3D Tools for SMART Notebook brings objects to life

New plug-in provides easy, affordable access to engaging 3D content with hands-on interaction

CALGARY, Alberta --- January 5, 2012 --- SMART Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ: SMT) (TSX: SMA), a leading provider of collaboration solutions, announces the release of 3D Tools for SMART Notebook software. A new plug-in for SMART Notebook collaborative learning software, it provides tools to import, view and manipulate 3D content in SMART Notebook with no need for additional hardware. 3D models and objects can be manipulated in three dimensions and labeled from a variety of angles and perspectives, enabling increased student understanding of physical objects across a range of subjects - particularly science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). As part of SMART Notebook software, 3D objects can easily be integrated into existing SMART Notebook lessons. Available in 56 languages, 3D Tools for SMART Notebook software will be available for purchase in February 2012 for the Microsoft® Windows® 7 operating system and in the spring of 2012 for Mac Snow Leopard® and Mac OS X Lion operating system software.

The addition of 3D Tools to SMART Notebook software brings even more interactivity into the classroom by enabling students to engage in another dimension with objects. The 3D objects provide detailed images, making complex concepts more tangible. Features such as scene immersion allow learners to enter, explore and navigate from within an image. Labels can be added and remain fixed to an object even when it is being manipulated, so the labeled object can then be saved for future reference. To insert a 3D object, teachers can use the Gallery tab feature in SMART Notebook, visit the SMART Exchange™ website ( exchange.smarttech.com ) or access a wealth of free content in the Google™ 3D Warehouse. For more information on 3D Tools for SMART Notebook software or to download a 30-day trial at no cost, visit smarttech.com/Notebook3D.

Video

To see the benefits of 3D Tools for SMART Notebook software, watch this video.

"Adding 3D brings a whole new dimension to teaching with SMART Notebook software, making images come alive so my students can get the whole visual experience without having to leave the classroom," says Dorothy Johnston, Sixth-Grade Teacher, Monte Vista Elementary School, Montclair, California. "With 3D models students can come to the whiteboard and label parts of the object, which can then be saved in a SMART Notebook file for later review, facilitating student-teacher collaboration."

"Teachers continue to look for innovative and affordable ways to make lessons more engaging," says Linda Thomas, Vice President, Products, SMART Technologies. "The addition of 3D Tools for SMART Notebook software brings objects to life, enabling students to immerse themselves in more complex concepts for enhanced learning and more meaningful understanding."

Features

Rotation handles - Explore objects by moving them along a single axis or multiple axes

Sticky labels - Attach labels to an object that stay fixed at all times, even as the object is rotated

Scene immersion - Navigate internal details of 3D models, change orientation and move within a scene

Content insertion- Add 3D content from SMART Exchange, the Gallery in SMART Notebook software or Google 3D Warehouse

Disguise tool - Disguise a 3D object as a magic hat and click to reveal it

Pricing and availability

The suggested education list price for 3D Tools for SMART Notebook software in the United States is US$49. Prices outside the United States vary by country and may include applicable taxes, duties and import costs. Information on suggested education list price is available from local authorized SMART resellers. 3D Tools for SMART Notebook software will be available globally for download in February 2012 for use with Microsoft Windows7 and in the spring of 2012 for use with Mac Snow Leopard and Mac OS X Lion. For purchasing information, specifications and a list of authorized SMART resellers, visit smarttech.com .

Image

Download an image of 3D Tools for SMART Notebook.

About SMART
SMART Technologies Inc.is a leading provider of collaboration solutions that transform the way the world works and learns. We believe that collaboration and interaction should be easy. As the global leader in interactive whiteboards, we bring more than two decades of collaboration research and development to a broad range of easy-to-use, integrated solutions that free people from their desks and computer screens, so collaborating and learning with digital resources are more natural.

Reader's advisory
Certain information contained in this press release may constitute forward-looking information or statements. By their very nature, forward-looking information and statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties, both general and specific, and risks that predictions, forecasts, projections and other forward-looking information and statements will not be achieved. We caution readers not to place undue reliance on these statements as a number of important factors could cause the actual results to vary materially from the forward-looking information or statements. We do not assume responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the forward-looking information or statements. Any forward-looking information and statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement.

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