Durham University in the U.K.says its researchers have developed an interactive classroom that features desks described as being iPhone-like (see a video of these touchscreen desks here)
The SynergyNet system created by the school's Technology-Enhanced Learning Research Group is designed to encourage more interactive problem solving during classes. The system exploits infrared light to enable a touchscreen surface on desks that can be used by multiple students or teachers and students at once. The desks are networked to a main smartboard in the classroom.
Dr. Liz Burd, director of active learning in computing at Durham, says in a statement: "Our vision is that every desk in school in 10 years time will be interactive. IT in schools is an exciting prospect - our system is very similar to the type of interface shown as a vision of the future in the TV series Star Trek!
The school plans to make the technology behind SynergyNet freely available as open source software once it runs further tests over the next 4 years.
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