The Evolution of Smart Boards: From their Inception to Latest Advancements

When did SMART Boards come out? SMART Technologies released its first SMART Board in 1991, marking the beginning of a new era of learning and collaboration.

Interactive whiteboards have changed the way people learn, collaborate, and conduct business. SMART Boards, in particular, have become a household name in the field of education and beyond. In this article, well explore the history of SMART Boards, their evolution over the years, and the benefits and drawbacks of their use.

Evolution of SMART Boards

• SMART Board was created in the early 1990s
• First SMART Board was released in 1991
• Advancements in technology have led to multimedia capabilities and interactive projector systems

Invention of SMART Boards

Overview of Interactive Whiteboards

Interactive whiteboards, also known as electronic whiteboards, are large display screens that can be connected to a computer or other electronic devices. They allow users to control computer applications and write notes digitally, which can be saved, printed, or shared electronically.

The Creation of the SMART Board

SMART Technologies, a Canadian company that specializes in interactive technology, is widely recognized as the company that brought interactive whiteboards to the mainstream. In 1987, the company’s founder, David Martin, invented the first touch-sensitive whiteboard. However, it was not until 1991 that SMART introduced its interactive whiteboard, branded the “SMART Board.”

Early Days of SMART Boards

Reception of the First SMART Board

The first SMART Board was met with mixed reactions. Some educators were skeptical of the technology, while others were excited about its potential. However, as more and more schools adopted the technology, the benefits of the SMART Board became apparent.

Improvements Made to the First SMART Board

Over the years, SMART Technologies has made significant improvements to its interactive whiteboards. The second and third versions of the SMART Board, released in 1993 and 1998, respectively, featured enhanced software and hardware capabilities.

The Impact of SMART Board on Education

The SMART Board has had a significant impact on education. It has made learning more interactive and engaging, allowing teachers to create dynamic and immersive lessons. For example, teachers can use the board to display images, videos, and other multimedia content to help students understand complex concepts. The SMART Board has also made it easier for teachers to differentiate instruction and cater to the needs of individual students. Furthermore, the SMART Board is an effective tool for collaborative learning, enabling students to work together on group projects and presentations.

In business settings, SMART Boards are ideal for meetings and presentations. They allow presenters to share information and collaborate with others in real-time, making meetings more productive and efficient. Additionally, SMART Boards can be used to display multimedia content, such as videos and images, which can help engage audiences and make presentations more compelling.

In healthcare facilities, SMART Boards can be used to display patient data, images, and videos, making it easier for healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat patients. Furthermore, the boards can be used for training and education purposes, enabling medical professionals to learn and practice new procedures and techniques.

Advancements in SMART Board Technology

SMART Board Versions 2 and 3

The second and third versions of the SMART Board were significant improvements over the first version. They featured enhanced software and hardware capabilities, including the ability to connect to the internet and access multimedia resources.

Addition of Multimedia Capabilities

In 2003, SMART developed and later patented DViT (Digital Vision Touch) technology. This technology allowed the SMART Board to detect touch, pen, and eraser input simultaneously, making it more intuitive and user-friendly. Additionally, SMART Boards now feature multimedia capabilities, including sound and video.

SMART Board 600 Series and 800 Series

In 2007, SMART released the SMART Board 600 series, which featured a sleeker design and improved software. In 2010, SMART released the SMART Board 800 series, which featured enhanced touch and gesture recognition, as well as the ability to connect to multiple devices simultaneously.

SMART Board with Projector Systems

SMART Boards are now available with projector systems, which allow users to project images and multimedia content onto the board. This makes it easier for teachers and presenters to share information and engage their audience.

Current SMART Board Technology

Today, SMART Boards are available in a variety of sizes and configurations, and they continue to be a popular choice for classrooms, boardrooms, and healthcare facilities. SMART Boards now feature Ultra HD and 4K resolution, making them ideal for displaying high-quality images and videos.

Benefits of SMART Boards

How SMART Boards Enhance Learning

SMART Boards enhance learning by making it more interactive, engaging, and immersive. They allow teachers to create dynamic and interactive lessons that cater to the needs of individual students. Additionally, SMART Boards provide real-time feedback, allowing teachers to assess student learning and adjust instruction accordingly.

Advantages of SMART Boards in Business Meetings

SMART Boards are also useful in business meetings. They allow presenters to share information and collaborate with others in real-time, making meetings more productive and efficient. Additionally, SMART Boards can be used to display multimedia content, such as videos and images.

Advantages of SMART Boards in Healthcare

SMART Boards are also used in healthcare facilities, where they help doctors and nurses share information and collaborate on patient care. SMART Boards can be used to display patient data, images, and videos, making it easier for healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat patients.

Case Study: Enhancing Student Engagement with SMART Boards

One of the biggest benefits of SMART Boards is the enhanced engagement they offer students. In my experience as a high school teacher, I saw firsthand how the introduction of SMART Boards revolutionized my classroom. One particular instance stands out in my mind.

I was teaching a lesson on World War II and had prepared a PowerPoint presentation to accompany my lecture. As I began speaking, I noticed that many of my students were disengaged and not paying attention. I decided to switch to my SMART Board and pulled up an interactive timeline of World War II. Students were able to drag and drop events onto the timeline, zoom in and out, and explore the content on their own.

Suddenly, I had their attention. They were actively engaged in the lesson, asking questions, and making connections between events. I was able to guide them through the timeline, but they were in control of their own learning experience. The SMART Board had transformed a dry lecture into an interactive and engaging lesson.

From that day forward, I incorporated the SMART Board into as many lessons as possible. The ability to incorporate multimedia and interactive elements made lessons come alive and kept students engaged. The SMART Board was a game-changer in my classroom and I believe it has the potential to revolutionize education as a whole.

Drawbacks of SMART Boards

Cost of SMART Boards

One of the main drawbacks of SMART Boards is their cost. They can be expensive, especially for schools and other organizations with limited budgets.

Maintenance and Repair Concerns

SMART Boards require regular maintenance and occasional repairs, which can be costly and time-consuming.

Potential for Distraction

Another drawback of SMART Boards is the potential for distraction. Students and presenters may become too focused on the technology and lose sight of the lesson or presentation.

Over-Reliance on Technology

SMART Boards may also lead to over-reliance on technology, which can be problematic if the technology fails or is unavailable.

Future of SMART Boards

Upcoming Advancements in SMART Board Technology

SMART Technologies continues to innovate and improve its interactive whiteboards. The company is currently developing new technologies, including augmented reality and artificial intelligence, which will make SMART Boards even more immersive and engaging.

SMART Board in the Age of Remote Learning

With the rise of remote learning, SMART Boards have become even more important. They allow teachers to create dynamic and interactive lessons that can be shared with students in real-time, regardless of their location.

Potential for SMART Board to Evolve Beyond the Classroom

SMART Boards have the potential to evolve beyond the classroom and into other domains, such as entertainment, gaming, and advertising. As technology continues to evolve, SMART Boards will continue to play a crucial role in facilitating collaboration and engagement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, SMART Boards have come a long way since their inception in 1991. They have revolutionized the way people learn, collaborate, and conduct business. Despite their drawbacks, the benefits of SMART Board technology are undeniable. As we look to the future, we can expect SMART Boards to continue to evolve and innovate, making them an even more essential tool for teaching, learning, and collaboration.

Common Questions

What are smart boards and when were they invented?

Smart boards are interactive whiteboards that were invented in 1991.

Who invented smart boards and why?

Smart boards were invented by David Martin and Nancy Knowlton to improve teaching methods.

How do smart boards work and what are their benefits?

Smart boards work by using touch and pen input to display digital content. Their benefits include interactivity and engagement.

What is the cost of a smart board and how can I get one?

Smart boards can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the model. They can be purchased from technology retailers.

Why should I invest in a smart board?

Investing in a smart board can improve classroom engagement and student learning outcomes.

What if I don’t have the budget to buy a smart board?

There are alternative interactive whiteboard options available at a lower cost, such as using a projector and a touchscreen.

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LONDON, Jan. 12, 2011 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- SMART Technologies Inc. (Nasdaq:SMT) (TSX:SMA), a leading provider of collaboration solutions, announces the 20-year anniversary of the SMART Board interactive whiteboard. SMART conceptualized its touch-enabled SMART Board interactive whiteboard in 1986, and in 1991, its first commercial version of the product was launched. Since then, SMART has developed a comprehensive range of easy-to-use, touch- and gesture-enabled solutions that facilitate effective learning and collaboration. SMART's commitment to Touch Recognition, multitouch and gesture-driven systems ensures an intuitive user experience for both education and business users. With a portfolio of more than 65 issued patents and more than 385 patents pending, SMART continues to develop innovative products to meet the evolving needs of users. Its line of interactive whiteboards today includes the 400 series, the 600 series and the 800 series. It also has a line of SMART Board interactive displays and the SMART Table™ interactive learning center, as well as a variety of complementary products and services. According to Futuresource Consulting, an independent global research company that has tracked interactive whiteboard sales for more than nine years, SMART continues to lead the global interactive whiteboard product category with a 47 percent share as of September 30, 2010, more than double SMART's nearest competitor. Today approximately 8 percent of the world's classrooms have an interactive whiteboard. The adoption rates in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada are approximately 73, 36 and 26 percent, respectively, according to Futuresource Consulting. SMART Board interactive whiteboards are used by more than 1.5 million teachers and more than 30 million students worldwide.

Drawing on its long history of collaboration-focused research and development (R&D), SMART, in 2001, patented DViT™ (Digital Vision Touch) technology. Interactive whiteboards and interactive whiteboard systems with DViT technology use cameras embedded in the interactive whiteboard frame to detect and distinguish inputs made by a finger, fist, interactive whiteboard pen or other object. Optical touch technology offers many advantages over other touch technologies, including effortless zero-force touch, the ability to scale to large sizes and the ability to support multitouch and multiple users. Globally, SMART has been issued a broad portfolio of patents related to DViT technology with a significant number of patents pending. In 2010, SMART acquired New Zealand-based NextWindow, a leader in optical touch technology. With the addition of NextWindow products and patents, SMART is positioned to accelerate optical touch technology development to provide a broader range of products. For example, in October 2010, SMART launched the SMART Board 800 series interactive whiteboard, which provides the most natural and intuitive multiuser experience yet on a SMART Board interactive whiteboard. Using DViT technology, the 800 series will support a number of new features, such as multiuser, multitouch freestyle interaction, touch gestures and object awareness. In December 2010, SMART launched the new entry-level SMART Board 400 series interactive whiteboard, which also embeds DViT technology. With demand for touch-based and gesture-driven devices increasing, SMART brings more than two decades of R&D experience to this growing market. As the global leader in interactive whiteboards, the company continues to apply that experience to a wide range of integrated solutions designed to transform the way the world works and learns.

"As education and business customers around the world continue to adopt interactive technology into their classrooms, offices and meeting rooms, they increasingly demand easy-to-use, integrated solutions," says Nancy Knowlton, SMART's CEO. "With more than 20 years' experience in collaboration R&D, our commitment to continually evolving and providing easy-to-use, touch-enabled solutions is stronger than ever."

Research on Education Efficacy

Research from around the world confirms that using interactive whiteboards can increase student motivation and engagement, enhance teacher productivity and have a positive effect on student outcomes and often on student attendance and behavior. For example, the Evaluation of the Primary Schools Whiteboard Expansion Project from Becta (2007) says, "Where teachers had been teaching with an interactive whiteboard for two years and there was evidence that all children, including those with SEN [special educational needs], had made exceptional progress in attainment in national tests, a key factor was the use of the interactive whiteboard for skilled teaching of numeracy and literacy to pairs or threesomes of children" (p. 5, Becta). For additional research on education efficacy see smarttech.com/efficacy1 and smarttech.com/efficacy2.

About Interactive Whiteboard Adoption in Education

Many government initiatives globally are focused on both bringing interactive whiteboards into the classroom and enhancing teachers' ability to productively deploy them. From 2003 to 2005, for instance, the UK government provided GBP50 million to Local Authorities to acquire and deploy interactive whiteboards. In recent years, the Mexican government provided technology packages to fifth- and sixth-grade classrooms across Mexico. The packages included an interactive whiteboard, projector, teacher computer and digital content, whether there was a classroom connection to the Internet or not.

Across the United States and Canada, individual schools and districts have been purchasing and deploying interactive whiteboards as budgets for technology product purchases and professional development for teachers allow. According to Futuresource Consulting, the number of interactive whiteboards sold to K–12 educators in North America increased from approximately 256,000 in 2008 to approximately 319,000 in 2009.

About SMART

SMART Technologies is a leading provider of collaboration solutions that transform the way the world works and learns. We believe that collaboration and interaction should be easy. As the global leader in interactive whiteboards, we bring more than two decades of collaboration research and development to a broad range of easy-to-use, integrated solutions that free people from their desks and computer screens, so collaborating and learning with digital resources are more natural.

The SMART Technologies logo is available at

Reader's advisory
Certain information contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking information or statements. By their very nature, forward-looking information and statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks that predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking information and statements will not be achieved. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements as a number of important factors could cause the actual results to vary materially from the forward-looking information or statements. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking information or statements. Any forward-looking information and statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

© 2011 SMART Technologies. SMART Board, SMART Table, DViT, smarttech and the SMART logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of SMART Technologies in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Please note that SMART is written in all capital letters.

CONTACT: Marina Geronazzo Manager, Public Relations SMART Technologies Phone +1.403.407.5088 Email MarinaGeronazzo@smarttech.com smarttech.com