Students and teachers hailed the new Smart Boards at Solomon Schechter School of Queens, 76-16 Parsons Blvd., Flushing. Educators are often confronted with the question, "What will the classroom of the future look like?" While this might be an unknown, at Solomon Schechter School of Queens (S.S.S.Q.), the classroom of the 21st century has arrived.

This past summer nine Smart Boards were installed in the Jewish Day School's building located in Flushing.

The technology is making a remarkable difference in how teachers teach and children learn. Children have the opportunity to take much more responsibility for their own learning. Teachers, once the "sage on the stage", have become the guide on the side according to Nancy Knowlton, CEO and co-founder of Smart Technology, Inc., the supplier of interactive whiteboards. She states that the use of the board is not about learning to use technology. It's about using technology to learn.

According to Martin Mayerson, S.S.S.Q. headmaster, the Smart Boards have added a valuable element to teaching. Previously, most lessons were auditory, that is, children learned by listening. The new technology adds visual and tactile stimulation to the learning process. While nothing can replace the skills of good teaching, this technology enhances the teacher's effectiveness.

The hardware for each classroom is an interactive whiteboard, which can be used like a conventional chalkboard or converted into a focal point where a world of information is available at the touch of a finger accessing the Internet or a host of other computer programs. A projector mounted on the ceiling, a computer connected to the whiteboard, projector and student tablets, on which children can write at their desks, complete the required equipment.

Two of the Smart Boards were made available through a generous grant from the Center for Initiatives in Jewish Education and Gruss Life Monument Foundation, which funds educational programs in Jewish day schools.

The remaining seven classrooms in the school were outfitted by parents who recognized the potential of this powerful technology.

Solomon Schechter Middle School Coordinator and unofficial director of technology Ofier Sigal has become responsible for staff development for use of the machinery. He has arranged for teachers to be trained at workshops after school and during conference days.

From the very beginning, the teachers and the children have been enthusiastic about the possibilities for the boards' uses. It is clearly evident that children are much more motivated and involved in their education.

The Solomon Schechter School of Queens is a Conservative Jewish Day School, grades pre-K through eight, which has served generations of Queens students for more than 50 years. For more information about SSSQ, call 718.591-9800, ext. 301.