BY GABE MIZRACHI
The technological revolution at MHS has entered full swing over the past few years. Among the transformations was the implementation of security cameras and hand sanitizers, which have helped MHS prevent the evils that lurk throughout the town and the rest of the world. The Video Department just upgraded to powerful, chic Macs.
Another influential addition to the school was the installation of SMART Boards in multiple classrooms. This state-of-the-art writing surface has relieved many of the annoyances, both pressing and frivolous. Teaching has stepped into the future with these new boards.
First and foremost, I and most other students, think that the SMART Board is just plain cool. It is the age of the touch screen, and students are excited by its invasion into the classroom.
Sophomore Chris Wong, sage of touch screens and owner of an iPod Touch, revealed his praise with the authoritative conviction that, “Uh… they’re cool?”
Other rave reviews came from prestigious critics, such as sophomore Sean Tamlyn, who said, “They’re amzng,” over a Facebook Chat conversation. Sophomore Alex Kreinces said that last year one of his teachers took pictures of the students’ faces and placed them on the board.
My own SMART Board moment occurred in a math class during which my teacher used rainbow colored numbers and letters to teach a lesson. There’s nothing wrong with a little experimental fun in math class. The SMART Board comes through in the clutch in such situations.
Wong, Tamlyn and Kreinces aren’t the only ones whose hearts are lifted when their teacher fires up the SMART Board. Students are always dazzled by the limitless capabilities. Lessons have been made much more enjoyable when all the powers of the mighty PC are blown up and made visible to all.
I find that teachers use different tools, colors and fonts to enhance would be tedious lessons. Students no longer have to crowd around teachers’ desks to watch YouTube videos or motile displays on websites.
The greatest benefit of all, though, is that ink and chalk are no longer factors of writing on the board. Those empty and sickly colored Expo markers now cease to pester teachers, for the supply of SMART Board “ink” is infinite. Although teachers’ basketball skills will diminish from not throwing markers into garbage cans from across the classroom, they will be able to teach uninterrupted lessons.
Despite the wonders of the SMART it does have its limitations, including its price. One standard SMART Board from amazon.com costs $2,295, a price considered steep by many (though this is not the price that MHS would pay for a SMART Board).
The science rooms now boast the boards, as well as some of the foreign language, math classrooms and classrooms in other departments. The Mamaroneck Schools Foundation (MSF) gave a helping hand to the Science Department by funding one for each classroom.
As more SMART Boards pop up throughout the school, though, we will have to start looking in different directions for funding, particularly if MSF turns down requests for grants. Money will have to come from some people’s pockets, possibly from local families! Will parents be dissatisfied with the use of their tax dollars for these boards? Only time will tell. I believe that, eventually, they will pay for themselves because of their vast utility. It has been a wise investment; teaching and note taking are easier and more efficient. I appreciate SMART Boards and look forward to many more futuristic lessons.
