University of Florence offers Italy’s first course to train teachers on using interactive whiteboards
MILAN, ITALY --- January 29, 2007 --- SMART Technologies Inc. announces that the University of Florence is offering a course aimed at training teachers how to effectively use computer technology and interactive whiteboards in the classroom. The course offering marks the first time in Italy that teachers in training will be specifically instructed on how to use and integrate interactive whiteboards in their everyday classes. The SMART Board™ interactive whiteboards are being loaned to the university for the duration of the six-month course by Intervideo, SMART’s distributor in Italy.
The course is entitled Communicating and Teaching – Towards the Use of Interactive Whiteboards and is part of the University of Florence’s Faculty of Training Disciplines – Department of Education and Training and Cultural Processes. Using the SMART Board interactive whiteboards, students will be expected to experiment with lesson planning and delivery, and analyze how and why lessons are more effective with the use of interactive whiteboards. The new university course is in response to the increased use of information and computer technology (ICT) in Italian schools. Recently, 1,650 SMART Board interactive whiteboards were installed in 550 schools in Central Southern Italy as part of a project implemented by Innovazione Italy, a public agency, and the Minister of Public Education.
“Numerous studies around the world show that teacher development is a key factor in determining successful adoption of technology in education,” says Nancy Knowlton, SMART’s CEO. “The University of Florence recognizes the importance of developing teachers to effectively use technology tools that make the classroom dynamic and lessons far more engaging, and we are delighted to support a course that will ultimately result in better teaching and learning.”
About the course
The University of Florence course for students training to become teachers entitled Communicating and Teaching – Towards the Use of Interactive Whiteboards runs from February 2007 until July 2007. Students may also participate in the course remotely. The deadline for enrollment is February 25, 2007. For more information, visit www3.unifi.it/sclabor/lavagnadigitale.
About SMART Board interactive whiteboards
The award-winning SMART Board interactive whiteboard is the most widely installed interactive whiteboard in the world. Simply by touching the large display, users can access and control any computer application or multimedia platform, including the Internet, CD and DVDs. With SMART Board software, users can write over applications in digital ink and then edit, save, print or post their notes to a website for future reference. SMART Board interactive whiteboards are used in classrooms, briefing rooms and boardrooms around the world, helping people to collaborate effectively whether they are in the same room or in another location. Feature-rich software and intuitive functionality make the SMART Board interactive whiteboard the number one choice of educators, presenters and trainers in more than 100 countries worldwide. For more information, visit www.smarttech.com/smartboard.
