This paper aims to propose an affordable and new design of interactive table (ITB) and examines collaboration of students when using ITB-based setting compared with a traditional technology of computer-based setting. The evaluation results show that when students working collaboratively with 2 types of shared displays (ITB and desktop computer), most of them will exhibit the off-task behaviors in which settings and also show their attitude and satisfaction after direct experiences while working collaboratively with both settings. Both results will show the effectiveness of ITB-based setting beyond computer-based setting. The outcome of this research study has showed the potential of ITB that might be a new affordable collaborative tool to support teaching and learning in academic activity. © 2011 Springer-Verlag.