The Microsoft Surface tabletop computer, located in the University Grounds Coffee Shop across from the IUS Bookstore, has some students captivated with just the touch of the finger.
Ruth Garvey-Nix, vice chancellor of Student Affairs, said she first encountered the tabletop computers in the lobby of the Hyatt Hotel while attending a conference in Chicago, Ill., along with Seuth Chaleunphonh, dean of Student Life.
Chaleunphonh said he thought students would enjoy the tables because of the unique gaming features and stylish design but thought they were a little pricey with a price tag around $15,000.
Garvey-Nix said they decided to purchase one of the tabletop computers as a tester to see how it held up and if students responded well to it.
Money from the Student Activity Fee funded the table by using a fund known as one-time allocations, a balance of unused extra money.
“[It’s] a reason for students to hang out and want to get involved,” Garvey-Nix said.
She said the Game Room has helped in creating a community feeling.
The tabletop computer is a Microsoft product designed to respond to natural human hand gestures and real-world objects, creating a social experience for students to interact with digital media in an intuitive, innovative way.
Danny Clements, Information Technology Help Desk lead, installed the software. He said the table was easy to program.
“It took only a day to learn how to program,” Clements said. “It has an easy learning curve.”
Clements said the tabletop computer came preloaded with specifics, and he added Microsoft applications to the table.
Some of the features of the tabletop computer are:
• Microsoft Concierge, an interactive map that allows students to highlight locations and attractions in the area of the tabletop computer.
• Microsoft Music and Photo, where students can share and browse through photos and enjoy listening to music.
• Microsoft Games, where the games included are the classic games like chess and checkers.
• Students can upload music and photos to the computer with their Bluetooth-capable phones.
Clements said, as of now, the tabletop computer is only capable of the Microsoft applications uploaded to the computer.
“I think the table puts us ahead of the curve as far as already having the table,” Clements said.
He said, since IU Southeast already owns the table, it will be easy to program when new applications become available, and he said he believes it could have educational resources available for students in the future.
The tabletop computer uses cameras and image recognition in an infrared spectrum so the computer will be able to recognize different objects, such as fingers and shapes.
Corbett said she thinks it may have been too expensive.
“I think it’s neat, but, if it’s that expensive, it’s not worth it,” Corbett said.
Garvey-Nix said if the tabletop computer is a hit — and durable — they would consider distributing them elsewhere on campus. She said it would be nice to have different tabletop computers set up in different locations.
By JASON RUSSELL
Staff
jasoruss@ius.edu
