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Education with nsquared Part Two

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We've had great comments on the blog in regards to my previous post about Microsoft Surface in education. Please keep the discussion coming!

I wanted to share with you another cut of the education demo with nsquared. It covers some topics that were brought up in the comments. The simplicity of the letters and numbers is meant to be part of guided learning by an educator. Using a PC is generally a solo application where the PC guides the learner through the exercise. Microsoft Surface can do this too. In the case of Dr. Neil's Letters and Numbers, the system is open to allow the educator to provide the guidance for groups of students to interact with on Microsoft Surface.

The video below also speaks about using objects on Microsoft Surface and taking content into different contexts or platforms. There may be situations where group activities or labs would be completed on Microsoft Surface and individuals would take back homework to their desks or home PC. I personally don't think that Microsoft Surface spells the end for interactive whiteboards. There is a place for instructor led computing on a vertical form factor. The horizontal form factor and screen size also represent a intential design for multiple users in a social setting. However, Microsoft Surface does allow the instructor to face the class and interact while displaying the output on a vertical screen. 

Lastly, I'll leave you with a link to a post about Finguistics, which was shown at BETT. I will see what I can do to shoot a video of this application as well.

I know a number of readers are very passionate about education. Please provide feedback or start discussion in the comments on the blog.
Eric

Comments

  • Anonymous
    January 20, 2009
    If you want to pop a Surface in the post I'll quite happily do a video of Finguistics for you ;-)

  • Anonymous
    January 21, 2009
    The comment has been removed

  • Anonymous
    January 28, 2009
    I was thinking about the use of the Microsoft Surface with educating young children.  I think the visual-spatial qualities lend themselves well to young minds.  My only fear, I realized is that young bodies might not be tall enough or have long enough arms to reach across the table.  I'm a cognitive development researcher and before I start pursuing this path, have you ever tested the Surface with young children?  How young?

  • Anonymous
    January 29, 2009
    Any joy on getting a video of Finguistics? Every other app seems to be getting some Channel 10 love :-) @MKibrick : The Surface is probably slightly lower than a "normal" desk (you can happily use it sat down). I've seen "old" kids use it (8-12 ish), but I don't think there would be too many problems for kids 6+ or so. Not a very scientific answer I know :-)

  • Anonymous
    January 30, 2009
    I have kids who were 3 and 5 when I started working on the Microsoft Surface team, and they had no problems with the hardware. There's great intention with the screen size, making sure that it's not too small and not too big for adults to use. But it's also great for kids. I'll see if I can find some right-sized photos lying about.

  • Anonymous
    February 19, 2009
    The comment has been removed