SMART Ideas® Concept-Mapping Software Helps Foster Creative, Independent Thinking in the Classroom
New software from SMART Technologies Inc. enables teachers and students to create multilevel diagrams that illustrate relationships in an easy-to-understand format
Calgary, AB --- April 5, 2002 --- SMART Technologies Inc. announces SMART Ideas 3.0 concept-mapping software for the Microsoft
Windows operating system. Using labeled symbols and connectors, teachers can create diagrams that visually represent complex ideas, making them easier for students to understand. The software's interface enables users to preview and expand diagrams and link to more information. Ideal for brainstorming, organizing ideas and planning projects, SMART Ideas concept-mapping software fosters creative, independent thinking in the classroom.
Many educators have already recognized the benefits of using concept maps to promote understanding. SMART Ideas software takes this one step further by supporting multilevel diagrams. Teachers and students can create unlimited sub-levels, expand simple maps and move quickly between levels. Live Web links, files, movie clips and presentations can be easily attached to symbols, making SMART Ideas software an ideal project-based learning tool. Teachers can save time by using built-in templates to create lessons, or they can add visual interest to diagrams using the clip-art gallery. At the end of class, diagrams or outlines can be saved as HTML files, complete with all levels and hyperlinks, for e-mail distribution or easy posting to a Web site, intranet or network.
"Using SMART Ideas concept-mapping software, teachers can help students organize ideas and illustrate relationships in a clear, easy-to-understand manner," says Nancy Knowlton, president and COO of SMART Technologies Inc. "Whether they're demonstrating steps of a chemistry experiment or outlining character relationships in a novel, SMART Ideas software is a great addition to any lesson plan."
Integrates with a SMART Board Interactive Whiteboard
SMART Ideas concept-mapping software is optimized for use with a SMART Board
interactive whiteboard, making it even easier to create and organize diagrams. Teachers can remain at the front of the classroom, interact with the software on the board and actively involve students in the discussion. Users can write notes and convert their handwriting to text symbols and connectors within SMART Ideas software. The board also provides complete touch control so users can quickly move between levels and link to files using their finger as a mouse.
"I haven't seen this much excitement about a software product in a long time," says James Aitchison, supervisor of technology for Livingstone Range School Division in Claresholm, Alberta. "The teachers who have seen SMART Ideas software are ecstatic and can't wait to use it in their classrooms."
Free Evaluation
For a free 30-day evaluation of SMART Ideas concept-mapping software, visit www.smarttech.com/smartideas or phone 1.888.42.SMART.
Pricing and Availability
A special introductory offer is available for SMART Ideas concept-mapping software until October 31, 2002. Volume discounts are available.
The SMARTer Kids Foundation is offering a special introductory grant worth 70% of the suggested list price to qualifying educational institutions. After July 31, 2002, the grant will be available through the Foundation for 50% of the suggested list price. For more information, visit www.smarterkids.org.
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For more information, please contact:
Public Relations
SMART Technologies Inc.
300, 1207 - 11th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB CANADA T3C 0M5
Phone +1.403.802.3337 Fax +1.403.228.2500
pr@smarttech.com
Please note that SMART is written in all capital letters.