The new iPad application for Bridgit conferencing software gives teachers many opportunities to connect with students remotely and right in your own classroom. These connections can help increase student participation and their ability to interact with the content.

EDCompass blog gathered some ideas on how to use the app with your SMART Board interactive whiteboard. If you have others to share, please start the conversation below in the comment section.

How it works
Teachers can use the iPad app for Bridgit over any 3G or Wi-Fi Internet connection to start a session, share their SMART Board screen and have students join the lesson from their iPads. Unlike other screen sharing apps, unlimited participants can connect, which means all students can get involved in the activity. Once students connect to the session, they can make notes in digital ink that appear up on the SMART Board.

Special needs
The fact that students can stay in their seats while interacting with content on the SMART Board makes the app ideal for students with mobility issues. And for students with visual impairments, instead of straining to see the SMART Board, they can be seated anywhere in the room and view the content more closely on the iPad screen. They can even zoom into the content using the iPad.

Increased interactivity, anywhere in the room
Day-to-day, teachers can use the app to add interactivity to classroom activities. You can get students involved by dividing a SMART Notebook page in half and engaging students on a problem. One student can be seated with the iPad and one up at the board. Or, consider dividing the page into four quadrants. Split the class up into four groups, each responsible for inputting an answer into one quadrant from their iPad. Since four colors of ink are available on Bridgit, each group can use a different color.

While students work on the activity, you can circulate around the room with the iPad to help them, all while maintaining control of the SMART Board and being able to make notes on it. Using the highlighting tool in Bridgit, you can draw students’ attention to certain content on the SMART Board.

Instant messaging
Students and teachers alike will see the benefit of Bridgit’s instant messaging feature. Students can use it as   as the lesson is taking place, to ask questions or have discussions without disrupting the rest of the class. Teachers can choose to turn off the messaging feature for all or parts of the class, when they need the students’ full attention.

Distance education
Of course, we can’t forget about the opportunity to use the app for the distance education. Students from other classrooms on campus or within a district can simply join the session to view what’s on the teacher’s SMART Board and participate remotely. Similarly, those absent from class can join in as long as they have access to an iPad at home. Teachers can also use the app to bring in experts from around the world as guest speakers.

EDCompass asks: Are you using the iPad application for SMART Bridgit software in your classroom?

Did you know SMART training and professional development offers a new iPhone, iPad, and iTouch app? Teachers can use the app to access a collection of monthly SMART Notebook lessons and to explore a wide variety of interactive content.

Related Reading:
New iPad App for SMART Bridgit software!
SMART Releases Another Apple App
Personal Devices and SMART Products – A Series Exploring the Possibilities
Opportunities for Integrating Your SMART Board and an iPad