A breakdancing robot, green-screen studio and 'Surface' touch
sensitive computer are among the technologies we might see in the classrooms
of the future.

Reporter (on TV screen, surrounded by graphics) says "so where am I?
I'm inside the classroom of the future."

This is a biology lesson, where Microsoft's surface computer allows
students to see inside the human body.
OptiMusic uses light and sound to teach children about cause and
effect.
And this is Ed-E, the breakdancing humanoid robot math teacher.
Creator Jim Wyatt this little guy represents an important addition to the
educational arena.

Jim Wyatt, ED-e creator saying:
"Essentially, it's a really complicated 3D geometry problem. So
math you can look at the different angles and then in physics you can look at
things like centre of gravity and momentum. So we can use Ed-E as a
demonstrator that's fun and exciting and use him to engage kids in quite
complex subject areas."

And that's really what this event is all about. Staged by RM, the
leading supplier of information and communication technologies to UK
classrooms, 'Learning Spaces for the Future' is offering teachers and students
a chance to see what kind of technologies might be coming their way.

James, student, saying:
"It's really fun and interactive and good for schools."
Kelsea, student, saying:
"I feel the same. It's very futuristic."
REPORTER asks "So what exactly are you guys learning here?"
Mia, student saying:
"Well, the grey screen blocks out our bodies so you can only see our
heads in the camera."


RM spokeswoman Philippa Lee says all these technologies are about
achieving the same goal - to help enhance learning.

Philippa Lee, Educational Integration Manager, RM saying:
"There are things that technology can do that you can't do with
books or with a teacher explaining something."

And as for those who say that new-fangled teaching tools threaten to
distract children from the fundemantals, Lee disagrees.

Philippa Lee, Educational Integration Manager, RM saying:
"The really successful classroom is when teachers are making the
choice between technology is important in this lesson and it's not important
in this lesson."

So then - it's all about balance, something it turns out Ed-e the robot
has the ability to demonstrate with panache.

Matt Cowan, Reuters