• New technology, like the SMART Board, has made the classroom an exciting learning environment.little hands on computer mouse image by Renata Osinska from Fotolia.com
  
  Today's students live in a technology-centered world and old ways of teaching don't always meet their needs. The SMART Board encourages interactive learning in the classroom, and teachers can create lessons to specifically meet the needs of their students. Students are able to experience new methods of learning through the use of the SMART Board.
  
  

Resistive technology

• Resistive technology ensures that a user's interaction with the SMART Board is registered by the computer. This works because of the small gap between the two layers of material within the board. By pressing on the board either with a finger or a pen, the contact point is sent to the computer. You can even use your finger as a mouse by using the touch recognition system.
  
  

Software

• To use the SMART Board, you need to install the latest version of the product's software. SMART Board Notebook software allows you to create lessons and activities for your class. It also allows you to search for lessons created by other people. The software is offered in four different versions and can make the SMART Board more interactive. The Notebook software even allows you to save notes made on the board during lessons. This could be used with students who are absent or those who need extra support.
  
  

Pen Tray

• A four color pen tray is included with the SMART Board. The pen tray automatically senses which pen is selected from the tray and switches to that color. It also knows when you take an eraser from the tray. An LED light makes it easy for you to know which tool is activated by illuminating the last tool used. Digital ink allows you to write on the SMART Board without opening any programs. You can write on a website, in a program, or on a blank screen by using the SMART pens or your finger.
  
  

Dual Touch

• Several of the SMART Board models feature a dual touch system. The dual touch system allows two learners to work at the board at the same time. By pressing a button on the toolbar, two learners can work on the board at once. The dual touch feature allows more students to be actively involved in the lesson or activity.