SMART Classroom Suite 2010 review

Designed to work in tandem with its interactive whiteboards, SMART’s software omits some common features but includes several that are unique.

It doesn’t offer the same level of control over restricting websites and software. That means there’s more of an onus on the need for effective teacher/pupil protocols to be in place – which could be described as a positive.

Assessing understanding is simple, with a small thumbnail displayed to allow teachers to keep an eye on what pupils are doing in real-time. These can be organised in groups, allowing work and assignments to be shared.

You can also lock screens and broadcast the teacher’s screen to the whole class. While limited compared to others, the tools are equally suited to working with wired or wireless networks.

Using the SMART Response CE software it’s possible to integrate assessment activities into lessons, with the ability to create instant or planned assessments including six different question types, such as multiple choice, numeric response and short answers.

Assessment outcomes can then be viewed via the integrated Gradebook, which tracks performance and keeps a record of test results.

The final part of the jigsaw is SMART Notebook SE, which offers pupils the opportunity to annotate their work and prepared lesson materials.

The ability to download SMART Notebook SE away from school is a good feature too, with the additional option of a bracelet to carry the software and work anywhere.

The MyBinder tab allows pupils to easily store and organise their work. They can also customise home pages with images and other information and it helps them to keep track of their schedules and deadlines.

SMART Classroom Suite offers different features to others on test. These tools are more for collaborative working than controlling pupil use, making it an interesting alternative.