SMART Board Resources
Using a SMART Board
A SMART board can be used as a glorified projector, or it can be used in connection with SMART Notebook software to provide students with a rich learning experience. Connecting a SMART board involves the same procedures and Mac menus as connecting a projector, plus the added step of orienting the board.
The SMART Board has both a USB and a VGA connection. As a Mac user, you will need to have a VGA adapter to make this connection. Once you have connected both cables, you are ready to power on the board. The project will need to warm up, so be patient. Once you have an image on the board, check to see if it is your desktop. If not:
- it just says SMART. This means that your laptop has not recognized the board. Go to Apple > System Preferences > Displays and ask your laptop to Detect Displays.
- it looks like one of my photos, but it's not my desktop. Follow the same steps above, but instead of detecting displays, go to the Arrangement tab. Check the box next to Detect Displays.
Once you can see your desktop, it is time to orient the board to your laptop. Press and hold the Keyboard and Mouse buttons on the front of the SMART board. A screen will project that has a grid of dots. Beginning in the upper left corner, press each dot until you have finished in the lower right corner. Your board is now oriented with your laptop.
You are now ready to pick up a pen and start your notations. You may only have one pen in your hand at one time. You don't need to use the pen, you may take a pen off of the tray and substitute any device of your choosing, being careful not to harm the board.
