WEARABLE TECHNOLOGY

Photo By: Ted Eytan

What is Wearable Technology?

Smart Watches, iPods, Virtual Reality Glasses, Google Glass, Fitbits, and GoPro Cameras are all members of the newest technology craze family of wearable technologies. The wearable technology name describes the latest inventions well. Wearable technology is simply technology devices, usually small in size, which can be worn on your body. These wearable technologies are the latest craze in the technology and communication world. Smart Watches are the new smart phones, with all the capabilities of a traditional smart phone in a compact wristwatch. Fitbits and other productivity wristbands can be seen on nearly every person walking down the street and have the potential for monitoring and improving health. Google Glass and VR Glasses haven’t exploded as quickly as some of the other wearable technologies but there is incredible potential for these devices for individuals personally and professionally.

The Impact of Wearable Technology on Education & Training:

Although the majority of people are the most eager about the potential these amazing wearable technologies will have on their personal lives, the potential impact on educational opportunities is equally as exciting. One of the largest impacts of wearable technologies is they are with the learner at all times wherever they are. These technologies give instructors the ability to reach learners in any location and at any time. Employees can access immediate information and receive specific training to accomplish any given task on the job in real time. Wearable technologies expand on the opportunities of eLearning. Technologies such as Google Glass and Virtual Reality Glasses are knocking down the walls of the traditional classroom. Students will no longer be confined to 2D images in textbooks or on computer screens. Learners will be able to explore people and places around the globe at the touch of a button. The possibility for increased experiential learning opportunities is a massive benefit for learners of every age and at every level.

Keeping Up With the Trend as an Instructional Technologist:

Instructional Technologists must keep wearable technology capabilities and accessibility in mind when designing trainings. As these technologies grow ever popular for people personally, the percentage of employees and students who have these devices will continue to grow. As an instructional technologist, if you know all of your learners have daily experiences with a particular technology, it is smart to design your trainings to be accessed on that said technology. The more comfortable learners are with a training medium, the more likely they are to access available trainings when in need. These technologies can also lift the traditional walls of a classroom. With devices such as Virtual Reality glasses, students can explore around the world from their desk. It is vital for Instructional Technologist to keep up with the expanding capabilities of wearable technologies so they can use the most valuable resources for the most effective training and teaching possible.

Wearable Technology Resources:

Storytelling With Wearable Technology

This article by Edutopia provides interesting and achievable activity ideas for the classroom using wearable technologies. The article really stood out to me because of the inclusion of Google Cardboard. It wouldn’t immediately sound like Google Cardboard is an advanced or wearable technology. However, the simple $15 kit that requires no more than a few pieces of tape for assembly quickly becomes a 3D Virtual Reality experience for students with the help of a smart phone.

Burns, M. (2015). Storytelling With Wearable Technology. Retrieved from http://www.edutopia.org/blog/storytelling-with-wearable-technology-monica-burns

Wearable Technologies

This website is an all-encompassing hub for everything wearable technology related. Visit the sight to find articles, videos, talks, events, and the latest gadget in the wearable technology world. The site stood out to me for the vast amount of information available for educators to stay informed and up-to-date on the latest wearable technology trends.

Wearable Technologies. (2015). Wearable Technologies. Retrieved from http://www.wearable-technologies.com/

Wearables in the Workplace

This article by Harvard Business Review provides some great general insight to the possibilities of wearable technology in the workplace in general. It stood out to me because it raises some good points on the possible perspectives of employees and businesses on the potential benefits and drawbacks of wearable technologies in the workplace.

Wilson, H. J. (2013). Wearables in the Workplace. Harvard Business Review. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2013/09/wearables-in-the-workplace

Designed Activity for Wearable Technology:

Since I first learned about Google Cardboard I have been incredibly interested in the quality and possibilities of this very accessible wearable technology. I have ordered my very own to test out just for fun! This activity can be adjusted to fit learners of any age. For this activity you will need the Google Cardboard Kit and the free downloaded Google Cardboard app. With this app, students can explore any area via Google Earth to visit a far away place of their choosing. Following the exciting 3D exploration, students will research the destination they chose to create a travel brochure for potential travelers. The brochure can be made with Microsoft Publisher and should include vibrant images, and details about the areas history, appeal to tourists, and potential exciting adventures available.

Check Out My NoteApp on Wearable Technology in Education:

Click Here to Read About the Benefits of Wearable Technology