Posted by Meredith on Monday, Jun 2, 2014
The Iowa City Public Library’s introduced its newest piece of technology – an interactive touch table described as a table-sized iPad – to its youngest patrons today.
“The Ideum PLATFORM 55 is the final piece of the Children’s Room technology update," Information Technology Coordinator Brent Palmer says. "It is an exciting piece of technology, but there isn't that much ready-made software that would take advantage of its features."
Palmer has contacted local software developers and student groups to build custom applications for ages six through 12 that are multi-touch, multi-player, and easy to operate. The vision for this table is that it will foster collaborative fun and exploration.
“On one level, the table will bring kids together in the Children’s Room but on another level, it will bring the community together as we determine what people want this technology to do,” Palmer says.
University of Iowa's EPX Studio and indie developer Virtually Competent have already produced prototypes of custom apps for the table. Palmer is facilitating partnerships with groups and individuals, including a possible Hackathon with Iowa Tech Chicks and the Library’s CoderDojo group later this summer.
If you have an idea or want to help build something for the table, contact Brent Palmer at brent-palmer@icpl.org.