HATCH Smart Table

Water and sand tables are popular destinations for young children in any early childhood centers; but what about gathering around an interactive screen? First released in the Fall of 2008 in limited quantities, the Smart Table Interactive Learning Center is specifically designed for preschool and elementary age children (4-to 11 years).
The multi-tech surface makes it possible for groups of children to gather around and simultaneously work or play together on projects such as shape puzzles, finger painting and so on. Children could answer questions by dragging the correct answer to a central image, touch and find hot spots, or freely scribble using virtual finger paint. There are six applications - Multiple Choice, HotSpots, Paint, Media, Addition, and Puzzle. The applications include customizable activities for early primary students.
Priced at $8000, the table consists of a Windows computer hidden in the base running SMARTs DViT (Digital Vision Touch) technology. The 27-inch screen (measured diagonally) can detect 40 simultaneous touches from either fingers or tools. Because it uses cameras instead of membranes or electromagnetic energy, there is no risk of damaging the hardened plastic screen. Standing 25 inches from the floor, the table is designed for small groups to work around without crowding, and all software is preloaded, although a toolkit is included that allows teachers using either a Macintosh or Windows computer to create custom lessons. Features include gesture recognition, or the ability to detect hand motions that allow the images to slide, spin, enlarge or shrink. We have not yet tested this table. Visit http://www2.smarttech.com/st/en-US/Products/SMART+Table/All+features for more information. The product is distributed in the US by HATCH technologies. At NAEYC 2009, a version was shown hooked to a document camera, creating a powerful creative experience.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• childrenstech
• smart
• table
• math
• logic
• learning
• technology
• early
• childhood
• education
• NAEYC