
So...I first learned about now!Board from Erin Klein's fantastic and comprehensive blog, over at Kleinspiration. I was then asked to review the product and was ecstatic to try it out!
So what is this product?
The now!Board is a technology created to turn any flat surface into an interactive whiteboard (you do need a computer and projector in order to use this tool).
The now!Board also meant to be portable and easy to set up. And it is! It comes with just a few basic parts:
- A camera that plugs into your computer (with a USB cable) and faces your whiteboard (or other surface). The camera is very easy to maneuver and line up for calibration...

- A stylus for calibration and interaction with the whiteboard...

- And a wand that makes it easy for students to point and click away on the screen...
And that's it! It only took me a few moments to get everything up and running. And once it was running...it was amazing!
The software comes with a wonderful menu of tools you can use to assist your instruction...
The software comes with a wonderful menu of tools you can use to assist your instruction...

The highlighter tool is one of our favorites! We've used it on passages from Study Island and to highlight excerpts from books during Reader's Workshop (on our document camera)...

I think the most exciting thing about this technology is that now!Board has already changed how I use the Internet for instruction.
For instance, my students have always used Spelling City on their own or with partners. But they tended to gravitate to the same basic games, since some of the other games were a bit more challenging to complete on their own (language-wise).
With the now!Board, we are able to work as a class on some the more difficult games that focus on word meaning. And we don't just play the games. We stop, discuss strategies for finding word meanings, circle and highlight key words, and so much more!
There are so many wonderful (and free!) interactive websites out there. With the now!Board, there are countless possibilities to enhance student learning. In all honesty, I can't remember the last time I was this excited about a piece of technology (and you know I love technology!).
One more fantastic thing about this product! Once calibrated, it stays calibrated! I don't have any other interactive whiteboards in my classroom, but I have used some in the past that lost their calibration from a little movement. I was delighted to discover this is not the case with now!Board. I've had some students bump into the table where the camera is set up (I've cautioned them but kids will be kids, right?) and it doesn't matter! It stays calibrated!! I love it!
So, this product will be available this April and will cost $499. If you are interested in learning more about now!Board, you can access the website via the green link above.
Now for the giveaway part! Learning Resources is offering a $100 giftcard for any of their products!! There two chances to enter this giveaway (each can be a separate comment):
1. Like now!Board on their Facebook
2. Follow Ladybug's Teacher Files (or leave me a comment saying hello if you already follow my blog--I miss talking to you guys!).
The winning name will be announced on Sunday, February 26th!
P.S. My sweet friend Cheryl over at Primary Graffiti is having the same giveaway, she announced hers yesterday--be sure to head over to read her review and enter her giveaway as well...more chances to win!
Thanks so much for stopping by and reading my first review (squeee!!).
For instance, my students have always used Spelling City on their own or with partners. But they tended to gravitate to the same basic games, since some of the other games were a bit more challenging to complete on their own (language-wise).
With the now!Board, we are able to work as a class on some the more difficult games that focus on word meaning. And we don't just play the games. We stop, discuss strategies for finding word meanings, circle and highlight key words, and so much more!
There are so many wonderful (and free!) interactive websites out there. With the now!Board, there are countless possibilities to enhance student learning. In all honesty, I can't remember the last time I was this excited about a piece of technology (and you know I love technology!).
One more fantastic thing about this product! Once calibrated, it stays calibrated! I don't have any other interactive whiteboards in my classroom, but I have used some in the past that lost their calibration from a little movement. I was delighted to discover this is not the case with now!Board. I've had some students bump into the table where the camera is set up (I've cautioned them but kids will be kids, right?) and it doesn't matter! It stays calibrated!! I love it!
So, this product will be available this April and will cost $499. If you are interested in learning more about now!Board, you can access the website via the green link above.
Now for the giveaway part! Learning Resources is offering a $100 giftcard for any of their products!! There two chances to enter this giveaway (each can be a separate comment):
1. Like now!Board on their Facebook
2. Follow Ladybug's Teacher Files (or leave me a comment saying hello if you already follow my blog--I miss talking to you guys!).
The winning name will be announced on Sunday, February 26th!
P.S. My sweet friend Cheryl over at Primary Graffiti is having the same giveaway, she announced hers yesterday--be sure to head over to read her review and enter her giveaway as well...more chances to win!
Thanks so much for stopping by and reading my first review (squeee!!).
I like now!board on facebook. What a cool idea!
ReplyDeleteI like now!Board on Facebook and I am already following your lovely blog! What a cool piece of technology!
ReplyDeleteI did both! This sounds awesome!
ReplyDeleteThank you for posting this. It is just what I need!
ReplyDeleteHi Kristen:
ReplyDeleteYAY! Your first review was fabulous!
You sounded like you've been a product reviewer for eons.
Sounds like a cool product, too.
I'd love a chance to win a Learning Resources gift card. They have TONS of stuff I'd like to buy.
I won't take up your giveaway space with my general chattiness, but I wouldn't miss a chance to say HI either!
Happy day, BlogFriend!
Kim
Finding JOY in 6th Grade
This product looks so easy to use and set up. How lucky that you and your students have a chance to use this tool. :)
ReplyDeleteLearning with Mrs. Parker
I loved reading your review. I plan on working with PDF's and highlighting this week with scholastic news articles and text features.
DeleteJenny from Learning Resources emailed me today after reading my review and says they are working on becoming a DonorsChoose partner to get the now!Board available to more folks. I'm going to create a follow up post this week about her news. Exciting. I will mention your review when I post.
I hope by posting a reply, I avoid showing up as a winner...
Cheryl
I'm a blog follower! I love the wand that goes with the now!Board.
ReplyDeleteWOW! Nowboards are WAY cheaper than Smart/Promethean boards! Cool!
ReplyDeleteI liked now!Board on their Facebook page!
ReplyDeleteKate
dancinqueenks23@aol.com
I follow Ladybug's Teacher Files!
ReplyDeleteKate
dancinqueenks23@aol.com
This looks amazing!!! You lucky duck!!!! Whatever will my overhead (TODD) think if I get one of these fancy things????
ReplyDeleteOf course, I follow you!!!!!! You are one of my faves!!!!
A Teeny Tiny Teacher
Hello :) Hehe. It looks soooo fun!
ReplyDeletettlusty07@yahoo.com
Journey of a Substitute Teacher
I follow and love your blog!
ReplyDeleteI liked now!Board on their Facebook page!
ReplyDeleteJenny
jennygollup@gmail.com
I follow Ladybug's Teacher Files!
ReplyDeleteJenny
Jennygollup@gmail.com
This does look awesome especially since we don't even have overheads at school!!!!! No TODD for me. :(
ReplyDeleteMarvelous Multiagers!
I am already a faithful follower!! :) I love the concept of these Now! boards!!
ReplyDeleteLisa
fsuteach81@yahoo.com
I "Like"d now!Board on FB.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower and you're in my Google Reader. I don't want to miss a single one of your posts! =)
ReplyDelete~Jo
jnase1@gmail.com
http://mrsnthebookbug.blogspot.com/
https://sites.google.com/site/ateachersbagoftricks/
https://www.facebook.com/ATBOT
I'm definitely a follower and your review sounds great!
ReplyDeletemsob123@gmail.com
I am already a follower and would love this totally cool tool.
ReplyDelete2B Honey Bunch
The Best Endings
I liked now!board on fb.
ReplyDelete2B Honey Bunch
The Best Endings
I like em on FB!
ReplyDelete❤ Sandra
Sweet Times in First
sweettimesinfirst@gmail.com
I am already a follower!!
ReplyDelete❤ Sandra
Sweet Times in First
sweettimesinfirst@gmail.com
Wow! This looks like an amazing tool! I miss using a smartboard in the classroom and this is a much cheaper option. Of course I'm already a follower! :)
ReplyDeleteRambling About Reading
I liked them on FB. This would be so much nicer than my Mimio. IT gives me fits ALL the stinkin time. I will have to tell our tech guys about this!
ReplyDeleteღDeAnne
First Grade and Fabulous
I already follow your blog Kristen, because quite frankly, YOU ARE AWESOME!
ReplyDeleteღDeAnne
First Grade and Fabulous
So jealous that you and Cheryl both got to try these out! I'd LOVE to win one, since I don't have a Smart Board in my room, nor do I have access to one for my room!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance to win!
katherine
katherine (dot) loiry (at) gmail (dot) com
Third Grade Teacher Files
Oh and I forgot to say I also liked Now!Board on Facebook!
ReplyDeletekatherine
katherine (dot) loiry (at) gmail (dot) com
Third Grade Teacher Files
I like Now! Board on facebook.
ReplyDeletekimberlycollatos@comcast.net
I follow your blog! :)
ReplyDeletekimberlycollatos@comcast.net
We've missed you Kristen! And girl, you already know I follow your blog! Love this cool tool...I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
ReplyDeleteGladys
teachinginhighheels(at)gmail(dot)com
I like now!Board on FB! It looks awesome!
ReplyDeletedkbradner@gmail.com
I follow your blog. I always enjoy reading it!
ReplyDeleteDiane
dkbradner@gmail.com
http://theteachersjungle.blogspot.com
I already follow your blog!
ReplyDeleteMindy
mwells@ourwayschool.com
I already follow your blog!
ReplyDeleteI follow, I follow!!! What a fantastic tool! Super excited about it.
ReplyDeleteCan't enter with Facbook, because I am not on it, but I am crossing all my fingers.
Ms. M
msk1ell(at)gmail(dot)com
Ms.M's Blog
A Teacher's Plan
I'm already a follower, so...hello! :)
ReplyDelete3rdgradetimesinct.blogspot.com
I liked now!Board on Facebook! What an amazing looking tool!!
ReplyDelete3rdgradetimesinct.blogspot.com
I liked now!Board on Facebook!
ReplyDeletekatie.neustadter@gmail.com
I have been a follower of your blog!!! Love it!
ReplyDeletekatie.neustadter@gmail.com
I follow your blog!! :)
ReplyDeleteLive Laugh and Love to Learn
livelaughandlovetolearn@gmail.com
I liked now!Board on FB! :)
ReplyDeleteLive Laugh and Love to Learn
livelaughandlovetolearn@gmail.com
This would be soo amazing to have in my classroom. We don't have smart boards but I would love to be able to bring more technology into my classroom.I hope you have a great week!
ReplyDeleteI like now!Board on Facebook! What a neat technology gadget that isn't overwhelming like the Promethean's!
ReplyDeleteLaura
Kinder Kraziness
I have very limited technology in my room this year and it's killing me. I've moved schools which put me on the bottom of the totem pole for cool techy things. I'd love to get my hands on this little gadget! I've followed your blog for quite awhile now and love it!
ReplyDeleteLaura
Kinder Kraziness
I liked now!Board a few weeks ago. What a great technology tool.
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog as well. Thanks for the great ideas and topics you have to share.
ReplyDeleteI liked now!Board on FB!
ReplyDeleteRachel
Ms. Rachel’s Room
I follow your blog! of course!
ReplyDeleteRachel
Ms. Rachel’s Room
Hi there! I follow you of course :)
ReplyDeleteacupcakefortheteacher@gmail.com
❤Teri
A Cupcake for the Teacher
I like the now!Board on FB :)
ReplyDelete❤Teri
A Cupcake for the Teacher
I now follow your blog!dashendric@hotmail.com
ReplyDeleteI am a follower! I am a follower! :o)
ReplyDeleteJennifer
jennkeys @ gmail . com
This looks so much cooler than the "EBEAM" we have (that doesn't work :P).
ReplyDeletePS. I love your blog.
mcweick@gmail.com
I couldn't live without your blog ... and I like the now!Board on FB :)
ReplyDeleteI love your blog, and I now have liked now!board on FB =)
ReplyDeleteThis would be sooo cool for the classroom!
Emily
emom3boys@yahoo.com
hey, awesome blog! i have both now!board on FB and also your blog. :) :)
ReplyDeleteHey! I follow your blog and now!board. Really cool idea!!!
ReplyDeletehalerin1@gmail.com
DeleteI like now!Board on Facebook! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the chance at this awesome giveaway! :)
Cheryl
cener(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
Crayons and Curls
I follow your blog! :)
ReplyDeleteCheryl
cener(at)sbcglobal(dot)net
Crayons and Curls
I liked now!Board on FB!
ReplyDeleteloragaul@gmail.com
I am a follower!
ReplyDeleteloragaul@gmail.com
I liked now!Board on Facebook!
ReplyDeletebl3982@yahoo.com
I already follow your blog!!
ReplyDeletebl3982@yahoo.com
I like the now!Board. I want the now!Board.
ReplyDeleteGreat blog that I will follow. Thanks for sharing!
alwestover@tbaytel.net
I like inow's facebook page under Jl Johnson
ReplyDeleteluckyseattlemom at gmail dot com
I am a follower of your blog through GFC under luckyseattlemom
ReplyDeleteluckyseattlemom at gmail dot com
I am already a follower of your blog. What a great tool to have in the classroom!
ReplyDeletejjburkhardt@sbcglobal.net
I have been wanting a smart board for so long now. The now!Board is the perfect way to meet my classrooms needs. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteearth1mother at gmail dot com
I follow inow's fb page
ReplyDeleteearth1mother at gmail dot com
I liked now!board on facebook!
ReplyDeletetheresasmith24@gmail.com
Now I'm also following your blog! Yay!
ReplyDeletetheresasmith24@gmail.com
Love your website! I need a Now!board! Showing this to my administrator tomorrow! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJust found your blog. Thank for all the wonderful ideas. I'd love a now!Board for my classroom.
ReplyDeleteI liked now!Board on facebook!
ReplyDelete