College Grant Program Sponsors Smartboard Workshop
(Press Release 11-21-08)
Hank Mooney, Office of Public Information

Thirty-eight area teachers, administrators and GEAR UP staff members attended a three-hour SmartBoard workshop presented by Jerry Hutchings and Kathy Robinson with Schoolware, Inc, at the McAlester Campus of Eastern Oklahoma State College. The professional Development workshop was sponsored by Eastern Oklahoma State College's GEAR UP for a Brighter Tomorrow grant program.

The SmartBoard is an interactive whiteboard that helps energize presentations and motivates learners. Combining the simplicity of a whiteboard with the power of a computer, the SmartBoard interactive whiteboard engages students and audiences around the world. The touch-sensitive display connects to your computer and digital projector to show your computer image. You can then control computer applications directly from the display, write notes in digital ink and save your work to share later.

Best of all, the full-featured SmartBoard interactive whiteboard is incredibly easy to use. If you can use a computer, you can use a SmartBoard interactive whiteboard.

Hutchings demonstrated the advantages of using the SmartBoard technology in the classroom to make learning come alive. He provided numerous examples, teaching strategies and tips.

Students can take advantage of interactive science labs. No more worrying about the expense of a science lab. It can be available to ALL students! Teachers can create lessons without using software. Any interactive software that a teacher receives with a textbook can be used with SmartBoard.

The level of experience with SmartBoard varied among attendees. Some were using it extensively; others had never seen the technology. Those with experience offered suggestions for usage and helpful web sites.

Eastern Oklahoma State College received a $6.7 million federal GEAR UP grant and is in the third year of implementation. Eastern has partnered with 23 area schools to provide students, teachers and parents with additional educational opportunities. The event was coordinated by GEAR UP Professional Development Coordinator Lorrie Russ.

Caption info: Area teachers attending the GEAR UP smartboard workshop include from front left: Jennifer King, Hartshorne; Angela White, Crowder; Rachael Phillips, Talihina; Janice Gray, Crowder; Shelley Moyer, Antlers; Cecil Hallmark, Haileyville; Lawanda Vaughn, Moyers; Karen Clay, Wilburton and Priscella Fairchild, Canadian. Second Row: Selina Riley, Haileyville; Cassie Beare, Haileyville; Catherine Walling, Hartshorne; Kellye Semeski, Haileyville; Kathy Henslee, Antlers; Amanda Martin, Whitesboro; Judy Phillips, Whitesboro; Delores Blessing-Hawkins, Indianola; Clark Bruner, McCurtain; Terrie Ober, Red Oak; Buddy Shelton, Bokoshe and Jerry Hutchings with Schoolware, Inc. Back Row: Jeff Beare, Hartshorne; Justin James, Hartshorne; Loye Babb, Antlers; Ron Sullivan, Indianola; Deward Palmer, McCurtain; Janie Stovall, Wilburton and Lisa Hilburn, Red Oak.