Teacher Technology Tip: Aligning SMART Boards

Teaching Methods, Tips & Strategies
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Problem and Solution

If, when touching your SMART board with your hand or with a pen, it shows up to the left, right, top, or bottom of the intended target, you need to realign it. Don’t panic. It’s as easy as following these simple steps:

  • Make sure your computer and projector are on.
  • There are two gray buttons located just above the pen tray. Hold these buttons down at the same time for a couple of seconds. An X will appear.
  • Take one of the pens and tap the center of the X where indicated. After you do this, another X will appear, and you will be prompted to do this a total of nine times. It is important to be as accurate as possible.
  • Remember, if you are not comfortable performing this action or do not wish to turn your back to your class, draft a trustworthy student. Students are always willing to assist, and to them, aligning a SMART Board is just as fun as the latest Wii video game.

How Often Must I Align my SMART Board?

If your SMART Board is on a stand, I would recommend every day (sometimes, it is necessary to align your SMART Board multiple times throughout the day) as it is often bumped by students. If your SMART Board is on a stand that is out of the way, you may only have to do this a couple of times a week. If your SMART Board is mounted on the wall, users will likely only have to align it once a week as long as no one drags their hand across it or runs into it. If your SMART Board is on the wall, it should be out of the way and not have to much interference. Keep in mind, however, that flying objects, papers, pencils, JELLO, coins, etc, could always cause the board to need aligning.