SMART Boards are revolutionizing the world of education. Teachers and students are applauding SMART Boards and the utilization of visual learning. The blackboard, chalk and eraser may become obsolete with this new technology advance that retrieves information, notes and lessons with a simple click. SMART Boards are bringing the world into the classroom.

According to the official website of SMART technology (www.smarttech.com), a SMART Board is "an interactive whiteboard that connects to a computer and draws the power it needs from the computer. The SMART Board driver automatically starts when the computer is turned on, and the interactive whiteboard becomes active once the driver is running. When (the SMART Board) connects a digital projector to your computer, you can project the computer image onto the SMART Board interactive whiteboard. The SMART Board driver converts contact with the interactive whiteboard into mouse clicks or digital ink. This feature enables you to use your finger as a mouse or write overtop of applications."

At a recent board of education work session, high school science and social studies teachers, and a middle school special education teacher, presented a demonstration of the SMART Board. It was both enlightening and fascinating to see how far technology has come in enriching teaching and learning. SMART Boards, basically large touch screens, have had a positive response from teachers. Brad Hepworth, an English teacher in the high school, said, "The entire class can explore different ideas, and it makes everything more community-centered."

The science department at the high school reports that science experiments done on the SMART Board have better student results than before the board was introduced into the classroom. Ralph D'Ambrosio, science chairperson, said, "Viewing makes understanding subject matter more efficient. Inquiry based learning, which displays a situation on the board, creates numerous questions and answers that enhance learning." George Dreher, a chemistry, physics and forensic science teacher at the high school, spoke about students' reactions. "Students like it because it's novel. It's visual and that's a completely different way to learn. It's a good tool," Dreher said.

Students of the 21st century have superseded other generations by learning visually. When asked about SMART Boards, high school student Chris Dioguardi replied, "I feel that the SMART Boards are an excellent addition to the learning environment of the high school. Teachers are able to access the Internet and show the material to the class without the use of an individual lap top for each student. SMART Boards enhance the understanding of material." Doug Sheer, social studies chairperson, said, "SMART Boards have opened up the world of geography that we could not have before. If you're excited about teaching, this technology has truly enhanced it!"

Vicki Schaefer, special education teacher at the middle school, is finding that her students are excited about the SMART Board, and are more motivated to learn. Having the material presented more visually and creatively, as well as being able to write material on the board, copy it and erase it is a tremendous asset for student learning.

Dr. Rita Melikian, director of educational technology and staff development, initiated the effort to bring SMART Boards into the district. Through a grant received from the Nassau Tract Center, a SMART Board was placed in the Stratford School Library. Following a teacher training session for SMART Boards, the faculty felt that SMART Boards would be an effective teaching tool. Through Dr. Melikian's efforts, the generosity of the high school senior class, the PTA and various community groups funding was secured for the project.

The SMART Boards came to the Garden City Schools in September 2005 and have been a great success. With new and updated software being available on an ongoing basis, the future seems to hold even more promise for this technology advance. Students and faculty are moving forward with newer and better ways of learning. Teachers are attending SMART Board training sessions, and more importantly they are learning through continuous use of the boards. By the touch of a finger they can go around the world with this phenomenal new teaching technique.