December 2005 — Smart Classroom

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Plasmas: A New Angle on Learning

by Neal Starkman

Their superior images, enhanced sightlines, and diverse educational benefits have led to the soaring popularity of plasma monitors in the K-12 market.

THERE ARE NO DO-OVERS in journalism—only retractions. What’s been written stays written. But if I could, I’d withdraw what I wrote a year ago in an article on plasma displays for T.H.E. Focus (thejournal.com/thefocus/featureprintversion.cfm?newsid=40). Then, I couldn’t contain my enthusiasm. As it turns out, though, I showed too much restraint.

The images coming from plasma monitors a year ago were stunning—clear and rich, with millions of pixels filled with gases giving off ultraviolet rays corresponding to millions of colors. Screens had outgrown 60 inches and viewing angles were exceeding 160 degrees; you could sit at the side of it and still see a great picture. Plasma monitors could be hooked up to computers and used for showing what was on the Internet, for making PowerPoint presentations, or for doing just about anything that your computer monitor at home does. I thought it was nothing less than a techno-pedagogical breakthrough.

I wasn’t the only one. Researcher Prakash Nair wrote in his article, “Planning Technology-Friendly School Buildings” (School Planning and Management, October 2003, www.prakashnairconsulting.com/TechToday.htm): “Modern plasma screens (preferably 42” high-definition compatible) are superior to their old 32” analog TV counterparts. They are easy to install, have a wider angle of view, text-based programs are more visible and readable, they can be connected to the school network and to the Internet, receive HDTV signals, produce less heat, can serve as information hubs that carry programming throughout the school or to selected locations, and instantly connect the classroom to people and places worldwide.”