Jen M

Wearable technology in the classroom: what's available and what does it do?

https://www.theguardian.com/teacher-network/2015/jul/28/wearable-technology-classroom-virtual-reality

In this article, it was stated that, "The key benefit is that users can explore and interact at their own pace, allowing for simplified review of learning," Higgins explains. "Studies show that AR can also increase the speed and retention of learning in addition to widening the spectrum of accessibility within groups of pupils." This really stood out to me.  We are always looking for ways to improve learning and retention for our students while also differentiating for a variety of learners.  I believe that it is important to deliver instruction to students using multiple modalities (print, picture, video, auditory, etc.) and VR and AR could now be added to that list while using a wearable device.  The authors did go on to discuss a viewpoint of one teacher who saw some disadvantages as well. 

"I do think technology can sometimes be a distraction to learning and I've yet to see any real value in wearable technology in school," says David Andrews, educational consultant and director of Mr Andrews Online. "I can see real value in Google Expeditions, although I would like to see it in action first."  While this was an older article that referenced a full launch of Expeditions in 2016, I do agree somewhat with his sentiment.  In exploring all of these articles and possibilities, I too have wanted to explore the wearable technology and the VR/AR applications before investing in something new and presenting them to my students.  Reading about it is one thing, but experiencing it can help me take it to a new level and create a better understanding for me.  

The article also referenced other wearables such as Google Glass, HoloLens, and Muse.  In this article, they mentioned using Google Glass to capture learning experiences, either from the teacher or student perspective and using it as a camera to record experiences.  HoloLens is a form of AR, where the pictures are added to the current environment.  It was stated, "Picture playing Minecraft on your living room table."  Muse was also an interesting product.  The user wears a headband that can track brain signals.  I thought of it as something like a smartwatch for brain activity. I'm not sure I love this though as it seems that it could be a bit intrusive.



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