By Sandi Boga, Team Lead, Learning Design

SMART Notebook 11 collaborative learning software has loads of great new features, like the Activity Builder, an embedded Internet browser, adaptive toolbars, improved Text Tools and Tables, an awesome Crayon tool and so much more.

But how do you get up to speed on all of the latest and greatest features? With help from SMART’s Training and Professional Development!

We’ve been working hard to update our existing training materials in time for the exciting launch and first customer download at the end of this month, so let me give you an overview of where to start, and when specific training offerings will be available.

Late April: Re-certification available

The difference between SMART Notebook 10.8 and SMART Notebook 11 software is significant enough that we require our existing SMART Certified Trainers (SCTs) to re-certify before they can deliver SMART Notebook 11 training sessions. Here’s an overview of the re-certification process:

1. Register and pay for re-certification on the SMART Learning Space (SLS)
   • You need to be certified for SMART Notebook 10.8 software before you can register for this course.
   • The course includes an online community with a discussion forum, a recorded webinar and a new learner workbook.
   • The cost for re-certification is US$199
2. Watch the What’s New in SMART Notebook 11 webinar, which is part of the re-certification course. The webinar is currently available as a recording and we have plans to have live trainers deliver webinars in the future.
3. Study and practice using the software, learner workbook, help files and other resources
4. Pass the re-certification assessment
5. Sign the new SCT contract
6. Receive new SMART Notebook 11 trainer materials (facilitator’s guide and presentation file)
7. Receive all certification benefits (new logo, listing on the website, and more)

If you have any questions about re-certification, please contact smarttech.com/contacttraining.

First customer download (FCD), free resources available

You can easily access all free learning resources on our website. To make things easier to find, we’re reducing the number of available items for SMART Notebook 11 software and updating only our most popular  free materials. This includes quick reference guides and short tutorials. For added convenience, we’re providing a learning path tool that contains resources related to some of the topics covered during full-day SMART Notebook 11 training. It’s the ideal first step for anyone new to SMART Notebook software.

The What’s New in SMART Notebook 11 tutorial in the re-certification course gives you an overview of the new features in SMART Notebook 11 software. This tutorial will also be posted on the free resources web page, and included in the software, once Notebook 11 launches.

We’re also providing a live online product overview session – similar to the recorded webinar – full of basic information about the new software.

Early May: SMART Notebook Level 1, Level 2 and certification training available

We strive to offer training anytime, any place, and at any pace. True to our mantra, we will offer SMART Notebook Level 1, Level 2 and certification training in variety of formats after May 1, 2012. You can attend a face-to-face public training event, schedule a trainer for a private on-site training session, register for a week-long distance education course, or go to the SMART Learning Space and sign up for a self-paced course to complete at your convenience.  Note that only SMART Notebook Level 1 training is available in the self-paced format because Level 2 training focuses heavily on hands-on activities and group work.

If any of your customers want to become SMART Certified Trainers, the certification option is only available in face-to-face format because it provides the most complete training experience possible, with opportunities to practice SMART Notebook teaching skills and gain advanced product knowledge.  SMART employees cannot become SCTs. In addition to trainer certifications, we also offer a variety of end user certifications for people who just want to become power users of our products.  SMART Certified Lesson Developer is the most popular certification for teachers who just want to create interactive lessons, while more tech-savvy teachers love the technical information they get in the SMART Certified Interactive Teacher program.

..and yes, there’s an app for that

To really stay on top of what’s going on with SMART Notebook 11 software and training and professional development, download our mobile training app for iPhone or Android devices – just search for SMART Training. Every month we release new themed SMART Notebook lesson files that you can use in your class. You can also use the app to access Kyle’s YouTube™ videos, short training tutorials, face-to-face training event schedules, troubleshooting articles, and information on contests and promotions. It’s the easiest way to get your learning started!

Read the April issue of EDCompass magazine for more information on SMART Notebook 11 software in a four-page product spotlight.