Category Archives: Planning

Evolution of the shape, space & furnishings

Gesture table

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Our gesture table required a touch of design work.  Similar interactive tables from commercial vendors run anywhere from $7000 to $9000.  Our interest in the gesture table was curiosity into other options for interactive whiteboards.

We designed our own table to accommodate the launch of Kick Start’s – Leap Motion controller (https://www.leapmotion.com/), recognizing we needed something functional and affordable.  We were also eager to explore what appeared to be the next, best human / computer interface – gesture.  Input has evolved from typed in DOS commands, to the mouse / GUI interface, to now a motion controller (http://www.sensomatic.com/chz/gui/history.html)

We designed and built the table before we actually saw / had the Leap Motion controller – so, it was a leap of faith, so to speak.

Working with our industry friend, Total Office Solutions, Ian, Roy and I were designed a table to support a 52″ LED TV and mount a Mac Mini.

The mounting bracket was order through Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Maccuff-Mini-Vesa-Mounting-Models/dp/B0043IA6J0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1366730624&sr=8-3&keywords=mac+mini+mounting+bracket).

 

 

Once designed and delivered to EME 1123, our IT Services techs assisted up while putting the pieces together.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Computer inputs are controlled conventionally by a keyboard and mouse or more interestingly by the Leap Motion Controller (https://www.leapmotion.com/).

Gesture table now resides in EME 1123 — the classroom / learning lab of the ILC.

Over the past term, we have explored the basics of the Leap Motion Controller (LMC) and gesture table using some basic apps – a combination of free and commercial apps. Through blogs and colleagues’ suggestions, we have increased our personal library, and we have discussed the possibility working with computer science students to create apps using the development tools.
In addition to our observation of users within the learning lab, participants in our ongoing research of the EME 1123 of learning environment design have provided us with valuable feedback as to how they have used the gesture table during their time in the classroom / learning lab.

Based on their feedback and our commitment to ongoing development of the gesture table, we have added a sound bar to boost both the audio volume and sound quality.

Another suggestion was that we move the table to the middle of the learning lab rather than keeping it against a wall where we had originally placed it.  Participants suggested moving it away from the wall would  encourage group interaction and foster larger group collaboration by using the Air Play option to project gesture table content.

Further, one participant has this to say:

The gesture table gave our student with special needs the chance to participate in a game using the leap motion controller. With headphones and apps designed for the Leap Motion Controller, this student would be able to work independently at the gesture table or with a group of students while others in the class worked on tablets or laptops. ~ Participant ILC_D473638_1

We look forward to further adaptations and discussions as we explore the how, what and why of our gesture table.

Next steps for us include

  • encouraging our Music instructor to try the range of conducting, instrument, sound apps with  Bachelor of Education students and
  • continuing to explore appropriate uses of the gesture table with English for Professional Purposes students.

Wolcott High School

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From Gianpaolo Versace @ Steelcase

Attached are some images of a recent project we did at a high school in the US. This high school dedicated to students with dyslexia and other language-based learning disorders. You can find more information by clicking HERE.

Another really interested school project we were involved with was The Academy at Opry Mills in Tennessee. They offer a degree completion program for students that are a few credits shy of a high school diploma. This school is inside a shopping mall. Click HERE for the video.

ICT purchase ideas

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Hi Susan!

As per our discussion last week here is a list of items for the Computers/AV in EME 1123:

Projector: ($1892)
1 x NEC NP-U310W-WK1 (includes mount) – $1,165
1 x Apple TV for projector – $109
1 x Extron SI 26CT Speakers – $262
1 x Extron MPA 152 Amplifier for speakers – $206
1 x Kramer wall plate with VGA for legacy connections – $150

Computers: ($7899)
3 x iMac 27” 3.4GHz i7, 8GB DDR3 RAM, 1TB Drive, Radeon HD 6970M 1GB, Applecare – ($2,308 x 3) = $6,924
3 x iMac Vesa mount adapters – ($45 x 3) = $135
3 x Kramer 1Gang wall plate with two WU-AB USB plates (Provides two USB ports in the wall for students) – ($80 x 3) = $240
I will need to find a mount that will adapt to the in-wall boxes in the south wall. I don’t have the manufacturer of those boxes in my notes to make sure I can find the plate. Guesstimate of about $200 each for $600 total.

Media Table: (Size depends on table decided, appx $2100 upper limit for AV gear)
1 x 50” Panasonic Plasma TH-50PF30U – $1,641
or
1 x 46” NEC LED Display X461S – $1,499
or
1 x 47” Panasonic TH 47LF5U – $949
and
1 x Extron SI 26CT Speakers – $262
1 x Extron MPA 152 Amplifier for speakers – $206
1 x Apple TV for Display – $109

All in all it is looking like $11,000 for the Computers and  AV gear. This allows for an ultra short-throw projector to have VGA input from the wall plate and Apple TV for Airplay mirroring of the iMacs or of any other iOS devices that can connect to the network in the room. The sound will be through ceiling speakers above the area in front of the projector. The display will have a similar setup, with cables for connecting VGA if needed as well as an Apple TV for airplay to the screen. Sound as well will be through ceiling speakers above the area.

Let me know if you have any concerns or wish to discuss any alterations to this.

Thanx!
Paul