Panasonic anticipates new trends in education at BETT 2011

Among the novelties that Panasonic will show at BETT 2011, the UB-T880 interactive whiteboard stands out, on which up to three students can work simultaneously, and handle objects both with their fingers and with the electronic pencil. The company will also demonstrate the new voting systems, wireless sound and its new 85-inch 3D screen.

Panasonic will show what the classrooms of the future will look like at BETT 2011, the training technology fair that will take place from the 12th to the 15th in London, with its new catalog of technologies designed to help teachers teach in a more effective and entertaining way.

The sample, which teachers and students can try, includes twelve Panasonic UB-T880 touch interactive whiteboards, which can be used by three students simultaneously and recognize multiple data entries or gestures such as zoom, scroll or rotate.

“Until recently, touch interfaces on interactive whiteboards were limited by the number of students who could operate them simultaneously, which could be frustrating for students and teachers,” said Brennan Peyton, CEO of Panasonic Imaging Group.

Panasonic will also show the new electronic voting system for students, the new wireless infrared sound systems, and an interactive tablet that integrates with the whiteboard. These audio and video learning tools, as well as other video conferencing solutions, will contribute to the development of interest on the part of the class.

Along with all this hardware, Panasonic will demonstrate its new Easiteach software package, compatible with any interactive whiteboard from any manufacturer. This software allows teachers to share content regardless of the technological platform on which they work.

Peyton added that "our philosophy at Panasonic is to focus on the progress and development of society through our business. Our advances in education contribute to this goal by providing teaching professionals with tools to maximize their students' learning. We do not want to restrict teachers with an interactive whiteboard that uses closed software. Instead, we intend to become a platform on which other companies can create their own solutions."

One of the applications in the sample, Pop4Schools, provides students under twelve years of age with the possibility of learning about the work of major record companies and composing their own song to download or burn on a CD. Thanks to this software, students gain a better understanding of how pop music is produced while expanding knowledge for their curriculum.

Panasonic will also show its new 85-inch television to demonstrate how 3D technologies can enrich classroom content.