Final+Project

Final Project: Smartboard Tips =Hardware Tips:=
 * What about these pens? Good question. The pens are set to color coded spots. Use a **black**marker from the **black** spot and you will be able to write in **black** “ink”. Use a ** red ** marker from the **black** spot and you will also be able to write in **black** “ink”! The color of the pen means absolutelynothing! If you lose a pen, cheat a bitand use anything as a temporary replacement (I’d however stay away from nailsand anything else that’s sharp).


 * How smart is a Smart Board? The last ACT scoresshowed the Smart Board – just kidding. The Smart board is only as “SMART” as its user. Sorry to say, it’s still only a oneman/woman/student show for most Smart Boards in classrooms today. Don’t worry, the Smart Board just got twiceas SMART – a new DUAL (that means 2) user boards have entered the market!


 * Some kid decided to hang from my ceiling mountedprojector and now everything is all out of whack – what do I do? Keep in mind two quick and easy steps… #1)roughly orientate the projection image back to the Smart Board and size/focusthe image accordingly. #2) from the SmartBoard itself, hold down the two middle keys (can’t miss them – they sit betweenthe different marker spots [keyboard/right click buttons]). This action should trigger an orientation processthat can ranges from 9 to 20 points (please, please stay away from the 4 pointquick option found in the settings). Using a marker, select the red crosshairs to orient the point on theboard – continue till completed.


 * The darn toolbar on the right side of my screenkeeps getting in the way – what can I do? This is another one of those plural answers… two quick options: #1) minimizesthe toolbar by selecting the double arrow tab (you should notice the tool barshrink to the size of a much smaller tab). #2) Move the toolbar altogether. The Smart Notebook toolbar is considered a “floating” toolbar – it canMOVE! Grab it by the tab (look for the12 dot icon on the tab) and move it up/down or even switch sides. It’s you’re move – move it to where it’s comfortableto use.


 * The Smart Board has it’s stoplight on again –What does the RED ready light mean and how can I change it to a GREEN go? First off, how long has it been red orblinking red? – If it’s been only a short period of time prior to it turninggreen – that’s normal. If it’s a nicesteady red for a much longer period of time – you definitely have acommunication problem. I’d suggesttaking an interpersonal communications course or check your cables, do areboot, unplug and re-plug the board. Ifthis fails – we have a bigger issue and the issues vary if using the board viaUSB or Bluetooth.


 * My computer rebooted, I had only 5 minutes leftof class and I did it… yes, I used an EXPO marker on my Smart Board – What cando to get it off? Easy. Try using the EXPO Dry-Erase Cleaner. With a little luck, you’ll have a nice cleanSmart Board in no time.


 * I’m looking to purchase a Smart Board – What arethe main components I need to purchase to get a classroom “hooked up”? There are three main components to a setup;#1: The SMART BOARD (I’d suggest having it mounted, but stands do exist forthose needing to keep it mobile), #2: The projector – any brand; higher the lumensthe better. If you go all out, SMARTTECH does have a few models that include a very short throw projector, #3: Acomputer to run the software. That’s thebasics, but we could get crazy with speakers, Bluetooth adapters, and much moreto make the classroom a truly interactive learning environment.


 * I touch the board but it doesn’t do what I wantit to do – all I want to do is go back to my desk and manipulate the board fromthere – isn’t there an easier way? Let’sgo back to the basics with the board. Asingle click of your mouse is the same as a single tap on the board. Want to “double click” – then just taptwice. Same with click and Drag, tapand hold once and release once you get to your new spot. Need to “right click”? There is a button on the pen tray that worksjust like the right click of your mouse. Give it a try!


 * What other technology can be utilized with the SmartBoard? First – let’s just go there; the Ipadwill not talk nicely and for most not at all with the Smart Board – just getover it! There is however a wide rangeof technologies that works well with the board. From document cameras to interactive slates to student response systems –you can increase the functionality of your Smart Board with a few additionalpurchases. Are you over the Ipad thingyet?


 * In conclusion – it comes down to this: If you’rehaving problems with the hardware end of things – don’t let it drag on and onfor months on end. Make the call! Askfor Help! – The Smart Board can’t do its job if it’s left to be an overglorified movie screen.

=Software Tips:=
 * Keep yourself updated. Select “Help” from the toolbar and thenselect “Check for Updates”.


 * If you get stuck and need help fast – firstcheck out the Tutorial or Contents under “Help” for possible quick and easy solutionsto any problem.


 * The side tool bars can MOVE! The floating toolbar is able to be grabbedand moved up/down or even better across the desktop to the other side if ithelps make life easier. The stationaryside toolbar can quickly move to the other side by clicking on the dual arrows.


 * Speaking of the floating toolbar – you can clickon the “gear” image and add/subtract functionality to the toolbar to your liking.


 * Tools such as the pen can have their propertiesmanipulated by quickly selecting the image of a gear and choosing which of theproperties you want to change from colors to size of lines.


 * ORDER!ORDER! ORDER! – A quick way to layer items is to use the “ORDER” feature. Right click on an object and select from theorder menu. You can move items forward,backwards with a click of the mouse.


 * Searched the gallery – and need to findsomething again. In the search box, selectthe down arrow to see past searches. It’san easy way to locate the key word used find gallery content.


 * Working within a smart notebook file, you caneasily lock items into place by selecting the item with the down arrow andchoosing “Lock in Place” (Ctrl K) from the locking menu. This helps keep items set where you want themwithout any accidental moving of items.


 * Don’tlike the background color of the image used in your notebook file? – Simply rightclick and set the picture transparency area of the image. Now your image flows nicely with yourbackground.


 * Save and Save Often. Who knows when the next power outage will beor even better yet, when your software will lock up as you try to work andstream a movie at the same time? Be safe– and NOT sorry – Save your work!

HOME | Assignment #1 | Assignment #2 | Assignment #3 | Assignment #4 | Final Project