Intelligent Classrooms, Smart Students: The Potential of Wearable Devices in Education
Abstract: Wearable technologies, coupled with mobile devices, are having a profound impact across many segments of contemporary society. Doors to our homes open and thermostats are adjusted as we walk to our front door. And many features of today’s cars can be operated through smart phones and wearable devices. Of significant importance, such devices are dramatically transforming health care and medicine. Patients can automatically transmit critical information to health care providers without taking any formal action. Important correlates to the success of wearable devices, supported by smart phones, include automatic notification, embedded social networks, and true 24/7 processing. The impact of these tools in education has yet to be realized. This panel will explore the potential of wearable technologies and mobile devices as educational tools—both inside and outside the classroom. Audience members will be engaged to offer suggestions on how wearables might transform their educational settings.