Smart to showcase new and improved interactive whiteboard technology at GESS 2009

The new feature, available on all new Smart Board 600 series interactive whiteboards, is the first to automatically detect the difference between a pen, finger and palm of the hand. Users can now, for example, use a pen to write or draw on the interactive whiteboard, a finger to manipulate words or pictures and a palm to erase work. Previously, users had to return the pen to the Smart Pen Tray in order to switch modes.

Smart Technologies will likewise showcase the latest version Smart Board 600i interactive whiteboard system and the recently launched value-priced Smart Board V280 interactive whiteboard. Also on display will be Smart Classroom Suite, an all-in-one software suite that helps teachers and students create interactive learning materials using software that is specifically designed to work together.

Hundreds of companies from different countries will be presenting new technologies and solutions for the educational sector during GESS 2009, the first Middle East exhibition to feature all aspects of supply, learning resources, school design and solutions for the overall education environment from pre-school through post-graduate education and life-long learning. Over 70% of the GESS 2009 floor space has already been reserved, while the exhibition's floor plan has likewise been expanded to accommodate more exhibitors and visitors.

"It's clear education remains a priority across the Middle East as reflected by the number of education-focused initiatives being implemented by both public and private sectors. Smart Technologies considers GESS as an ideal platform to showcase our cutting edge, easy-to-use products."

says Yvonne Biggins, Smart's manager of education business development for the region.

"The market for educational tools and solutions in the region continues to achieve robust growth as educational institutions aggressively adopt new technologies as part of a strategy to optimise learning and ultimately produce technologically competent professionals in the job market," said Jeevan Bhingarkar, Director, iMark Distribution, Smart's authorised Middle East distributor. "GESS 2009 will provide Smart Technologies an exclusive venue to interact with buyers and decision makers from various educational institutions and help them identify the solutions and learning technologies that fit their requirements."

Smart products at GESS 2009

Touch Recognition

- Smart Technologies has developed a new functionality for the interactive whiteboard that is the first to automatically detect the difference between a pen, finger and palm of the hand. Users can use a pen to write or draw on the interactive whiteboard, a finger to manipulate words or pictures and a palm to erase work. Previously, users had to return the pen to the Smart Pen Tray in order to switch modes. When a pen is touched to the board, ink appears. When touched with a finger, the board automatically switches to touch mode and the finger acts like a mouse. When the eraser or a palm is used on the board, ink can be erased.

Smart Board 600i3 interactive whiteboard system

- The third generation Smart Board 600i interactive whiteboard system offers two screen formats - widescreen (16:10 aspect ratio) and standard (4:3 aspect ratio) - and is fitted with boom-mounted, short-throw projectors, both of which offer longer bulb life and better image quality than previous generations. The 600i3 also features network functionality so the system can be remotely diagnosed and managed, saving users time and reducing costs. The extended control panel enables users to plug in peripheral devices such as document cameras, DVD players, laptops, VCRs and other audiovisual equipment, while the panel also provides walk-up-and-use control from a single source.

Smart Board V280 interactive whiteboard

- The V280 allows projection of computer image on the pen-based display, where one can control computer applications, write notes in digital ink and save work for later use. The V280 is equipped with feature-rich Notebook collaborative learning software and other key features such as the DViT (Digital Visions Touch) technology that allows the use of the ergonomic pen as a mouse or a writing tool; ability to write in digital ink over any application, website or video; save function; a hard-laminated surface optimised for durability; use of USB cable to power the interactive whiteboard by simply connecting it to a computer; security lock; and up to five years warranty.

Smart Classroom Suite

- Features an integrated software solution that includes the award-winning Smart Notebook 10 for creating and delivering teachers' lessons, Smart Notebook SE for student assignments, scheduling and file management; Smart Sync 2009 (formerly SynchronEyes classroom management software) for managing computer-enabled classrooms; and Smart Response for student assessment. The integrated software makes it easy for teachers to monitor student computer use and shift easily between individual, small-group and whole-class lessons that are digital and interactive. Smart Classroom Suite comes with both a student and teacher version. The teacher version includes Smart Notebook and the teacher editions of Smart Sync and Smart Response. The student version includes Smart Notebook SE and the student editions of Smart Sync and Smart Response.

Touch Recognition

- Smart Technologies has developed a new functionality for the interactive whiteboard that is the first to automatically detect the difference between a pen, finger and palm of the hand. Users can use a pen to write or draw on the interactive whiteboard, a finger to manipulate words or pictures and a palm to erase work. Previously, users had to return the pen to the Smart Pen Tray in order to switch modes. When a pen is touched to the board, ink appears. When touched with a finger, the board automatically switches to touch mode and the finger acts like a mouse. When the eraser or a palm is used on the board, ink can be erased.