SMART Board interactive whiteboards support wireless and mobile devices
New tools from SMART create flexible learning environments
CALGARY, Alberta --- January 13, 2005 --- SMART Technologies Inc. announces two new tools that enable teachers and students to use SMART Board™ interactive whiteboards with mobile and wireless devices. LinQ™ (pronounced "Link") software connects a networked computer, such as a wireless laptop, to a SMART Board interactive whiteboard, making it easy to share any student's desktop with the entire class. The SMART interactive slate means a SMART Board interactive whiteboard can be controlled by students or teachers from anywhere in the room. These new tools help to create a truly collaborative learning environment and simplify integrating digital content into classroom activities.
Using LinQ software, teachers and students can quickly connect any networked PC to the computer attached to a SMART Board interactive whiteboard. Once the information on their PC is displayed on the interactive whiteboard at the front of the class, students can walk up, present their projects, annotate over material in digital ink and control their own computer simply by touching the large display. Teachers can also connect their networked Tablet PC to the interactive whiteboard computer to share information and control the interactive whiteboard from anywhere in the classroom.
The SMART interactive slate, with Bluetooth® technology, enables teachers and students to interact wirelessly with the SMART Board interactive whiteboard. Every point on the slate's 6" x 8" (15.2 x 20.3 cm) active area has a matching point on the interactive whiteboard screen, so when users move the battery-free, cordless pen over the tablet, the movement is mirrored on the interactive whiteboard. The slate is powered by a rechargeable battery that runs for an average of 30 hours between charges.
"The integration of technology products in classrooms is changing the way teachers and students collaborate and learn," says Nancy Knowlton, president and co-CEO of SMART. "With LinQ software and the SMART interactive slate, we are supporting the growing use of laptops and Tablet PCs in schools and confirming our commitment to an exciting new model of learning and achievement."
Availability
LinQ software is available as a free download along with SMART Board software 9.0. The SMART interactive slate will start shipping in May 2005.
About SMART Board interactive whiteboards
The SMART Board interactive whiteboard is the world's leading interactive whiteboard. Simply by touching the large display, users can access and control any computer application or multimedia platform, including the Internet, CD-ROMs 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 75 countries. For more information, visit www.smarttech.com/smartboard.
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For more information, contact:
Public Relations
SMART Technologies Inc.
300, 1207 - 11th Avenue SW
Calgary, AB CANADA T3C 0M5
Phone +1.403.802.2552 Fax +1.403.228.2500
pr@smarttech.com
Please note that SMART is written in all capital letters.