SMART Technologies announces the SMART Board™ V280 interactive whiteboard, priced approximately 30 per cent lower than other SMART Board interactive whiteboards. Designed to enhance the learning of students in regions challenged to provide a quality ICT-enabled education, the SMART Board V280 interactive whiteboard aims to accelerate adoption of 21st-century education technology in countries with significant budget constraints. The V280 extends SMART’s commitment to ensuring children around the world are able to develop the skills needed to fully participate in a global economy.

Like all SMART Board interactive whiteboards, the V280 is a whole-class teaching and learning tool that allows educators and students to access and control any computer or multimedia application, including the Internet. They can also write notes in digital ink and save their work to share later. The V280 features a hard, laminated 77” (195.6 cm) surface large enough for classrooms with many students and ideal for whole-class interaction. Users write on and control the V280 with an ergonomic pen that has a natural grip for effortless writing. The V280 also comes with award-winning Notebook™ collaborative learning software, which is setting the global standard for creating, delivering and managing interactive lessons within a single application. With the V280 and Notebook software, fewer steps are required to perform tasks, making the V280 easier to use than other pen-driven interactive whiteboard brands. Notebook software supports 41 languages, including Hindi.

“Technology can help close the digital divide by providing access to a 21st-century education,” says Nancy Knowlton, SMART’s CEO. “The SMART Board V280 interactive whiteboard offers a viable option for areas of the world that want the benefits of SMART’s award-winning products at a more affordable cost.”

Features

SMART Board V280 interactive whiteboard – The SMART Board V280 interactive whiteboard offers teachers 77” (195.6 cm) of active screen area. Users simply touch the large display with a battery-powered pen to write notes in digital ink or access and control any computer or multimedia application, including CDs and DVDs, Internet applications and applications for Windows®, Mac or Linux® operating systems. The entire system is powered with a single USB cable connected to a computer. The V280 integrates easily with complementary SMART products, such as the Senteo™ interactive response system and the AirLiner™ wireless slate.

Pen control – The SMART Board V280 interactive whiteboard uses SMART’s patented DViT™ (Digital Vision Touch) technology for the first time in a front-projection, pen-only system. Users control the board with an ergonomic pen that offers a natural grip for effortless writing. Contacting the board with a hand while writing does not interfere with the pen’s operation. The pen is powered by one AAA battery (included). A rechargeable battery can be used.

Reliable hardware – The hard, laminated 77” (195.6 cm) surface has a tough foam-core backboard, making the SMART Board V280 interactive whiteboard a light, yet durable product for an active classroom environment.

Notebook collaborative learning software – The SMART Board V280 interactive whiteboard comes with Notebook software, one of the world’s most popular collaborative learning products. Notebook software integrates seamlessly with the SMART Board interactive whiteboard. It is designed to help teachers create and deliver engaging and interactive lessons across all grades and subject areas. The latest version of the software has over 30 new features, including an updated teachers’ resource hub that connects teachers to hundreds of lesson activities and helpful tools. Every school day, millions of teachers and students around the world experience the way Notebook software helps bring learning to life.

Pricing and availability

The SMART Board V280 interactive whiteboard is now available at a suggested list price that is approximately 30 per cent lower than other SMART Board interactive whiteboards. The actual list price in each market will be dependent on applicable taxes, duties and importation costs. Those interested in purchasing the SMART Board V280 interactive whiteboard should contact their local authorized SMART reseller.

The SMART Board interactive whiteboard family

• The SMART Board V280 interactive whiteboard is perfect for basic interactive whiteboard needs and delivers outstanding value in a pen-based solution
• The SMART Board 600 series extends interactive capabilities with a flexible pen-and-finger system, delivering intuitive performance and legendary ease of use.
• The SMART Board 600i interactive whiteboard system integrates a SMART Board 680 interactive whiteboard and a short-throw projector to deliver the ultimate walk-up-and-use experience

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SMART Technologies is an industry pioneer and global education market segment leader in user-friendly ICT products and group collaboration tools. The award-winning line of SMART Board interactive whiteboards is the most widely installed in the world because of its unsurpassed product quality, versatility and ease of use. The SMART Board interactive whiteboard is used to teach over 18 million students in more than 600,000 classrooms in more than 100 countries around the world.

SMART is a private company founded in 1987. Employing more than 1,200 people, SMART is headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, with assembly facilities in Ottawa, Ontario and offices in Bonn, Paris, Tokyo, Shanghai, New York City, Chicago and Washington, DC. SMART has been issued and maintains a broad portfolio of patents with numerous U.S., Canadian and other patents pending. In 1992, SMART formed a strategic alliance with Intel® Corporation, which resulted in Intel’s equity ownership in the company. SMART products are sold through dealers across North America and distributors worldwide. To learn more about SMART, visit www.smarttech.com.