Communications of the ACM
Star Trek Classroom: The Next Generation of School Desks
Several students can use the multi-touch desk at once.
Credit: CellPhoneHits.net
Durham University researchers are developing NumberNet, a multi-touch, multi-user classroom desk that can boost students' math skills. The desk has shown that collaborative learning increases both fluency and flexibility in math, and that using an interactive smart desk can have benefits over doing math on paper.
The researchers found that 45 percent of students who used NumberNet increased in the number of unique mathematical expressions they created after using NumberNet, compared to 16 percent of students in the traditional paper-based activity.
The Durham researchers designed software and desks that recognize multiple touches on the desktop using vision systems that see infrared light. The technology allows all students to participate instead of one individual dominating the lesson. The system includes a live feed of the desks that goes directly to the teacher, who can intervene if one student is struggling while allowing the group work to continue.
"Technology like this has enormous potential for teaching as it can help the teacher to manage and to orchestrate the learning of individuals and groups of learners to ensure they are both challenged and supported so that they can learn effectively," says Durham professor Steve Higgins.
From Durham University
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