Feeling pretty SMART after SMART user group
This morning I took part in an amazing session. My colleague, Julia and I woke up early and drove to Charleston, SC (about an hour and a half) to attend the first SMART users group meeting to kick of the Blue Ribbon Conference. I really didn’t know what to expect but was I pleasantly surprised.
The morning started with a large group session conducted by Shayla Rexrode, SMART Education Consultant. Shayla wet our appetite for SMART products by showing us what is up and coming for SMART. Thursday they are launching a SMART Network. It’s going to be a place for teachers to gather and share online. SMART is also getting ready to release the beta version of SMART Notebook v. 10. ALL I have to say about it is incredible! I can’t wait until the full version is released in late March. If you love the latest version 9.74 you will absolutely faint over version 10. I wish I could talk about what is will be in it.
After this opening session we were broken in to small groups to truly SHARE… The small groups were facilitated by a SMART Educator. I was fortunate to be in a room with a great group of people. The group was mainly Berkeley County folks and they shared some incredible Notebook lessons. This part of the meeting lasted 2 hours but seemed to be 2 minutes. I left the small group feeling invigorated about all of the ways to show teachers how to integrate SMART boards in the classroom.
I thought the quick trip was worth my time. It was ok to wake up super early to drive an hour and a half to turn around and teach a class in the evening. Well, if my head wasn’t spinning enough, the session ended with PRIZES… and I WON! What did I win??? A SMART Airliner and Senteo System. I ran to the front like I was a contestant on The Price is Right. After winning I have to say it was REALLY WORTH IT.
I just want to thank everyone that I met today … I am so excited that SMART has decided to start this users group. The sharing will help teachers and trainers understand and learn the full integration of SMART products in to the classroom. I am looking forward to spreading the excitement in the Midlands.
Add comment December 4th, 2007
