Playing with Thunder

 Today I got a peek at Thunder from Polyvision (Steel Case) – they spin it as a “real time global collaboration system” – it’s an interesting way to share and create information. It pushes the boundaries of the desktop and/or wall space.

Their brochure will probably explain it better than I can, but a few highlights:

• It’s like having multiple whiteboard/flipcharts -- except digital.
• It displays anything you have on a computer: web, video, software, etc — as well external devices, such as DVDs, cell phone or on a document camera.
• It removes the barrier of space—people can connect, share, and control remotely.
• It support voice—via phone, Skype, microphone
• It looks cool!

I saw a demo at their headquarters, but Miami University (in Ohio, not the Hurricanes) offers Thunder in their library: read about it here.

While it might be a bit much for a group study room setting, it definitely has potential for the distance learning marketplace. And if you opt out of the projection system, it could be an interesting (but pricey) collaboration tool for library staff or campus wide. Add it to the wish list.