Article Purpose

Smart Board Basics

Additional Information

Smart Boards are interactive whiteboards by SMART Technologies. Used in conjunction with a computer and projector, these boards can be used to bring learning alive. There are two tools that can be used to create interactivity: the floating toolbar and Notebook.

To access either the Floating Toolbar or the Notebook software, click on the SMART Tools menu available in the Dock or Windows Notification Area. For more information about the SMART Tools access the online help center at http://onlinehelp.smarttech.com/english/windows/help/notebook/10_0_0/SMARTTools.htm or download the Quick Guide.

This area includes access to the Online Help Center and Quick Guides created by SMART Technologies.

Floating Tools

The Floating Tools tool bar appears as a tab on either the left or right hand side of the computer screen and appears on top of applications. The tools available on the tool bar can be easily modified and the settings for each tool changed right from the toolbar.

Note: If the Floating Tools tab does not appear on the computer screen upon load click the SMART Board icon in the dock and then select Show Floating Tools.

For more information about the Floating Tools, check out the online SMART help center at http://onlinehelp.smarttech.com/english/windows/help/notebook/10_0_0/FTFloatingTools.htm.

For a file you can download and print, download the Floating Tools PDF.

Notebook

SMART Technologies describes Notebook as collaborative learning software that provides the tools to create and deliver engaging, interactive learning experiences.

Notebook software includes an expanded tool bar as well as the ability to build lectures either from scratch or from PowerPoint. Once built, the Notebook files can be saved and projected in a class containing a Smart Board or Smart Podium and projector, similar to a PowerPoint slideshow.

For more information about Notebook, visit the SMART Notebook help center online at http://onlinehelp.smarttech.com/english/windows/help/notebook/10_0_0/IntroductionNotebookSoftware.htm.

For Quick Guides that you can download and print, click on the following:
New Features in Notebook Software
Notebook Toolbars

Tips 

5 Tips and Tricks for the Smartboard - YouTube video 

Microsoft Office Applications and SMART Boards

Microsoft programs such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint recognize writing made with the Smart Board tools with a program called Ink Aware. Write on a document and you will be prompted to save the markup as drawings or writing directly within your document.

For a brief overview describing interactions between Ink Aware and Office applications, view the Using Microsoft Office Applications with SMART Board Software PDF. For information about Ink Aware programs, view the SMART Online Help Center at http://onlinehelp.smarttech.com/english/windows/help/notebook/10_0_0/ViewingInkAwareList.htm.