What these MIT students have invented is very interesting. They essentially have turned everyday objects into touchpads. They developed a kit called MakeyMakey that can turn fruit, animals and even humans into keyboards. The kit contains a USB cable and a bespoke circuit board with alligator clips attached to it. The circuit board is programmed to replace a standard computer keyboard. Once the board has been connected to a PC or laptop via USB, the alligator clips can be linked to any object that conducts electricity. You might think that hooking yourself or your pet up to wires could be a bit dangerous but one of the inventors said that the amount of current used in the equipment was very small and not detectable when the kit was connected to the human body or animals. One very impressive use for the kit was that a father turned it into a computer interface for his son who is suffering from cerebral palsy. Because of the fun nature of the kit, it appeals very easily to kids. For example, a little four year old girl was able to properly set up the kit and use it for her entertainment, proving that the kit is very easy to use. This definitely allows for the potential of these kits to be used to educate young kids about science and technology in a more fun and engaging way. The project has already received more than $440,000 in funding. I think it’s a really entertaining invention and could be seen in classrooms in the future.
Be sure to check out the video, it’s pretty cool.
http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-18303012
Home 
Sat Jun 09, 2012 10:59 pm