eMINTS model classroom to feature SMART education solutions
DENVER, Colorado --- October 28, 2009 --- SMART Technologies announces that several of its classroom technology products will be featured in the enhancing Missouri’s Instructional Networked Teaching Strategies (eMINTS) model classroom at the 2009 National School Boards Association (NSBA) Technology and Learning (T+L) conference. Established in 1997 by the eMINTS National Center at the University of Missouri, the eMINTS program is designed to inspire educators to use instructional strategies powered by technology, engage students in the excitement of learning and enrich teaching to dramatically improve student performance. The eMINTS National Center cited SMART’s historical role in the program as reason to showcase SMART products in this year’s eMINTS model classroom. The 2009 NSBA T+L conference will be held October 28–30, 2009 in Denver, Colorado.
SMART has been an active supporter of the eMINTS program for more than 10 years, offering product support to schools and districts that implement the eMINTS program. The SMART Board™ interactive whiteboard is also a key component of the more than 3,500 official eMINTS classrooms across the United States. The eMINTS model classroom at the 2009 NSBA T+L conference will feature a SMART Board 680i3 interactive whiteboard system, a SMART Response interactive response system, a SMART Document Camera, an AirLiner™ wireless slate and 30 Intel-powered convertible classmate PCs running SMART Classroom Suite software and SMART Ideas™ concept-mapping software. Over the three-day conference, eMINTS teachers at the elementary, middle and secondary levels will be available to share information, experiences and instructional strategies with conference attendees. These include demonstrations on SMART Notebook software lesson creation and tips on how to use technology products in the classroom to support learning.
“SMART Technologies has played a significant role in eMINTS classrooms and in eMINTS National Center programs since our formative years more than a decade ago,” says Dr. Monica Beglau, eMINTS executive director. “The features of many SMART products fit perfectly with the eMINTS instructional model focused on inquiry-based learning, high quality lesson design, building a community of learners and technology-rich learning environments.”
“The eMINTS National Center recognizes the tremendous benefits of integrating technology into their instructional model and professional development programs,” says Nancy Knowlton, SMART’s CEO. “That eMINTS has chosen to showcase several SMART products in their model classroom demonstrates the continued cooperation and commitment between the two parties to advance education for both teachers and students.”
About eMINTS
The eMINTS National Center provides a comprehensive program that offers a wide range of professional development options to teachers, administrators, technology specialists and other educators. The eMINTS National Center is an independent unit within the University of Missouri and partners with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education with support from the Missouri Department of Higher Education. eMINTS began in 1997 as a professional development program for teachers in Missouri but it has since expanded to more than 11 states and Australia. More information on the eMINTS program can be found at www.emints.org.
