NewswireToday - /newswire/ - Dublin, Ireland, 11/30/2009 - SMART Technologies announces that SMART Notebook Maths Tools beta software has been downloaded by more than 20,000 educators worldwide, making it SMART’s most popular beta software download to date.

SMART Notebook Maths provides the digital tools necessary to create mathematical content and graph equations in the context of a SMART Notebook lesson activity. SMART Notebook Maths Tools is currently available in English and will be available in December. Additional language versions, including Arabic, French, German and Russian, will be available in the coming months. SMART Notebook Maths Tools beta software will continue to be available for download until December.

SMART Notebook Maths Tools, which integrates seamlessly with SMART Notebook software, provides maths-focused content and tools for middle, secondary and post-secondary school educators that enable them to demonstrate maths concepts visually by creating, editing or graphing mathematical equations. The software features an equation editor tool that enables educators to copy, paste and edit equations in a SMART Notebook file and handwriting recognition feature that identifies handwritten mathematical symbols and equations. The application also integrates with Texas Instruments™ (TI) calculator emulator and computer software, which enables users’ TI calculator software to be launched through SMART Notebook Maths Tools. About one third of SMART Notebook lesson activities have been designed for mathematics and many can be downloaded at no cost via the SMART Exchange™ online community. Other maths-specific content includes SMART Ideas™ software activities and SMART Response™ question sets.

“I have found the SMART Notebook Maths Tools beta software very useful and am sure I will be using the new equation editor feature regularly,” says Darren Neely, head of mathematics at Sir Frederic Osborn School in Hertfordshire. “The interactivity is fantastic for demonstrating how to use mathematical tools like a compass or protractor.”

“Maths students benefit from visual reinforcement of concepts,” says Nancy Knowlton, SMART’s CEO. “The more than 20,000 educators who have downloaded the beta version of SMART Notebook Maths Tools highlight the need for software that illustrates maths concepts in a visually engaging manner that speaks to today’s learners.”

Features
• Equation editor – Allows users to copy, paste and edit equations in SMART Notebook software;
• Handwriting recognition – Recognises handwritten mathematical symbols and equations and converts to computerised typeface;
• Page 2 SMART Notebook™ Maths Tools most popular beta in SMART history;
• Texas Instruments calculator integration – When TI calculator software is installed, it can be launched through SMART Notebook Maths Tools, giving users immediate access to TI applications;
• Dynamic graphing – Links equations, tables and graphs, enabling educators and pupils to explore how;
• Changes in an equation affect its visual representation in a graph;
• Custom graph builder – Makes creating custom number lines and graphs easy by setting the x, y axes, start and finish, and the scale;
• SMART product integration – Integrates with SMART Notebook software.

Pricing and Availability
SMART Notebook Maths Tools will be available for purchase in the U.K. in December 2009 for €109. Volume pricing for schools and local authorities will also be available.

About SMART
SMART Technologies (smartboards.ie) introduced the world’s first interactive whiteboard in 1991 and today is the global interactive whiteboard category leader, providing easy-to-use, integrated hardware, software and services that improve the way the world collaborates and learns. For more than 20 years, innovation and commitment to excellence have been at the core of its business. SMART revolutionized the education market with products that empower educators to improve student outcomes by effectively implementing technology products that support all learning styles and environments. The company helps business people achieve better results with products that enable more productive meetings and collaborative work. Its success is driven by a deep commitment to and engagement with both the education and business communities. SMART offers products, resources and services that positively transform the way people learn and work.

Agency / Source: Slattery Communications

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