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Putting the Collab in Collaboration; CBT/SMARTdesks’ Triangular Learning Studio Pods Enable Engaging Collaborative Learning Process Through Interaction and Technology

LINTHICUM, Md. — Oct. 20, 2009 — CBT/SMARTdesks, the leading supplier of computer classroom and conference room furniture, today introduced the company’s new Collab™ learning studio pods — interactive conference tables shaped for the group dynamics of collaborative learning. To promote data sharing and unique interactions among students and the instructor, the triangular desks are equipped with CBT/SMARTdesks’ exclusive flipIT® laptop safes for permanently installed laptops, a pop-up data/power port for students’ personal laptops, and easy-to-access wire management. As a learning studio resource, CBT/SMARTdesks works with a school’s IT department or integrator to customize the desks to meet a classroom’s specific needs, such as integrating with A/V systems via a desk-mounted touchpanel controller.

Collab pods bring a number of benefits to the learning studio environment. The triangular desks promote student engagement and encourage participation through the forming of ad hoc groups. The availability of networked laptops and A/V integration gives faculty the freedom and tools to use a variety of teaching styles, and provides students with access to the Internet and online course materials needed for independent study.

"CBT/SMARTdesks has long been a proponent of the learning studio concept and feels there are numerous benefits in spaces that make use of flexible student arrangements. We are excited to introduce our Collab pods as another tool for schools to use in collaborative learning," said Jeffrey Korber, president of CBT/SMARTdesks. "The key for learning studio collaboration is universal design, which allows flexible, ad hoc groups to form. This is exactly what Collab pods provide, in addition to their capabilities for networked laptops and A/V integration, which puts the technology students need for collaboration right at their fingertips."

Designed for multi-use teaching methods, Collab pods feature six flipIT laptop safes, which allow permanently installed laptops to remain connected and charging at all times, even as the safes stow and lock laptops away, out of sight, when not in use. For students wishing to use their own laptops, a pop-up data/power port in the center of the table features four RJ45 and four 110-V outlets. All power and network connections are housed in an 18-inch steel column, which both supports the pod tables and provides easy access to wiring for IT via an 8-inch by 20-inch access hatch.

Already making appearances at universities across the nation and around the world, CBT/SMARTdesks’ Collab learning studio pods are available now.

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About CBT/SMARTdesks
CBT Supply Inc. designs and supplies ergonomic computer furniture, seating, and accessories for education and corporate environments, such as electronic classrooms or corporate boardrooms. Facilitating multimedia instruction, computer training, and interactive learning, SMARTdesks’ furniture offerings include desktop and laptop tables; computer conference tables, podiums, and cable connection boxes; ergonomic task, stack, and tablet arm chairs; and ergonomic keyboard supports, CPU holders, and media storage cabinets.

SMARTdesks combines the benefits of 24/7 e-commerce with impeccable, conscientious, and responsive customer service to provide a one-stop solution for educators, corporate trainers, and government clients, collaborating to deliver the finest learning environments possible. SMARTdesks’ free classroom planning helps ensure a productive, safe, and healthy classroom experience for instructors and students alike.

For additional information on CBT/SMARTdesks and its innovative classroom and conference room solutions, please visit www.SMARTdesks.com [1].

All trademarks and registered trademarks mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners.

ENDS