I liked your photos and video of wearable technology. I loved how you stated how wearable technology is the importance of devices for individuals with autism. What a great video about how wearable technology can help people with autism! I also liked your chart that explained educational uses of Google glasses, very informative. Your blog was very easy to follow and learn about wearable technology. I liked how you added links to get to articles. Thanks for sharing:)
Antoinette, I'm glad you found my blog informative.I learned so much creating it! I was fascinated by the use of wearable technology with autism! Thanks for your comments:)
Evelyn, I loved reading about the history of "wearable technology"! Before your blog, I assumed that this was a new concept. Funny how more often than not, the concepts don't seem to change, but what changes is the way the concept is presented or the way that the concept is perceived because of other variables. Last fall, I attended a conference about online learning in higher education and one of the attendees was wearing a google glass. To be honest, I had never seen this before and this wearable technology was one of those items that everyone just had to look at and it spark curiosity, but also a bit of questioning as to whether or not something that clunky is worth it. From your blog presentation, I learned that the first release of the google glass was not successful and that it is going through a remodel process before be re-released. I too think that the best value of the wearable technology is to help individuals with specialized learning and adaptive needs.
Meghan, I thought it was a new concept as well! I learned so much about wearable technology! I agree with you that the concept doesn't change. I think that the second attempt at Google glass is going to take off much better than the first. I can't wait! Thanks for your comments:)
Evelyn, After quickly researching wearable technology this week, I found that the latest is that it is now being used as a preventative item to help those with fragile hips: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11465173&ref=rss. This is just one way that wearable technology is improving the health within the medical field. It's just incredible.
Meghan that is very interesting! Speaking of wearable technology for health, have you heard of the fitbit? I want to get one! This bracelet tracks you physical activity such as steps, calories burned- including your sleep patters. You can also upload the information to the site, set goals etc. It's like having your own personal trainer! To me it would be very beneficial; I have certain health issues and having a device that can help me set goals can be beneficial to my health.
Wait a second... If it's to help a fragile hip, is that really wearable technology? At first, I didn't think so. I've been under the impression that wearable technology was for the young folks to look cool. This article was eye opening to me. A garment that can protect from a fall, but isn't all big, bulky, and uncomfortable for the wearer. SO cool...
It is challenge; I do have students that wear fancy watches. I don't keep a clock in the classroom for distractions so I have several students ask other "What time is it?" As long as they are engaged, they are fine but that is hard to do all the time on a daily basis.
I love how you don't have a clock in the room! That is a great idea because students are always looking at the clock and waiting till class is over. Do you have any students that you need to wear a device for? I know some teachers have a microphone they need to wear for some students so that the student can hear what the teacher is saying. I love to see how technology can help our students learn! Each student is different and we need to adapt and give the students what they need in order to succeed.
That's very cool. I had a hearing impaired student once who had a sign language interpreter come to class with him. He dropped the class after one meeting - I figured the interpreter was unable to keep up with my rambling style of lecture. The microphone would be a LOT more efficient!!
I also had a visually impaired student once - the guy was a lawyer, very bright. There was no wearable technology involved, but he recorded all my lectures, and had someone take pictures of the board (this was before cell phone cameras - even WELL before cell phones!). For tests, he would take them home and put them in his 'reader' which magnified them greatly so he could see the text. He would then tape record his answers for me. It would be interesting to see how wearable technology has changed the way such a student would function today.
Hi Evelyn. I actually had the opportunity to talk with one of my friends this past weekend who has purchased the Apple Watch. He walked me through its features and how to use it. He works at the Apple Store in Christiana Mall, so he was very well versed on what it has to offer. Its a REALLY cool device and I see a ton of potential in the future, but right now, it's actually relatively limited in what it can do. First thing is, it's not a stand alone device, meaning, it cannot operate separately from an iPhone. So it's dependent on the iPhone, not a replacement for it. I'm sure, in the future, this will improve, but right now, I feel it's more of a cool thing to have, rather than a MUST have.
Very interesting stuff! I've always thought of wearable technology as a mixed bag. My son is a type 1 diabetic, so wears an insulin pump. A childhood friend has a pacemaker. Such examples have my unqualified support! Others are less clear. The first time I saw someone with a Bluetooth jack plugged into his ear, I about came unglued! A video I watched a few months ago about google glass had me fuming over how willing we are to stop understanding and evaluating things, relying instead on a link to the cloud to provide us with instant data and programmed decision making.
Wearable technology in the classroom, especially the autism tools, are a very positive application of this concept. Thanks for helping me expand my awareness of it!
Jim, making this blog expanded my knowledge as well! As I was telling Meghan, I read about a fitbit; this device track physical activity and helps you set goals. I have certain health issues of my own and need some help eeping up with certain thins I must do for my health. Having a device such as the fitbit can be very beneficial to my heath.
Hi Evelyn, I have heard of and seen the fitbit, but I do not own one. I'd be interested to read some testimonials and long term benefits of the fitbit. Like with anything else, the user of the technology is really in charge of how much the tool is really aiding them. While I think that these tools can benefit ones health, there are many things that the user must control and determine to get the most use out of the fitbit. For example, it someone's goal is to take 1,000 steps in one day and the fitbit tells them that they did that, hopefully the person will learn to track that and regulate that on their own. I guess what I'm trying to say is that people can't be dependent on tools to tell them what to do. I hope that the tool can start them with learning correctly, and then people can slowly transition away from relying on the tool.
Meghan, I understand what you're saying about too much relying; however, some people don't have that kind of discipline. I know I don't; I also struggle with making myself priority. Having something on me that I can constantly look at to achieve a goal can be very beneficial.
Good thoughts! To me, the line in the sand is decision making. Technology is great for capturing and providing access to data, speeding up processes, and condensing volumes of information into manageable chunks. But we as intelligent human beings need to be in charge of decisions. Some things, it's true, can be programmed and left to a computer - when the pressure inside the boiler in the manufacturing plant exceeds tolerance levels, it's OKAY for the computer to decide to shut it down! But when I see people relying on technology to make choices for them that they should be making themselves, I cringe! If the fitbit provides information that helps trigger you to make good decisions, SUPER! I'm just leery of the products that claim to be able to make such choices for us.
Wearable technology "WOW" but what happened to the Google glasses. I thought this was very revolutionary. Today there are so many tech tools that can help people in their day to day life but I would have never guess that these wearable tech tools could help people with learning issues. I think its great that they can. Where is this all headed? I think there maybe too much tech tool available and I am concern about the putting personal information in these tools and who knows who have access to your information. Where do you think this wearable tech is going in terms of education? would like to hear your thoughts on this?
I currently do have some students that wear devices for different reasons. For instance, I have a girl that wears a hearing aid and I have to wear a device around my neck when she comes to class. I feel that it helps students fell less self conscious when a device aids they disability and at the same time boost their confidence.
The device is not distracting at all. I think they have become used to it. I feel the more students are exposed to something, the more accustomed to it they get.
WOW!!! I love the idea of wearable technology being used to help people who have Autism. I had no idea this technology could be so useful. Prior to reading your blog, the only piece of wearable technology I could picture was the light-up t-shirts a DJ wears that interacts with the beat of music. I never considered the new Apple Watch, or the ability to monitor the mood of a person with Autism. So cool...
I liked your photos and video of wearable technology. I loved how you stated how wearable technology is the importance of devices for individuals with autism. What a great video about how wearable technology can help people with autism! I also liked your chart that explained educational uses of Google glasses, very informative. Your blog was very easy to follow and learn about wearable technology. I liked how you added links to get to articles. Thanks for sharing:)
ReplyDeleteAntoinette, I'm glad you found my blog informative.I learned so much creating it! I was fascinated by the use of wearable technology with autism! Thanks for your comments:)
DeleteEvelyn,
ReplyDeleteI loved reading about the history of "wearable technology"! Before your blog, I assumed that this was a new concept. Funny how more often than not, the concepts don't seem to change, but what changes is the way the concept is presented or the way that the concept is perceived because of other variables.
Last fall, I attended a conference about online learning in higher education and one of the attendees was wearing a google glass. To be honest, I had never seen this before and this wearable technology was one of those items that everyone just had to look at and it spark curiosity, but also a bit of questioning as to whether or not something that clunky is worth it. From your blog presentation, I learned that the first release of the google glass was not successful and that it is going through a remodel process before be re-released. I too think that the best value of the wearable technology is to help individuals with specialized learning and adaptive needs.
Meghan, I thought it was a new concept as well! I learned so much about wearable technology! I agree with you that the concept doesn't change. I think that the second attempt at Google glass is going to take off much better than the first. I can't wait! Thanks for your comments:)
DeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
DeleteEvelyn,
DeleteAfter quickly researching wearable technology this week, I found that the latest is that it is now being used as a preventative item to help those with fragile hips: http://www.nzherald.co.nz/business/news/article.cfm?c_id=3&objectid=11465173&ref=rss. This is just one way that wearable technology is improving the health within the medical field. It's just incredible.
Meghan that is very interesting! Speaking of wearable technology for health, have you heard of the fitbit? I want to get one! This bracelet tracks you physical activity such as steps, calories burned- including your sleep patters. You can also upload the information to the site, set goals etc. It's like having your own personal trainer! To me it would be very beneficial; I have certain health issues and having a device that can help me set goals can be beneficial to my health.
DeleteWait a second... If it's to help a fragile hip, is that really wearable technology? At first, I didn't think so. I've been under the impression that wearable technology was for the young folks to look cool. This article was eye opening to me. A garment that can protect from a fall, but isn't all big, bulky, and uncomfortable for the wearer. SO cool...
DeleteDo any of your students have wearable technology? How do you have your students not use their wearable technology during class lectures or activities?
ReplyDeleteIt is challenge; I do have students that wear fancy watches. I don't keep a clock in the classroom for distractions so I have several students ask other "What time is it?" As long as they are engaged, they are fine but that is hard to do all the time on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteI love how you don't have a clock in the room! That is a great idea because students are always looking at the clock and waiting till class is over. Do you have any students that you need to wear a device for? I know some teachers have a microphone they need to wear for some students so that the student can hear what the teacher is saying. I love to see how technology can help our students learn! Each student is different and we need to adapt and give the students what they need in order to succeed.
DeleteAs a matter of fact, I do have a students with a hearing impairment and I have to wear a device around my neck when she comes into class.
DeleteThat's very cool. I had a hearing impaired student once who had a sign language interpreter come to class with him. He dropped the class after one meeting - I figured the interpreter was unable to keep up with my rambling style of lecture. The microphone would be a LOT more efficient!!
DeleteI also had a visually impaired student once - the guy was a lawyer, very bright. There was no wearable technology involved, but he recorded all my lectures, and had someone take pictures of the board (this was before cell phone cameras - even WELL before cell phones!). For tests, he would take them home and put them in his 'reader' which magnified them greatly so he could see the text. He would then tape record his answers for me. It would be interesting to see how wearable technology has changed the way such a student would function today.
Hi Evelyn. I actually had the opportunity to talk with one of my friends this past weekend who has purchased the Apple Watch. He walked me through its features and how to use it. He works at the Apple Store in Christiana Mall, so he was very well versed on what it has to offer. Its a REALLY cool device and I see a ton of potential in the future, but right now, it's actually relatively limited in what it can do. First thing is, it's not a stand alone device, meaning, it cannot operate separately from an iPhone. So it's dependent on the iPhone, not a replacement for it. I'm sure, in the future, this will improve, but right now, I feel it's more of a cool thing to have, rather than a MUST have.
DeleteHi Evelyn,
ReplyDeleteVery interesting stuff! I've always thought of wearable technology as a mixed bag. My son is a type 1 diabetic, so wears an insulin pump. A childhood friend has a pacemaker. Such examples have my unqualified support! Others are less clear. The first time I saw someone with a Bluetooth jack plugged into his ear, I about came unglued! A video I watched a few months ago about google glass had me fuming over how willing we are to stop understanding and evaluating things, relying instead on a link to the cloud to provide us with instant data and programmed decision making.
Wearable technology in the classroom, especially the autism tools, are a very positive application of this concept. Thanks for helping me expand my awareness of it!
jim
Jim, making this blog expanded my knowledge as well! As I was telling Meghan, I read about a fitbit; this device track physical activity and helps you set goals. I have certain health issues of my own and need some help eeping up with certain thins I must do for my health. Having a device such as the fitbit can be very beneficial to my heath.
ReplyDeleteHi Evelyn,
ReplyDeleteI have heard of and seen the fitbit, but I do not own one. I'd be interested to read some testimonials and long term benefits of the fitbit. Like with anything else, the user of the technology is really in charge of how much the tool is really aiding them. While I think that these tools can benefit ones health, there are many things that the user must control and determine to get the most use out of the fitbit. For example, it someone's goal is to take 1,000 steps in one day and the fitbit tells them that they did that, hopefully the person will learn to track that and regulate that on their own. I guess what I'm trying to say is that people can't be dependent on tools to tell them what to do. I hope that the tool can start them with learning correctly, and then people can slowly transition away from relying on the tool.
Meghan, I understand what you're saying about too much relying; however, some people don't have that kind of discipline. I know I don't; I also struggle with making myself priority. Having something on me that I can constantly look at to achieve a goal can be very beneficial.
DeleteGood thoughts! To me, the line in the sand is decision making. Technology is great for capturing and providing access to data, speeding up processes, and condensing volumes of information into manageable chunks. But we as intelligent human beings need to be in charge of decisions. Some things, it's true, can be programmed and left to a computer - when the pressure inside the boiler in the manufacturing plant exceeds tolerance levels, it's OKAY for the computer to decide to shut it down! But when I see people relying on technology to make choices for them that they should be making themselves, I cringe! If the fitbit provides information that helps trigger you to make good decisions, SUPER! I'm just leery of the products that claim to be able to make such choices for us.
DeleteWearable technology "WOW" but what happened to the Google glasses. I thought this was very revolutionary. Today there are so many tech tools that can help people in their day to day life but I would have never guess that these wearable tech tools could help people with learning issues. I think its great that they can. Where is this all headed? I think there maybe too much tech tool available and I am concern about the putting personal information in these tools and who knows who have access to your information. Where do you think this wearable tech is going in terms of education? would like to hear your thoughts on this?
ReplyDeleteI currently do have some students that wear devices for different reasons. For instance, I have a girl that wears a hearing aid and I have to wear a device around my neck when she comes to class. I feel that it helps students fell less self conscious when a device aids they disability and at the same time boost their confidence.
ReplyDeleteIs the device you wear distracting to the other students? I think it's great that your school made this accommodation for your student.
ReplyDeleteThe device is not distracting at all. I think they have become used to it. I feel the more students are exposed to something, the more accustomed to it they get.
DeleteWOW!!! I love the idea of wearable technology being used to help people who have Autism. I had no idea this technology could be so useful. Prior to reading your blog, the only piece of wearable technology I could picture was the light-up t-shirts a DJ wears that interacts with the beat of music. I never considered the new Apple Watch, or the ability to monitor the mood of a person with Autism. So cool...
ReplyDelete