Date: September 21, 2009

Is this the death of the flip chart?

21st Sept 2009: SMART Technologies, exclusively distributed in the UK by Steljes Ltd, today announced that it will be the technology partner for the World of Learning conference and exhibition (WOLCE) to be held at the NEC, Birmingham on 30th September to 1st October.

WOLCE is the essential event for all senior learning decision-makers and buyers. It brings together innovative ideas, ground-breaking feature areas and educational seminars and workshops that could have a positive impact on business learning.

As technology partner for this prestigious event, visitors to WOLCE will be able to experience SMART’s solutions for themselves with SMART Board™ interactive whiteboards and interactive displays in the Experiential learning zone, in the VIP Lounge, the Networking Café, Registration area and in the BILD Advice Clinic.

SMART’s interactive technology can be used in all types of training from skills training to management coaching. In today’s challenging economic climate, it is no longer viable to have individuals or teams travel great distances to participate in training sessions. SMART’s technology enables disparate individuals and/or teams to be effectively trained without losing the dynamism, creativity and interactivity that is generated from being in the same room. 

SMART's interactive whiteboards, displays and applications such as Bridgit™ conferencing software create connected ‘learning environments’ where dispersed staff can instantly be linked into an interactive training session. Rather than pushing information at largely inert audiences using flip charts to record information, SMART’s interactive technologies allow trainers and participants to utilise the easy-to-use touch- enabled interactive whiteboard to write in digital ink over any application including PowerPoint; generate and integrate data from multiple sources and create a truly collaborative learning experience where teams can easily access and interact with information, then save and share work regardless of their location.

Using SMART’s digital note-taking option - rather than the more traditional flip chart to record information and then translate these notes at a later time - enables trainers to use their time more productively. SMART’s interactive technologies can help turn training rooms into a collaborative working space, leading to a more effective learning environment.

Graham Wylie, Group Product Marketing Director at Steljes comments: “With the latest technologies from SMART, we are witnessing the death of the flip chart.  Modern day training is moving away from the old “chalk and talk” style to a more collaborative style of learning where participants are more actively engaged in their learning through group or individual participation. SMART’s products help trainers to save time and money and create a stimulating learning environment where problems can be solved and knowledge can be transferred. A win/win situation for all.”

Visitors to SMART Technologies stand B100 will learn why over 1.3 million SMART Board interactive whiteboards have been installed in learning environments across the globe ranging from emergency services to multi-national companies.