The SPINNER project from the Responsive Environments Group at MIT Media Lab is the first research platform designed to investigate the world of ubiquitous video devices. The Spinner can automatically edit video to fit a narrative structure. It uses video from cameras installed at the Media Lab and sensor data from people generated by wearable smart badges to track their activity and location. The system then creates a video using the characteristics detected from the sensor data with the video captured by the cameras.
The International Association for K-12 Online Learning (iNACOL) just released a new report arguing for changes in the metrics used to measure the quality of online learning. Like the Innosight Institute piece we read a few weeks ago advocates, they're advocating a shift from measuring inputs to tracking outcomes and making sure those outcomes are objective.
Google has launched an open source course building web application for the growing list of K-12 and big-name universities developing online classes.
The barebones website is a lightweight way to bring course material online, track student engagement (with web traffic and surveys), and evaluate performance.
"The Flat Stanley Project, one of the world's longest-running global education and literacy projects, has launched a new chapter. There's a brand-new website with increased interactivity and even a mobile app to track the globe-trotting adventures of Stanley Lambchop and his flat friends."
Xu and I discussed this article in class/section. We had similar thoughts ;unfortunate as it is, this is a case of eliminating the effect and not the real cause. Perhaps this article does not fully reveal details but hopefully a real solution is being put into place...quickly.
The LA Board of Education will be meeting later this month to discuss providing iPads to every student + teacher in the nation's 2nd largest school system.
Hey Prof! Funny you tagged this article. I was just searching for advanced note-taking software and was having a difficult time finding anything that would resemble my handwritten notes. Also, I came across a similar device that is described in your article today at my internship at Soup2Nuts. Since all of the animators/artists use Flash to create the cartoons, they have something similar to this "magical pen". However, they need to use a specific type of tracking pad to draw. The idea of applying this same technology to any piece of paper is a useful idea (if you are one of those people who remember to bring paper and pads to class).
Since its debut in April, the iPad has become a popular therapeutic tool for people with disabilities of all kinds, though no one keeps track of how many are used this way, and studies are just getting under way to test its effectiveness, which varies widely depending on diagnosis.
“Making things less complicated can actually make a lot of money
I just started participating in this research project. Even though its not a learning program, its could be a method to use mobile devices for learning.
This article outlines four ways that Quick Response codes scanned with smart phones could be used in formal education settings. The ideas are intriguing, such as keeping track of a students work throughout their school career and opening up lines of communication to parents.
I love the idea of a educational career portfolio using this technology. Can you imagine sending your QR code along with a college application to get a true picture of the type of student you have been and can become? The idea of using the QR codes with parents sounds like a great alternative to all the papers that get sent home (and lost) throughout the year, I just wonder what percentage of parents are equipped to handle that type of technology use.
Epcot on Wednesday opened a new attraction called "Sum of All Thrills," which lets kids use computer tablets to design a virtual roller coaster, bobsled track or plane ride. After inputting their designs, kids climb into a robotic carriage that uses virtual-reality technology to help them experience the ride they've created.
in the world of amusement parks and museums. Taking cues from the video game industry, park and ride designers have realized that people -- especially young ones -- want to interact with and even design their own thrill rides
Newest Disney attraction called - Sum of All Thrills where kids get to design their own virtual roller coaster. It uses virtual-reality technology. "Disney hopes the interactive nature of the ride would also help kids learn that math and science can be fun."
While I would not consider this incredibly expensive ride a 'distruptive innovation' or even an emerging ed technology, what Epcot has done by bringing this DIY-VR concept to the masses (if you are one of the masses that can A- afford Disney and B-have the patience to wait in line for `5-6 hours) is very important to future ed tech innovation strategies.
The progression/invention of such cost prohibitive entertainment tools will fall squarely on the high-end theme parks and consumer venues. The challenge has been set by Epcot and now others must either compete directly or develop a better or more accessible solution.
Off the top of my head, I can think of a few cost saving innovations that might be developed in this 'race'-
Artificial G-Force Engline: variable air pressure, smart-chairs, fans