Desktop development is about 10 times simpler than web development. Learn it and you will become a better web developer as you transfer the simplicity of desktop development to the web!
Below are free and open-source Ruby Desktop GUI project tutorials.
Glimmer DSL for SWT Video Tutorial 19 - Hello, Cursor!
Glimmer DSL for SWT Video Tutorial 20 - Hello, Tray Item!
Glimmer DSL for SWT Video Tutorial 21 - Hello, Drag and Drop!
Glimmer DSL for SWT Video Tutorial 22 - Hello, Canvas Drag and Drop!
Put your learning to good use!