One of the education videos using technology differently than intended caught my interest. Education is known to have limited funds to maintain assets and teach students. Therefore, methods of enhancing classroom technology for the least cost are important to me. Interactive whiteboards allows Instructors to be facing students instead of remaining near the computer when talking. Commercially available smart whiteboards cost $2,000 - $3,000. Johnny Lee’s TED video demonstrates using a motion sensor capable Wii remote and homemade infrared pen with his free software application to create an inexpensive smart or interactive whiteboard. The functionality of Lee’s $50 smart whiteboard has about 80% when compared to commercial whiteboards though multitouch is a function of Lee’s whiteboard not found in the high end whiteboards. Lee’s device shows new technology grows from existing technology.
Reference
http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/johnny_lee_demos_wii_remote_hacks.html
2 comments:
Multitouch devices support an interaction method and behavior that feels natural to users. Imagine a smart board technology driven from a portable device that supports holding dynamic class sessions from any location, including restaurants, airports and waiting lines?
As we gaze into the future, what other kinds of behavior and utility will be supported? Since no single interaction style or device supports everyone, feel welcome to research failed and successful interaction styles that tie to your interests or to look at education 15-20 years from now.
If tools in education do not experience a rapid rate of technological change, it may be appropriate to look farther into the future to support our class goals.
I'm realizing the same thing...look further into the future for educational technology. My interest in with the form higher education will take in the future taking into account the types of learners and instructors entering higher ed.
My rambling thoughts and questions include:
1) will buildings be needed for education? If not, what will be the alternative?
2) Will people prefer remote learning to in person courses?
3) What technology will be needed to maintain student records, deliver course materials, and authenticate the student in class performing the work is the student on record. WCET is one organization researching and forecasting how student authentication can occur.
4) What functions/tools will be expected in future learning management systems? Initially, I see portability between devices, single login access, and internal links to existing applications such as SL.
As the course progresses, I expect to "see" further than I do today into the technology possible in future academics.
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