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42% of getS.E.T.go! readers think that the development of a 3D touch screen is a great idea and an exciting development for science. |
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17% are indifferent. |
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40% think it’s a waste of money and a gimmick. |
It is estimated that South Africa’s new Science & Technology Train, which is currently under development, will reach 14 000 learners each year.
Transnet Rail Engineering at Koedoespoort will complete the train’s renovations.
What would you like to learn today?
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Tony Dhlamini and Mixo Marilele of SAASTA exploring the new Public Understanding of Biotechnology 3D touch screen. |
Put on your lab coat and safety glasses because it’s time to step into the world of biotechnology. Once inside make sure you hold onto your notebook tightly because you are about to be whisked away to many fascinating places, where you will conduct experiments with a laboratory scientist, visit a herbal market, see how DNA is collected at a crime scene, and much more.
In the previous issue of getS.E.T.go! we reported on the new 3D touch-screen application that was commissioned by the Pubic Understanding of Biotechnology (PUB) programme at SAASTA. The PUB programme subsequently extended a call to science centres to submit proposals for hosting this high-tech resource.
Production of this resource involved 3D filming of various biotechnology fields, with experts in their actual workplace explaining their work and providing career and other information. The film was then used to produce a touch-screen application that will allow users to navigate through laboratories and other workplaces, accessing and exploring the information as needed - making this interface so innovative.
With the touch screen the user will be able to experience the scientific environment without actually physically being there, and the information is accessed according to the level of growing curiosity, as opposed to the user being bombarded with information.
Centres hosting the touch screens will also be required to organise biotechnology activities for visitors to their institutions. The PUB programme has earmarked funds to support projects and activities that will be implemented at science centres around South Africa.