CES is going on currently, and as such there’s lots of great new tech being introduced out there. One that caught my eye is a research concept by Philips called the Entertaible. It’s basically a large LCD touch screen, but supports many concurrent inputs at the same time.
They’re looking to use it for things like board games (and something like Risk would definitely be fun to play on it), but I can see it having interesting educational applications as well. Certainly if implimented correctly it could be a great alternative interface for something like the Dialog Table. From the press release:
While the concept of a multi-user digital table is not new, previous solutions have utilized complex arrangements of overhead cameras and dimmed lighting that detract from the user experience. The Philips Entertaible, however, is based on a series of infrared LEDs and photodiodes discretely mounted around the perimeter of an LCD screen. It requires no special lighting conditions or other equipment and is entirely 'hand' operated by touch alone. Entertaible can simultaneously detect dozens of objects, including fingers.
Sounds promising.