How to use a SMART Board

Overview

SMART Boards combine the features of a white board with a computer. You can annotate your presentations as you go with digital ink and save those notes for later or use the digital ink to increase class interaction. Please read the text below for more information regarding the setup process.

Information

Installation

1. Close all applications that are open on the computer.
2. Download the SMART Board software from the SMART Website.
3. During installation, un-check the box next to Run at start up for all users.
4. Restart your computer.
5. The SMART Board Driver will prompt you to update.
   • Navigate to the SMART Website.
   • Enter the required information to start the download.
     • It is not necessary to fill out this field correctly, for example entering a randomized email address will allow you to move on, regardless if the domain exists or not.

If you need to use this program for longer than 30 days, contact your departmental IT.

Connecting a laptop to SMART Board

1. Open the SMART Board folder.
2. Select SMART Board tools.
3. Connect the supplied VGA cable (blue end) to your device.
   • If you are using a Mac, this will require a DVI/Mini-DVI to VGA adapter.
4. Connect the supplied USB cord to your device.
5. Power on the TV using the small power button beneath the back left panel of the screen or with the remote.
6. The SMART Board should turn on once it is connected.

Using the SMART Board

The ready light, indicating the status of the interactive whiteboard, will be red while the SMART Board and the computer are establishing communication. When the light turns green, you can begin the orientation process.

1. Select the SMART Board icon in either your taskbar, or the dock.
   • On Windows, the dock is located under the caret icon in the lower right-hand corner.
   • On Mac, the dock is located in the upper right-hand corner, next to the clock.
2. Click Open in the top left corner.
3. Select Orient.
4. Follow the on-screen instructions, pressing your finger squarely on each target.
   • If you press the targets out of sequence or inaccurately, a Bad Orientation Point dialog box appears. When this happens, click OK using your mouse or track pad, and calibrate again.

Orienting your SMART Board

The SMART Board will automatically assign a default orientation, but you can perform a manual orientation to ensure the greatest possible level of accuracy.

1. Select the SMART Board icon in either your taskbar, or the dock.
   • On Windows, the dock is located under the caret icon in the lower right-hand corner.
   • On Mac, the dock is located in the upper right-hand corner, next to the clock.
2. Click Open in the top left corner.
3. Select Control Panel.
4. Select SMART Board settings.
5. Select Alignment/Orientation Precision from the drop-down list.
6. Choose your orientation preference. The setting remains in effect for all subsequent orientations until you change the orientation level again.​​​​
   • Quick sets the orientation to require 4 points. As namesake suggests, this option is fast, but wildly inaccurate. Select this if you value time over ease of use, or find yourself using resources with large, easy to hit targets.
   • Standard sets the orientation to require 9 points. This option is more accurate than Quick, and making the SMART board easier to use, but takes slightly more time.
   • Fine sets the orientation to require 20 points. This option is the most accurate, but takes the longest time. Use this option if you frequently use resources that require high levels of accuracy to use.

Calibrating the cameras

You only need to do this if the mouse does not properly follow your finger after orientation.

1. Select the SMART Board icon in either your taskbar, or the dock.
   • On Windows, the dock is located under the caret icon in the lower right-hand corner.
   • On Mac, the dock is located in the upper right-hand corner, next to the clock.
2. Click Open in the top left corner.
3. Select SMART Board settings.
4. Select Advanced Settings from the drop-down list.
5. Go to DViT Settings.
6. Select Calibrate.
   • When the calibration screen appears, press the center of each target and hold until the target moves.
7. After you have pressed the final target, the orientation screen will appear. Select Complete Orientation, then OK.