Imagine wireless laptops on school desks, 3D projectors and whiteboards that respond, and you are looking at the dream of the future classroom. In reality it isn't far beyond what already exists in schools today.

Department of Education Information Technology Manager, Anthony Outerbridge projects: "I see inexpensive hardy laptops, Elmo (3D projectors) and Smartboards used as standard tools in every classroom. "I see technology as so seamless and pervasive that a child will use it the way they pick up a pen and paper now.

"They will use technology so naturally without thinking about it; they will gravitate toward technology."

He believes it is less about what gadgets are available and more about how they are adopted into the school environment.

Is the virtual classroom a pending reality?

"I see a component of that," Mr. Outerbridge envisions. "For children who are ill for extended periods, they could tap into the virtual classroom by way of interactive webcams, for instance, but it won't be a replacement for the warmth of a teacher in the room."

He is adamant: "As with all technology, it is there to enhance our life and to offer options."

Another benefit might be to remove geographical distance when required, Mr. Outerbridge predicts:

"Different schools could participate in one centrally held lesson when there are insufficient teachers for a specialised subject."

i-Pods and e-books are likely to play a role in education of the future.

"Text books and other learning resources can be downloaded today," he says. "And we may soon see school districts developing content for download."

He believes that technology attracts students and keeps them interested:

"Instead of watching a music video, a student may choose to watch an instructional video on mammals from his or her i-Pod and, of course, the whole wireless experience means that learning can take place anywhere."

A snapshot of Bermuda's tech-savvy schools in 2008 shows promise for what the future might bring.