2025 SCN Hall of Fame Inductee: David Martin

A Tale of Innovation: David Martin and Nancy Knowlton's Remarkable Journey

David Martin, a man of humble demeanor, boasts an impressive career that has earned him awards, accolades, and a place in the annals of education. This visionary, who has shared handshakes with U.S. presidents and received honors from a prince, is most recognized for the revolutionary device known as the SMART Board. And let's not forget his partner in crime, his wife Nancy Knowlton, another SCN Hall of Famer, who played a crucial role in this educational revolution.

Born an only child, Martin would spend his days outside, tinkering, building, and asking questions. This innate curiosity would shape his life, driving him to question, learn, and invent, from the kayak he built at 14 to the dune buggy at 16.

Martin's curiosity led him to a career at Bell Canada, where he was tasked with statistical analysis, network simulation, and extending existing networks. In the mid-80s, he found himself pondering a simple question: how could communication and collaboration with others via fax be made easier and more efficient?

After some experimentation and tinkering, Martin discovered a solution: real-time, interactive fax, displayed via technology. In 1987, the seeds of the SMART Board were planted. However, convincing others of its potential was no easy feat. As Martin put it, "When you're ahead of your time, it becomes difficult to explain to other people why this is so important."

Recognizing the SMART Board's true potential lay in the K-12 classroom, Martin and Knowlton's company, SMART Technologies, sold over 80% of its transformative solution to schools. In this way, SMART Technologies became more than a vendor; it became a partner in education. Knowlton, with her background in university lecturing and professorship, provided the connection to the teaching and learning process, further solidifying the SMART Board's impact on education.

Martin's honors, such as the Office to the Order of the British Empire from Prince William and Canada's Meritorious Service Medal, pale in comparison to the almost 2,000 employees at SMART Technologies who joined him in pushing new technology into new markets. For Martin, the warmth of a teacher's hug for making a difference in their life meant just as much as a handshake from a dignitary.

In 2014, Martin and Knowlton teamed up once more to found Nureva, revolutionizing audio conferencing in the workplace and classrooms in the new hybrid world. Their tale is far from over.

What sets Martin apart is the partnership he's enjoyed with his wife for nearly four decades. "If you're going to build a significant company, you need more than one person," Martin said. "Nancy has often been described as the smartest person in the room, and that's for good reason. She comes to the table with an array of business credentials and experience that are hard to match. I come with my technology background, but an understanding of the other pieces to the puzzle in terms of marketing and go-to-market."

Together, they make arguably the best and most likeable power couple in Pro AV lore. And their story is far from complete. Martin encourages young innovators to combine existing pieces to create something new, hoping that the next generation will continue to change the world like he and Knowlton have.

"We did change the world," Martin said. "Not many people can take that away from their experience and their business career."

The Interactive Whiteboard Revolution: SMART Boards in Education

SMART Boards, interactive whiteboards that have become staples in educational settings, revolutionized teaching and learning by providing an innovative platform for interactive lessons, digital annotation, and enhanced student engagement. Despite the rise of digital tools and tablets, SMART Boards remain relevant in many educational settings due to their ability to offer a centralized platform for classroom activities.

The impact of SMART Boards on education is significant:- Enhanced Engagement: By providing interactive and dynamic learning experiences, SMART Boards help increase student engagement.- Improved Accessibility: SMART Boards can connect with various devices, making it easier for students with disabilities to participate.- Collaborative Learning: SMART Boards facilitate group work and collaboration among students.

As technology continues to evolve, SMART Boards have integrated AI and virtual reality to further enhance educational experiences. Whether it's David Martin and Nancy Knowlton's specific SMART Board initiative or project, their overall role in revolutionizing education through technology is indisputable.

In the realm of business and entrepreneurship, David Martin and his partner, Nancy Knowlton, have made a significant impact through their innovative products, most notably the SMART Board. This interactive whiteboard has revolutionized education by offering an interactive and dynamic platform for learning, enhancing student engagement and facilitating collaborative learning (The Interactive Whiteboard Revolution: SMART Boards in Education). With their combined skills in technology, marketing, and finance, they have successfully navigated various markets, partnering with numerous schools and businesses to deliver their products (A Tale of Innovation: David Martin and Nancy Knowlton's Remarkable Journey). David Martin's vision has extended beyond the creation of the SMART Board, as he and Nancy continue to drive change in the educational sector through their venture, Nureva, which has revolutionized audio conferencing in the new hybrid world.