In 2008, Smart Technologies introduced the first multi-touch, multi-user device for teaching early childhood skills (Biggs, 2008). This table allows pre-school and elementary students to work together simulatneously on its surface. The table is very simple to use and most students can begin to navigate it without instructions.
This emergent technology is impacting early childhood education by bringing a multi-modality approach to many early learning concepts. Students use their hands to complete interactive learning activities and games, while developing skills in reading, counting and visual spatial awareness (Biggs, 2008). One problem associated with the Smart Table is the cost. At a cost of $7,000, many school districts can not afford to put one in every early childhood classroom. It is more expensive than the average interactive whiteboard.
The Smart Table is a collaborative learning where students come together to work on a variety of skills and concepts. It comes with several applications already installed that are customizable to classroom needs. Teachers can also access lesson activities created and shared by other teachers to use in their classroom from the SmartTech website. The Smart Table is still a fairly new technology and as time goes on, the price will hopefully go down making it more accessible to all schools.
Biggs, J. (2008). Smart table: You know, for kids. Retrieved from
http://www.crunchgear.com/2008/10/21/smart-table-you-know-for-kids/.
