A Science Fiction Desk May Be In Schools In The Near Future

When our grandkids hit the school trails they may be seating at desks that would look right in a Star Trek movie. The interactive multi-touch desk is designed to look and work like an Apple iPhone.

Designed by Durham University the desks will change the educational experience for the kids using them. All of the classroom desks are networked to the teacher's console. Using infrared light the desk is able to recognise multiple touches. This enables several children to work together. One impressive feature is the desk can tolerate grubby fingers, a plus in the primary school setting. The Guardian reports:

The system of interactive classrooms, SynergyNet, will boost equal access in schools, Dr Liz Burd, who led the university's Technology-Enhanced Learning (TEL) group claimed. "In IT, we have found that males have been the dominant actors. Interactive classrooms will encourage more females to take part in lessons.

"It will also enable more disabled students to participate in lessons and allow personalised learning."

At this time the cost of the desks are holding school systems back from being able to use them. At 8000 pound they are simply to expensive to make it into a classroom near you. In the future though as they move into general manufacture they the cost will decrease to about 1,000 pound. The software needed for the consoles and desks will be available to schools for free. Over the next four years Durham will be testing their design in primary and secondary schools. Tests are also planned at the university level.