Daniel Zatz, Product Manager and Luke McGoldrick, Account Executive

ABSTRACT

Evolution of technology for collaboration

Remember when collaboration meant 5 people sitting in a room brainstorming and sharing ideas? How times have changed. Now collaboration means 35 people sitting at their desk, at 28 different locations around the world, sharing ideas and information over the internet using a webcam while simultaneously working on 2 spreadsheets, a slide deck and checking email. The humble business computer has had to evolve beyond the office work horse to include features to enable collaboration, performance computing, real time communication and the ability for multiple parties to simultaneously interact with information and data. And all this while trying to lessen our impact on the environment.

Lenovo has been hard at work developing desktop, notebook and mobile computers that are designed to meet the many requirements of not only large businesses, but also education, government and small business users. Lenovo has also recently announced a new program called the Education Research Initiative (ERI). The ERI recognises that while educational institutions have embraced using technology such as laptops, multimedia materials and interactive whiteboards over the past decade to help students develop 21st-century skills, streamline operations, and connect administrators; a more complete view of the role and impact of technology in all aspects of the learning environment is needed. Through collaboration best practices can be replicated. This presentation will offer a brief look at the evolution of the business computer and how Lenovo technology can be used to enable both students and teachers to share and interact with information to enhance their learning and teaching experience. It will also present an overview of the Education Research Initiative.