Researchers designing and testing the ‘classroom of the
future’ have found that multi-touch, multi-user desks can boost skills in
mathematics.
New results from a 3-year project working with over 400
pupils, mostly 8-10 year olds, show that collaborative learning increases both
fluency and flexibility in maths. It also shows that using an interactive
‘smart’ desk can have benefits over doing mathematics on paper.
Using multi-touch desks in the new classroom, the children
were able to work together in new ways to solve and answer questions and
problems using inventive solutions. Seeing what your friends are doing, and
being able to fully participate in group activities, offers new ways of working
in class, the researchers say.