Does your child feel little flushed when you ask him to do his math’s homework? Does he/she take too long to solve even the simplest puzzle? Help your kid overcome his fear for mathematics with SynergyNet project’s NumberNet desks. Designed by Durham University experts, this high-technology, multi-user multi-touch networked desk technology will help your kid boost up his learning and fluency in mathematics.
Named as ‘Star Trek Classroom’, this smart system of classroom is powered by multi-touch desks that enable children to do their math and solve puzzles in an innovative and creative way. The ‘smart’ desks improve your child’s participation in group activities through which they can share their knowledge and find solutions to their problems. A number of students can use a single desk at a particular time.
The NumberNet desks have been tested during a three-year SynergyNet project, which was conducted by Britain’s Durham University. Researchers have tested the multi-touch desks with over 400 students and found that these desks have helped students improve their ability to solve mathematical questions by grouping together on a large platform, rather than doing their sums individually on multiple sheet of paper.
How do the high-tech desks work?
The high-tech desks have been designed to respond to multiple touches on its desktop through infrared lights. The desks, built into the existing furniture in the classroom, are networked and linked to the main smartboard, which is controlled by a teacher. So, a teacher can use the screen for delivering lectures, see real-time work flow, and monitor if a group of students are solving their puzzles correctly. The teacher can also send a new assignment to a particular group of student, send a work of one team to the other, or discuss a particular problem with the entire class by bringing the main smartboard in front of the class for discussion. Thus, the main smartboard offers new opportunities to enhance teacher-student interaction.
What to expect?
The NumberNet will help to improve the mathematical problem solving ability. During the project, the researchers found up to 45% increase in the number of unique mathematical expressions that the students created after using NumberNet. This is due to the fact that NumberNet encourages students to participate and collaborate more effectively, which enhances their understanding of mathematical concepts. Mathematics is just one arena, the NumberNet desks can be used to teach other subjects as well.
How soon will NumberNet revolutionize present-day classrooms?
 Though these touch-based high-tech desks look very promising, you might need to wait for some time before you can actually expect this technology revolutionizing your near-by schools. The project is under-way and scientists are working to bring down the cost of expensive set up and the technical support these high-tech desks demand.
By Harmeet
