Teachers Love SMART Boards

SMART Notebook Challenge #12 Solution - Watch This

This is the solution to Challenge #12 called "Watch This." This challenge was to encourage teachers to utilize the new Page Recorder feature of Notebook 10.

For this week's challenge, I demonstrated how the Page Recorder could be used to solve an anagram. The submissions for this week's challenge used it in a variety of ways including solving a pattern, showing number examples, demonstrating proper cursive writing, showing solution to a sorting activity, and solving a Math problem.

Another great feature of the Page Recorder is the ability to save your recorded page in the Gallery. This allows teachers to build an extensive library of animated demonstrations that can be used over and over again.

Here's the solution video of how I used the Page Recorder:

I would like to thank all the people who submitted entries this week. Your ideas were inspiring! This week's Gold Medal winner is Sarah Snyder and the Silver Medal winner is Janetta Garton. Congratulations!

If you have difficulties viewing the video, you can watch it on YouTube.

Sharing is Caring!

SMART Notebook Challenge #12 - Watch This!

This week's challenge is to create a moving solution to an anagram using Smart Notebook v10.

To complete this challenge, you will have to use one of the new features of version 10 called the Page Recorder.

The Page Recorder records the actions you make on a page and allows you to play it back as a movie. It's a great way to demonstrate something inside the classroom. 

Here's a video demonstration of this week's challenge:

Please submit your challenge Notebook file to my email at jim@teacherslovesmartboards.com.

Sharing is Caring!

SMART Notebook Challenge #11 - Random Number (Solution)

I hope you'll be as amazed as I was with the submissions for this week's challenge - Random Number. The challenge was to create a custom random number generator that you could use inside the classroom using your SMART Board interactive whiteboard. 

I created this challenge as a way to encourage teachers to modify Gallery objects to fit the needs of the lesson. What I received in response to this challenge far exceeded my expectations. 

The Gold Medal winner this week is Jennifer Gibson and the Silver Medal winner is Hanse Madsen. Congratulations!!! Keep reading for how you can see both Jennifer and Hanse's random number generator submissions!

Because I received so many amazing solutions to this challenge, I decided to create an entire Gallery Collection of the random number generators and share it with my readers.

Here's the solutions video that also highlights some of the submissions for this challenge:

You can download the Random Number Gallery here. When you open the file, it should import the Gallery into your My Content folder. You can also go to your My Content folder in the Gallery and right-click on the folder and then select "Add to My Content." 

If you like any of the custom generators, please leave a comment in the comment area for this post and let that person know. The page title of each random number generator contains the name of the person who submitted that entry.

Sharing is Caring!

SMART Notebook Challenge #10 - Double Trouble Solution

This is the solution for Challenge #10 - Double Trouble. The challenge was to provide both an animated visual feedback and a audio feedback to students when they touched either a correct or incorrect answer on the SMARTBoard.

The purpose of this challenge is to try to encourage more teachers to use audio in their lessons to increase student engagement.

Here's the solution video for Challenge #10:

Here are a few resources (thanks Carlynn!) for finding audio files to use with your lessons:

MovieWavs
Soundsnap.com
Wavecentral.com
Partners in Rhyme - Human Sound Effects

I highly recommend using mp3 files inside Notebook. If you have a different format, you can always convert it to mp3 using the Zamzar website.

If you have difficulties viewing the video, you can watch it on YouTube

Sharing is Caring!

SMART Notebook Challenge #11 - Random Number

This week's Notebook challenge is to create your own custom random number generator.

To complete this challenge, you will have to use one item found in your Gallery. Your random number generator can generate random numbers using any range of numbers. My example gives random numbers between 1 and 36.

The purpose of this challenge is to encourage you to modify existing objects in your Gallery to make them look and work exactly the way you want. Remember, you're in control; if you don't like something, change it so it suits your needs!

Here's a video that demonstrates how my random number generator looks and functions:

If you're having problems viewing this video, you can watch it on YouTube.

(The solution for challenge 10 will be posted soon!)

Sharing is Caring!

SMARTBoards and the Double-Trouble Feedback Challenge

Here's a great little challenge that shouldn't take too much of your time but is sure to make your Notebook applications twice as fun!

The challenge is called Double-Trouble Feedback and the objective is to create an activity that uses both sound and animation to provide student feedback when an object is touched. I'll be looking for some really great feedback sounds!

Here's an example of the double-trouble feedback:

If you're looking for some sounds to use, I have a few you can download. These sounds were downloaded from the website SoundSnap.com. They are all mp3 files and should work great in your Notebook application.

Download He-s a chirpy little fellow- isn-t he
Download If that-s all you can do then that-s all you can do
Download That doesnt apply here
Download The best baby -froggy throat
Download What a shot- what a goal
Download Whoa- i didn-t think you had that in ya

It would be wonderful if you could include some fun sound files (mp3 format only) to share with others.

Please send your challenge entries to me using this email address.

Sharing is Caring!

SMARTBoards and Solutions for Evenly Spacing Objects

This is the solution for Challenge #9: Precise Object Spacing. This was definitely a fun challenge and I received some outstanding submissions for completing it.

Ann White is this week's extreme challenge winner and she definitely deserves the title "Faster than the Master" (or at least, as fast as the master) for completing the challenge in approximately 19 seconds.

I had two techniques that I used to complete this challenge. The first one was very similar to Ann's technique. It used a spacer object and the alignment guides to evenly space objects on a page. Ann improved on my idea in the sense that she used a rectangle instead of a line as her spacer object. Another submission cloned one of the smiley faces, resized it and used it as the spacer object. Ingenious!

Here's Ann's submission video.

My second technique used an spacer object that I created and placed inside the Gallery. The object consisted of 6 evenly sized rectangles that were grouped together. My technique was to drag the object to the work area, expand it according to how much space I wanted in between my objects, ungroup it back into six rectangles and then use the alignment guides to set my objects on the page. Using this technique, I was also able to evenly space my objects in approximately 19 seconds.

Here's a video of using a spacer object consisting of rectangles

I think the best and easiest technique is the one Ann uses.

Sharing is Caring!

SMARTBoards and the "Picture This" Challenge Solution

Here is the solution for Challenge #8 - Picture This.

The response to this challenge was incredible and many of the people who submitted entries mentioned how much fun they had and how amazed they were when they figured out how to complete it.

The objective of this challenge was to transform a Notebook page containing a picture and an object (top image) using only the items in the toolbar. The image of the girl needed to be placed behind the desk and eating the apple that used to be on the table. The chalk is moved from the chalkboard and placed in the teacher's hair and the words "I love SMARTBoards" are written on the blackboard (bottom image).

This challenge was initially created to help teachers understand object layering although I would imagine that many teachers are much more adept at using the screen capture tool and the "set picture transparency" option.

The Gold Medal winner for Challenge #8 is Jennifer Gibson and the Silver Medal winner is Stu Smith.

Here's the solution video:

If you're having problems viewing this video, you can watch it on YouTube.

Sharing is Caring!

SMART Notebook Challenge #9 - Precise Object Spacing

For those of you who find my challenges a little too easy, I have an extreme challenge for you called "Precise Object Spacing." Don't worry, you don't need any special Notebook skills or knowledge to complete this challenge, you just need to be a little creative.

To take part in this challenge, you will need to download the challenge #9 Notebook file. If you can complete the challenge, then write a brief description for how you completed it and send back the Notebook file with your completed solution and a description for how you did it.

This challenge also has an Extreme Challenge portion called "Faster than the Master." If you decide you want to compete in the Extreme Challenge portion, then you'll have to send a video to prove you did the challenge and that you were faster than the master.

Here's a video with more detail:

The first person to submit a video that demonstrates a technique for spacing objects precisely and can beat my best time will receive the first ever Faster than the Master award.

The challenge Notebook file has further instructions.

SMARTBoards and Getting Around (Solution for Challenge #7)

Sorry for the delay, but here is the solution for Challenge #7 - Getting Around.

The challenge was to create navigation buttons on each page of your Notebook file that allowed you to go to any other page in your file to make using the application easier on the SMARTBoard.

The Gold Medal winner for Challenge # 7 is Sherri Fricker and the Silver Medal winner is Tejinder Kaur. Sherri created a wonderful math game that used navigation buttons to get to the various pages and Tejinder created an animal classification review for reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Take a look at the solution video and watch how this technique was used on some actual Notebook applications.

I received some amazing submissions for this challenge. I have chosen three winners for the Best Classroom Application award but I could have easily chosen seven or eight. I'll describe each application and why I chose it.

Lori Reed submitted a book review application for Molly's Pilgrim by Barbara Cohen. She did a great job with the navigation and she also demonstrates a few of the built-in flash objects.

Ann White created a simple but extremely effective way to teach and review Mean, Median, and Mode. Here navigation was great and she used animation from other challenges!

Gerald Logan created a simple application about spider body parts. His method of using blue dots for navigation is very creative.

Lastly, here is Bernard's Notebook file that demonstrates a wonderful navigation template that uses images he got from the Build Your Wild Self website. The application is in Dutch but I think you'll be able to figure out how it works. Here is Bernard's description of the application:

I created a table and a laptop computer. Than created some students (on buildyourselfwild.com), used picture transparency to get rid of the background, and build my own classroom (a little tricky was the layering showing everything on it's place). To save some memory I made the class a background. Than I created 11 question pages and 11 answer pages. And linked them together (to meet the challenge requirements).

I had some problems to find a linkable place for the students (because they are in the background). I ended up making a square, almost transparent in a orange color to click on. If you watch closely you will see it (but on the board it's almost invisible). On the question (vraag) page you should click on the white balloon (not the text, although I could change that eventually).

Thank you to everyone who submitted an entry to this very important challenge. Your efforts in providing students with engaging learning activities continues to amaze and motivate me!

If you're having problems viewing this video, you can watch it on YouTube.

Sharing is Caring!

SMARTBoards and the "Picture This" challenge

This week's Notebook challenge is called "Picture This." To successfully complete this challenge, you will need to modify an image using just the tools found in your toolbar.

Here's the video describing this week's challenge:

The challenge ends at Thursday, November 13, 2008 at 8:00 P.M. CST. You may submit files to me at jim@teacherslovesmartboards.com. If you need a hint, just send me an email.

If you're having problems viewing this video, you can watch it on YouTube.

All successful entries will receive a free enrollment key to my next Smart Notebook self-paced training course.

(Challenge #7 results will be posted soon)

Sharing is Caring!

SMARTBoards and the Getting Around Challenge

This week's Notebook challenge is to create a Notebook application that allows you to get to any page in your Notebook file from any other page. This technique can really help make it easy for younger kids to navigate around a multi-page Notebook application.

Here's the video describing this week's challenge:

The challenge ends at Thursday, November 6, 2008 at 8:00 P.M. CST. You may submit files to me at jim@teacherslovesmartboards.com. If you need a hint, just send me an email.

Don't forget that I have a new award category for the Hall of Fame called "Best Classroom Application." I will award this to the entry that demonstrates the best way of using this technique in a classroom application.

If you're having problems viewing this video, you can watch it on YouTube.

Sharing is Caring!

SMARTBoards and How to Create Your Own Spinner

NOTE -THE LATEST VERSIONS OF THE NOTEBOOK SOFTWARE HAVE CHANGED THE WAY THE SPIN ANIMATION FUNCTIONS. AS A RESULT, THE SPINNER DOES NOT STOP IN A RANDOM LOCATION. PLEASE CONTACT JIM AT TEACHERS LOVE SMARTBOARDS FOR INFORMATION ON OTHER TECHNIQUES FOR CHOOSING RANDOM INFORMATION. IF SMART TECHNOLOGIES CHANGES THE FUNCTIONALITY OF THE SPINNER BACK TO THE WAY IT WAS, WE WILL POST THAT INFORMATION ON THE BLOG.

I'm excited about posting this week's challenge solution for Creating Your Own Spinner. Not only will I share with you the video tutorial for how to create your own spinner, I will also share two Notebook 10 files that contain various spinners that were submitted in this week's challenge.

That's not all! As promised, I will also share with you an amazing application that uses a customized spinner. It's a Wheel of Fortune game created by Harvey Almarode, an instructor from James Madison University. Click on the picture of the spinner to go to Harvey's amazing website.

The Gold Medal winner for this week's challenge is Kimberly Larkin and the Silver Medal winner is Ann White. Congratulations!

Here is the solution for how to Create Your Own Spinner:

While it is very easy to create your own spinner, I have gathered some spinners and placed them in a single Notebook file. Here is a Spinner LIbrary containing various spinners that were submitted as part of this challenge.

WARNING: Smart Notebook has a bug with the animation. Each time you open the file that contains a spinner, the Repeat setting "until object is clicked" get reset. You will need to apply this animation property before using the spinner.

UPDATE: You can work around this bug by using the Screen Capture Tool to capture a picture of your final spinner and using that object instead of the spinner containing grouped items. Unfortunately, the attributes of the spin animation get lost when you have grouped objects.

Do you want to know Harvey's secret for creating such a cool looking spinner? He set the flash-based spinner in the Gallery to look the way he wanted and then he used the Screen Capture Tool to create an image of the spinner. You will need to color in some of the captured image but it's not difficult. Why not give it a try!?

Want me to share some more?

Okay! Here's a dual action spinner that allows you to select pairs of students. Don't forget, you'll need to reapply the repeat until clicked property.

If you're having problems viewing this video, you can watch it on YouTube.

Sharing is Caring!

SMART Notebook v.10 Challenge #6 - Create Your Own Spinner

Let's have some fun!

A friend (who will remain nameless until the end of this challenge) and I have been trading Notebook ideas back and forth for the past week. One of the ideas that we both came up with was to create a customized spinner for the Smartboard to provide more flexibility than the one contained in the Notebook Gallery.

This week's challenge is for you to create your own working spinner using Smart Notebook version 10. This may appear difficult at first, but it really isn't. Just apply what you've learned from previous challenges and watch exactly what is happening with the spinner. Oh, I forgot, there is a hint in the instruction video that will help you build your spinner. As always, if you need a hint, just send me an email.

Here are the instructions for this week's challenge.

My readers are in for a real treat as my friend (who will be revealed at the end of this challenge) has agreed to share his new "Wheel of Fortune" game which uses a really cool spinner that he created from scratch. I'll even share with you his secret for really spicing up your spinner.

If you're having problems viewing this video, you can watch it on YouTube.

You can submit your entries to me at jim@teacherslovesmartboards.com.

Sharing is Caring!

SMARTBoards and the Scrolling Object (Touch and Scroll Solution)

The Smart Notebook Challenge #5 is in the books. The challenge was entitled Touch and Scroll and it has already proven to be an exceptional technique to use in your Notebook applications for use on the Smartboard.

The technique lets you touch an object and have it scroll down (or across) the page to reveal information. I received some amazing entries this week and I'll get those posted to the Challenge Notebook Library soon. The Gold Medal winner this week is Kara Majchrzak and the Silver Medal winner is Jennifer Gibson.

Take a look at the solution video and watch how this technique was used on some actual Notebook applications.

If you're having problems viewing this video, you can watch it on YouTube.

Sharing is Caring!

SMART Notebook v.10 Challenge #5 - Touch and Scroll

Here is this week's challenge entitled, "Touch and Scroll." This is a very cool effect created using Smart Notebook Version 10 that will allow you to highlight one topic or piece of information at a time and then magically scroll to the next piece of information. This effect looks neat on the SMARTBoard.

To complete the challenge, you just need to duplicate the scrolling effect. However, I will once again give an award for the "Best Classroom Application."

Here's the video instructions for this week's challenge.

If you're having problems viewing this video, you can watch it on YouTube.

You can submit your entries to me at jim@teacherslovesmartboards.com.

Sharing is Caring!

SMARTBoards and the Touch and Reveal Solution

Challenge #4 used a technique that I call Touch and Reveal. It is similar to the flash object "Click and Reveal" but you can apply it to any object type.

I received 27 entries for this Smart Notebook challenge and I was so impressed by the creativity in how they applied the technique.

The Gold Medal winner for this week was Stu Smith and the Best Classroom Application Award goes to Joanne McEnroy, Lori Reed, and Bryn Spence. You can see their award winning entries as well as other examples of the Touch and Reveal technique by going to my new Notebook Download Page. I think you'll understand why I couldn't pick just one winner this week.

Here is the video showing how to do the Touch and Reveal technique:

If you're having problems viewing this video, you can watch it on YouTube.

Sharing is Caring!

SMART Notebook v.10 Challenge #4 - Touch and Reveal

This week's Notebook challenge is to create a Touch and Reveal effect. This technique is very powerful for providing instant feedback when using the SMARTBoard and it's very easy to do once you figure out the steps.

If you've been following along with the Challenges, this week's challenge may seem a little elementary. If this is the case, it means you're really getting to know the new version of Notebook and you should feel proud!

Here's the video describing this week's challenge:

The challenge ends at Thursday, October 16, 2008 at 8:00 P.M. CST. You may submit files to me at jim@teacherslovesmartboards.com. If you need a hint, just send me an email.

Don't forget that I have a new award category for the Hall of Fame called "Best Classroom Application." I will award this to the entry that demonstrates the best way of using this technique in a classroom application.

If you're having problems viewing this video, you can watch it on YouTube.

Update: Austin Keeping was clever enough to complete the challenge using the flash-based Click and Reveal object located in the Lesson Activity Toolkit. The challenge should be completed without any of the built-in objects from the Gallery.

Sharing is Caring!

SMARTBoards and the Flashing Text Solution

I received a lot of entries for Challenge #3 Flashing Text and it is very apparent that this technique is an extremely effective feedback mechanism to use with your SMARTBoard. I received many entries that are in the running for the "Best Classroom Application" award. It may take me a few days since I'm forced to create a rubric to make sure that my choice is as accurate as possible.

Here's the solution video for how to make text (or other objects) begin to flash when they are touched on the Smart Board. This is a great way to provide students with instant feedback!

This week's Gold Medal award goes to Joanne McEnroy who submitted a perfect example of using the flashing text technique to review longitude and latitude. Congratulations Joanne!

I will work on updating the Teachers Love SMART Boards Hall of Fame tomorrow so don't forget to check back this weekend for the complete list of winners!

Sharing is Caring!

SMART Notebook v.10 Challenge #3

This week's challenge is called "Flashing Text." The challenge is to make text start to flash when it's touched on the Smartboard. To complete the challenge successfully, all you have to do is replicate the technique. You can decide what your Notebook page looks like as long as it demonstrates the technique of flashing text similar to what you see in the video.

Here's this week's description of the Smart Notebook Challenge #3:

The challenge ends at Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 8:00 P.M. CST. You may submit files to me at jim@teacherslovesmartboards.com or at Teacher Online Training.

If you need a hint, just send me an email. Don't forget that I have a new award category for the Hall of Fame called "Best Classroom Application." I will award this to the entry that demonstrates the best way of using this technique in a classroom application.

If you're having problems viewing this video, you can watch it on YouTube.

Good luck!

Sharing is Caring!

SMARTBoards and the "Secret Information" Solution

The Smart Notebook Challenge #2 is now in the books. It was a fun little challenge that utilized one of the properties of tables to create the effect of magically displaying "secret information" on your SMARTBoard.

The Gold Medal Winner for this challenge was Becky Poe and the Silver Medal goes to Valerie Byrnes. In addition, the first 10 entries will receive a prize. To see the results for challenge #2, check out the updated Hall of Fame page containing a listing of all the people who have completed the challenges successfully.

I was very impressed by the creativity teachers used in utilizing the "secret information" technique and how they applied the technique to the classroom. As an incentive for future creativity in applying the challenges to a classroom situation, I will be creating an award called "Best Classroom Application." This week's winner goes to Ann White who used the secret information technique to create a morning schedule application for her students. It's really cool!

Here's the video solution for this week's challenge:

Click on the picture to download Ann's "Award Winning" Notebook file called "Morning Schedule."

Congratulations to this week's winners!

Sharing is Caring!

SMART Notebook v.10 Challenge #2

This week's Smart Notebook Challenge is to produce a cool effect for revealing secret information. I have not used this technique in the classroom yet but I'm sure it'll be a big hit with the students as well as add a little excitement when you need to reveal some simple information to the class using your SMART Board interactive whiteboard.

The technique will allow students (or teachers) to drag a picture on the Smartboard into a box and have it suddenly reveal some secret information.

Here's this week's video description of the Smart Notebook Challenge #2:

If you need any hints, please send me an email. I will accept challenge results through Thursday, October 2. I'll be awarding free Smart Notebook professional development opportunities to the 1st ten successful entries.  All other successful entries will be entered into the Teachers Love SMART Board Hall of Fame.

Please send your Notebook file for Challenge #2 to me at jim@teacherslovesmartboards.com.

If you're having problems viewing this video, you can watch it on YouTube.

Good luck!

Sharing is Caring!

SMARTBoards and the Shrink and Grow Reveal Challenge

I hope you had as much fun as I did with the 1st Smart Notebook challenge. The response to the challenge was great and I'll try to post a new challenge each week.

The first challenge used the Shrink and Grow animation to reveal a hidden answer to a question. Already, teachers are telling me that the kids seem to really love using this effect to reveal answers on the SMARTBoard.

Our Gold medal winner for the first challenge was Lori Reed. She submitted her challenge not more than an hour after it was posted. Will Kirkwood from across the pond was still sleeping when Lori sent in her Notebook file but he was still able to get a correct solution in just a short time later.

Congratulations to Lori and Will and to all the people who were brave enough to undertake the challenge. Here's the Teachers Love SMART Boards Hall of Fame page.

Below is a video tutorial showing one way to complete the challenge. In addition, our Gold Medal winner Lori shares with us a Notebook file on the Solor System that uses the Shrink and Grow technique. Great example of sharing Lori!

Sharing is Caring!

SMART Notebook v.10 Challenge #1

Think you've got what it takes to be in the Teachers Love SMART Boards Hall of Fame? Here's your chance to hone your Smart Notebook skills and have a little fun at the same time.

Welcome to the 1st Teachers Love SMART Boards Smart Notebook challenge. Your mission is to try to recreate a Smart Notebook file exactly as you see in the video below. Challenge #1 is a nifty technique that uses animation to reveal an answer when an object is touched. It's a lot of fun to use with your Smartboard!

 
If you're the first person to successfully submit to me your Notebook file, I'll include your name in the Teachers Love SMART Board Hall of Fame. All others who successfully complete the challenge will get their name listed on a special blog post.

If enough people participate, I'll start giving away some cool prizes. To submit your challenge, just send me an email at jphollis@gmail.com or jim@teacherslovesmartboards.com and attach your Notebook file. All submissions need to be created in version 10 of Notebook.

Here's a video that explains the requirements:

If you're having problems viewing this video, you can watch it on YouTube.

Sharing is Caring!