newly ancient

Microsoft Surface looks just plain awesome. Of course, the concept of multitouch isn’t new at all. However, the part I particularly like is how everything around is understandable by the surface. Drinks, cameras, and credit cards could all be understood by the surface. Unfortunately, widespread availability and adoption of these technologies will take at least 5 years. However, what if we got this kind of technology into the classroom? Just think, the art class gathers around and draws on it. In science, you could dissect the toad on the table… only, when each part is layed out, information and a microscopic view of it is presented. The best part of all is that the interface is extremely intuitive. Art teaches can draw in the way they are used to and science teachers can teach the lesson - just using the surface as a table. Magically, the surface will add all the extra information and allow for advanced lessons. In fact, I would rather see every classroom having a surface than every student having a laptop… Maybe Microsoft will get on board with the effort and offer installation and discounts for schools. Doing so would boost Microsoft’s low public image - particularly after the underwhelming Vista. If we can get surface technologies into classrooms, the possibilities are endless.