Cloud-based solution leverages student devices, collaboration to develop 21st-century skills
Nureva, a collaboration solutions company, is launching two models of the Span classroom collaboration system, the WM210e and the WM220e.
Designed for use in classrooms, media centers and innovation labs, the Span classroom collaboration system draws upon familiar, simple and flexible tools already widely used in paper-based creative processes in the classroom including sticky notes, sketches, images, and flip charts.
The system uses a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model to enable collaboration on an expansive 40′ (12.2 m) digital canvas. Students create their input on their personal devices, either a computer or a tablet, and share it on the digital canvas in the cloud.
The single-projector WM210e model or dual-projector WM220e model transforms classroom walls into a 10′ or 20′ (3.1 m or 6.1 m) interactive panoramic workspace for small-group or whole-class collaboration on the digital canvas.
The Span system can aid in developing 21st-century skills including creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Students use their personal devices to capture their thoughts and when ready, they add these ideas to the shared virtual canvas that is accessed online and projected in panoramic view on a wall. A group or an entire class can then work together to classify, discuss, debate and refine ideas. Everyone’s contributions are visible, enabling all students to actively participate in discussions and learning. Best of all, collaboration doesn’t end when class does. One session can easily lead to further exploration, and students can continue to work on the canvases in real time from other computers, tablets or large-format interactive displays anywhere.
“Educators today are looking for solutions that make the most of the technology already in place in their schools,” said Nancy Knowlton, Nureva’s CEO. “The Span system addresses these needs while giving students the means to actively collaborate anytime, anywhere.”
Additional product details
Shared canvas
The canvas offers 40′ (12.2 m) of digital space (10′ [3.1 m] visible on the WM210e model and 20′ [6.1 m] visible on the WM220e model) that can be panned horizontally. Students and teachers contribute content in the form of notes, sketches, flip charts and images, and organize content by moving and grouping.
Devices and displays
A variety of apps are available for students and teachers to access the service using Span hardware as well as tablets (iOS 8.1+, Android™ 4.4+), laptops, Chromebooks™ and a variety of large-format displays, such as interactive whiteboards, interactive projectors and interactive flat-panel displays connected to computers (Chrome™ v.44+ and Windows® 8.1+).
Digital artifacts
Multiple types of digital artifacts can be created on a personal device or at the canvas:
Note – A digital 5″ x 3″ (12.7 x 7.6 cm) note allows students to enter up to four lines of text
Sketch – A digital 12″ x 9″ (30.5 x 22.9 cm) page for sketching comes with three different ink colors and an eraser
Flip chart – A large digital 30″ x 42″ (76.2 x 106.7 cm) flip chart for capturing notes and questions comes with three different ink colors, a highlighter and an eraser. One flip chart can contain multiple pages.
Image – Any screen capture, photo or stored image can be contributed to the canvas
Panoramic projectors
The HD panoramic projector creates an ultrawide display in a 16:6 aspect ratio at 3000 lumens. A contrast ratio of 1800:1 (native)/10,000:1 (APM) provides consistent, high-performance color and a rich viewing experience. Solid-state illumination (SSI) means instant-on/off and no costly bulbs to replace, delivering the same 25,000 hours of useful life as most flat-panel displays. Touch and pen interactivity are provided by a touch module at each projector, supporting simultaneous multiuser and multitouch activities.
Image-alignment module
The image-alignment module joins the two images of the two-projector WM220e model together through an on-screen alignment process performed at the time of installation to create one seamless 20′-wide (6.1 m) image.
Availability and pricing
Both the WM210e and the WM220e models are available today. Schools and districts that are interested in learning about pricing options for the service plan and hardware can email Nureva at sales@nureva.com, or call direct at 587.774.6647.
To learn more about the product features and specifications, visit www.nureva.com/span-classroom-collaboration-system.
Material from a press release was used in this report.
- Online learning programs increase student access, engagement - October 14, 2024
- School-based active shooter drills must improve, minimize trauma - October 14, 2024
- Students need clarity on their postsecondary pathways - October 11, 2024