encourages the students to communicate and share knowledge (Peterson 47)

Teachers can use smart boards in different ways. They can demonstrate their lessons by including diagrams, photos, and other forms of graphic representation on the board. As they lecture, they use the computer to search for relevant images, which they then display on the board. They can encourage the students to play board games that will help in them understanding the lesson. Moreover, teachers can look for answers to questions that they do not know on the online sites.

Work Cited:

Concordia Online. 5 Smart Ways to Use SMART Boards in the Classroom. 14 Feb. 2013. Web. 22 Jun. 2015

Governor Solutions. The Advantages of Smart Boards in the Classroom. 3 Mar. 2014. Web. 22 Jun. 2015

Peterson, Shelley. Books, Media & Internet: Children’s Literature for Today’s Classroom. Canada: Portage & Main Press, 2009. Print