Blog/Classroom Workflows/September 18, 20256 min read

Teacher Resources

Convert SMART Notebooks: Save Your Lesson Plans

Transform trapped teaching materials into lasting learning resources.

The Hidden Cost of Locked-Away Lessons

When lesson plans remain inaccessible in proprietary formats, both teachers and students lose out on valuable opportunities. Every time a teacher needs to recreate a lesson from scratch because they can't access their old Smart Notebook files on a new device or after switching schools, precious planning time is wasted.

Time that could be spent refining instruction, providing feedback, or simply recharging is lost to technical limitations rather than educational improvement.

Why Preserving Your Lessons Matters More Than You Think

Building on past success

Your lesson plans are a record of what worked. That creative way you explained fractions using pizza slices? The interactive timeline that finally made the Civil War click for your students? These aren't just lessons—they're proven teaching strategies refined through real classroom experience.

When you preserve these materials in accessible formats, you create a foundation to build upon rather than starting from zero each year. Great lessons evolve over time, and preservation enables that evolution.

Creating a Personal Teaching Library

Experienced teachers know that great lessons evolve over time. By preserving your lesson plans in editable, accessible formats, you create a living library of resources that can be adapted, improved, and customized for different student needs.

This year's basic lesson becomes next year's differentiated masterpiece when you can actually access and modify your original work. The ability to iterate and improve depends on having accessible source material.

Supporting Student Review and Absent Learners

When lessons exist only in proprietary formats tied to specific classroom technology, students lose access to these materials the moment they leave your classroom. Preserved lessons in universal formats can be shared with students who were absent, need to review concepts at home, or want to revisit material before assessments.

This accessibility transforms one-time lessons into lasting learning resources that extend education beyond the classroom walls.

Collaboration and Sharing with Colleagues

Teaching doesn't happen in isolation. When your lessons are preserved in widely accessible formats, sharing best practices with colleagues becomes effortless. New teachers benefit from experienced educators' materials, grade-level teams can build cohesive curricula, and departments can ensure consistency across different sections of the same course.

The collective wisdom of a teaching team becomes accessible to all members when individual lessons can be easily shared and adapted.

Adapting to Changing Technology

Educational technology evolves rapidly. The interactive whiteboard software that was cutting-edge five years ago might be obsolete today. By preserving your lessons in flexible, platform-independent formats, you future-proof your teaching materials against technological change.

Your content remains valuable regardless of what hardware or software your next classroom might have. This technological independence ensures your pedagogical investments remain accessible.

Professional Portfolio Development

Your lesson plans represent your professional growth and expertise. Preserved in accessible formats, they become part of a teaching portfolio that can support job applications, professional development presentations, or National Board Certification.

They're concrete evidence of your instructional design skills and subject matter expertise, showcasing your ability to create engaging, effective educational experiences.

Making the Transition: Why Google Slides Makes Sense

Google Slides has emerged as a natural platform for educators looking to preserve and modernize their lesson materials. Its universal accessibility, collaborative features, and familiar interface make it an ideal destination for lessons previously locked in Smart Notebook files.

Unlike proprietary formats, Google Slides works on any device with internet access, automatically saves your work, and allows real-time collaboration with colleagues and students. Converting your Smart Notebook files preserves the interactive elements and visual design that made your original lessons effective while enabling future innovation and adaptation.

Preserving Your Teaching Materials

How do I access my SMART Notebook files without a SMART Board?
You'll need SMART Notebook software, which requires a paid subscription, or you can convert your files to universal formats like Google Slides or PowerPoint. Conversion ensures permanent access regardless of what technology your classroom has, while also making materials accessible to students and colleagues.
Can I share SMART Notebook lessons with students who don't have the software?
Not directly. SMART Notebook files only open in SMART software, creating accessibility barriers for students. Converting to Google Slides or PowerPoint makes lessons universally accessible, allowing students to review materials at home, catch up on missed classes, or study for assessments from any device.
What happens to my lesson plans if I no longer have SMART Notebook?
Without the software or conversion, your lesson plans become inaccessible digital artifacts. This is why many teachers convert their libraries before losing access—preserving years of pedagogical development in formats that work regardless of future technology changes.
How do I future-proof my teaching materials currently in SMART Notebook?
Convert to platform-independent formats like Google Slides, PowerPoint, or PDF. This ensures your carefully developed lessons remain accessible as technology evolves. Educational technology changes rapidly, but your teaching content has lasting value that shouldn't be locked to specific hardware or software.
Is it worth converting old SMART Notebook lessons I haven't used recently?
Absolutely. Those lessons represent refined teaching strategies and proven classroom content. What you haven't used in years might be perfect for new units, substitute teacher plans, or sharing with colleagues. Your past work often becomes valuable again as curriculum cycles or when new teachers join your department.
How do I preserve my lesson plans when switching schools or retiring?
Convert your SMART Notebook files to portable formats before leaving your current position. This ensures you can take your professional expertise with you, continue using proven materials in new contexts, or leave valuable resources for your replacement. Your teaching legacy shouldn't be trapped in proprietary files.
Can I edit converted lessons to adapt them for different classes?
Yes, this is one of the biggest advantages of conversion. Google Slides and PowerPoint allow full editing—you can modify content for different grade levels, update information, add new activities, or customize lessons for specific student needs. Static formats like PDF don't offer this flexibility.

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