Testing touchscreen tables in classrooms
By Heather Kelly, CNN
(CNN) - Forget tiny iPads – the classrooms of the future might turn entire tables into interactive touchscreens.
Given that many children can sit rapturously before a glowing touchscreen for hours, such gadgets seem like a natural for the classroom. But as with any new teaching technology, it's important to make sure it actually helps students learn and teachers teach before getting caught up in its "cool" factor.
A recent study by researchers at Newcastle University in the UK took touchscreen tables into the classroom for some hands-on tests and found the technology (and training) still have to improve before they are fully effective. The researchers say theirs is one of the first studies of this type of technology in actual classrooms, instead of lab situations.
The tables were used in real classrooms over the course of six weeks for lessons in geography, English and history. The five teachers involved in the study prepared the projects based on what the kids were currently learning in class. Each table was used by two to four students at a time, though the table's creators say it can hold up to six students. On the screen were a collaborative writing program and an app called Digital Mysteries, which were designed specifically for large tabletop PCs.
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Quintin Bell is crazy!!!!!!!!!
i would love to be able to do this i am a sixth grader in brick church middle school so please let mrs. wheelers class because i have always wanted one thanks!!!!!
i wish brick church middle school could do this please do it for mrs. wheelers homeroom! we would really appreciate it i would love to expirience this thanks i am a sixth grader and always wanted one
sorry for posting it twice i just really love the idea and would love to expirience it
MAY THE LORD HELP US BE ABLE TO DO I T
Those touch screen tables are a smart idea. BUT. They should require it in a more mature grade level. Instead of all grade levels. Some students are immature, and wouldn't use it for educational things.
That's so beautiful and I think will have a great impact to students' learning.