SMART Ideas® Concept-Mapping Software Version 3.1 Now Available for Mac OS X
Visual-learning tool enables teachers and students to map ideas for enriched critical thinking and comprehension
Calgary, AB --- June 30, 2003 --- SMART Technologies Inc. announces the release of SMART Ideas concept-mapping software version 3.1 for Mac OS X. Educators using OS X can now develop concept maps with SMART Ideas software, while enjoying the intuitive interface and advanced multimedia capabilities of OS X. Using labeled symbols and connectors in SMART Ideas software, teachers and students can create multilevel diagrams that represent complex ideas in an easy-to-understand manner. The built-in templates and extensive clip-art feature high quality, curriculum-based images that help teachers save time and add visual interest to their lessons. Users can create unlimited sublevels, expand simple maps and move quickly between levels, making SMART Ideas software useful for studying literary works and historical events. Sample concepts maps are now available for download at www.smarttech.com/products/smartideas/resource.asp.
Teachers using SMART Ideas software can also engage students’ attention by adding live Web links, audio clips, photos, images, documents, movie clips and presentations to diagrams, addressing the needs of students with different learning styles. Version 3.1 supports five languages – English, French, Spanish, German and Italian. Teachers and students can use language-specific text and switch languages whenever they choose, making SMART Ideas software ideal for multi-language schools and classes. SMART Ideas software can be used on desktop computers, SMART Board™ interactive whiteboards and Sympodium™ interactive lecterns.
“With SMART Ideas software for Mac OS X, educators can create an engaging environment for brainstorming and tapping creativity in the classroom,” says Nancy Knowlton, president and co-CEO of SMART. “Teachers can also post lesson maps to a Web site, so students can further explore concepts during independent study.”
Integration with SMART Board Interactive Whiteboards
SMART Ideas concept-mapping software has been optimized for use on a SMART Board interactive whiteboard, the world’s leading interactive whiteboard. The SMART Board interactive whiteboard provides complete touch control, making it easier for users to create and organize diagrams, quickly move between levels and link to files using their finger as a mouse. Users can draw freehand annotations (shapes or images) and connecting lines within SMART Ideas software. The combination of award-winning SMART Board software with SMART Ideas software creates a powerful set of educational templates and tools.
Availability
SMART Ideas 3.1 concept-mapping software is currently shipping. A copy of SMART Ideas software is included with every SMART Board interactive whiteboard and Sympodium interactive lectern. Educators who already have SMART Board or Sympodium products may download the software free of charge from www.smarttech.com/support/software/index.asp.
SMART Ideas 3.1 software is also available for the Microsoft® Windows® operating system.
For a free 30-day evaluation of SMART Ideas software, additional information, specifications or authorized resellers, visit www.smarttech.com/smartideas or call 1.888.42.SMART.
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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.