June 13, 2012
The Smart table is a current technology that has emerged in the last few years that shapes learning in my school system. The Smart table is an interactive learning center that allows up to six students to work collaboratively on an activity that the teacher downloads onto the device. I recently received this resource last year and my students absolutely loved it. It makes learning fun and interactive. The teacher is able to download activities that align with the current content being taught.
However, there are some challenges when it comes to using this device. Currently, there are not that many activities that align with the concepts being taught in the classroom. The activities that do exist are not always the most entertaining for the students. There is a software that you can purchase where you can create your own activities but my school system did not purchase this.
Also, this table is much more sensitive than they lead you to believe. It shuts off randomly and sometimes will not come back on for a day or two.
The societal need that this resource meets is that it provides an interactive collaborative technological resource that makes students think that they are just playing games when in fact they are learning from it. When functioning correctly it is a great resource to have in the classroom and works well with all elementary students.
If I had the software where I could create my own activities this resource would be even more valuable to me. Something that would make this technology even better would be a way that the students could choose what concept they want to work on versus being stuck on the same concept and same four games.
Here is a good video about it.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b_FRmYXtneQ
Here is the company's website.
http://smarttech.com/us/Solutions/Education+Solutions/Products+for+education/Complementary+hardware+products/SMART+Table
Hi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteThe Smart Table sounds interesting. And, it seems to fit well for Problem Base Learning (PBL), where group work can be facilitated with 5 or 6 students in a group. The picture on your blog seems like a fairly simple technology It shows controls at the top. Does this technology carry a desk top or screen or can it be connected to the smart board via the Central Processing Unit of the computer.
The smart table needs additional investment for interactive soft ware. What are the student age and levels suited for the Smart Table?
This technology has issues. How do these issues of lack of software and breakdowns affect students' morale and motivation?
You mentioned that interactive programs can be downloaded. Are these programs designed to engage collaborative interaction and critical thinking? Most lessons are now designed for authentic application in order to engage students’ interest. Maybe more explanation of how the Smart Table works would clear some of these thoughts.
The Smart Table certainly looks interesting, convenient for small spaces and brings the feeling of fun while you learn. However, it seems to be desirous of improvement and additional investment. Holistically I think it is a great technology.
From: Cecil
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteThe smart table seems like 'smart' technology which has the potential to positively influence learning in the classroom once the glitches have been worked out. It is important that the company receives the feedback which you have noted in your post. This technology has the potential to help build a culture of collaboration and foster community in the classroom. Good post.
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteThe Smart Table seems like a very engaging interactive tool to use in the classroom. I love tools the make collaborative learning fun. I am not familiar with the Smart Table. Thank you for the video and website information. I agree that the software is needed so that students could learn more with more activities. If the studens had the same activities over and over again, they would get bored. That would defeat the purpose of having an emerging technology. You should make you concerns known to the administrators. The picture makes it look small, but I am sure the students can fit around the table. This was an informative great post!
Tracy
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI currently have a SMARTboard in my classroom and I love creating activities for my class using Smart Notebook. I wanted to suggest to you the SMART Exchange website http://exchange.smarttech.com/#tab=0 if you have not used it before. In my searches for activities, I have come across many activity packs that are designed for the SMART Table. I have not had the opportunity to use one, but they seem like a great tool for collaboration. Thanks for sharing your knowledge about this emerging tool, and I hope you find the website helpful!
Hi Rachel,
ReplyDeleteSmart table is a "touch screen" device. Touch screen technology is now used in most electronic devices ranging from cell phones to ATMs, eBooks to Smart boards and the other members of the smart family.
The first touch table called "KoalaPad" was invented by Dr. Thornburg himself in early 1980's.
I agree that it is a wonderful learning device especially for PreK. Good choice.
Hello Rachel,
ReplyDeleteOnly four educational games, huh? Can these games be mastered pretty easy? I wonder how long you need the device before it is deemed not a necessity for learning and just taking up space in the classroom? Your feedback Vida suggested should challenge their improvements to the next version. Nice work.
Tim