SMART Interactive Classroom PE a leading edge, easy-to-use product package
CALGARY, Alberta --- June 25, 2009 --- SMART Technologies announces SMART Interactive Classroom PE, a leading-edge, fully integrated classroom technology bundle. Enabling easy transitions among multiple modes of instruction and forms of collaboration, SMART Interactive Classroom PE brings together a powerful selection of classroom technology products, all designed for ease of use and impact on learning outcomes. The bundle comprises a SMART Board™ 680i or 685i interactive whiteboard system, SMART Response interactive response system, an AirLiner™ wireless slate, a SMART Document Camera, a SMART Audio classroom amplification system and SMART Notebook SE bracelets. Together these products create a classroom environment in which all students can thrive, regardless of learning style or ability.
Michelle Hoge, first-grade teacher at Lostant Elementary School in Lostant, Illinois, agrees. She has a SMART Interactive Classroom and has seen a marked improvement in student engagement and outcomes since the implementation. The products were installed 14 months ago, with the exception of SMART Notebook SE, which wasn’t available at the time. Hoge says her ability to meet all students’ needs has greatly improved because the bundle supports differentiated instruction. Whether students are auditory, kinesthetic or visual learners or have challenges with fine motor skills, Hoge has seen improvements in their learning and comprehension. The SMART Board interactive whiteboard and SMART Response system turn lessons into hands-on learning experiences. Hoge has also noticed that the visual appeal of the SMART Board interactive whiteboard and SMART Document Camera also improves engagement. Students can, for example, watch a three-dimensional science experiment with the SMART Document Camera or go on a virtual field trip with the SMART Board interactive whiteboard. Hoge also knows every student can hear her voice clearly with the SMART Audio system. As well, Hoge often uses her AirLiner wireless slate to control lessons on the interactive whiteboard, so she is not confined to the front of the class or behind her laptop. She notes that the combination of integrated SMART products has made running her classroom more flexible and less stressful.
“When students are motivated, they take more of an active role in their own learning, which leads to success in reaching classroom goals, and these SMART products have helped me do this,” says Hoge. “In turn, my lesson-planning time is reduced, and there is less pressure and stress for me and my students.”
“Ms. Hoge’s experiences with SMART Interactive Classroom PE are testimony to the value of technology products that support differentiated instruction,” says Nancy Knowlton, SMART’s CEO. “Integrated solutions like this one help all students succeed, make implementation and adoption simpler, and ensure each student receives the instruction he or she needs.”
Pricing and availability
The suggested education list price for the SMART Interactive Classroom PE starts at US$7,735. When purchasing the products as a bundle, customers receive a 5 percent discount when compared to buying all products individually. Outside North America, retail prices will vary depending on applicable taxes, duties and importation costs. SMART Interactive Classroom PE is available on July 6 from SMART authorized resellers. For more information, specifications and a list of SMART authorized resellers, visit www.smarttech.com.
