a mock up of a ‘Learning lasso’ Device level 3.

Interface
The interface will be utilitarian in nature with only the relevant functionality. it will have basic office and web related software. There will be a constant ‘news feed’ of developments in the related field of study and also updates from tutors and peers. RSS feeds could facilitate this.

2 modes of operation
‘Passive’ mode would be enabled when the learner has finished their timetable for that period. For example students at home in the evening. Or on Semester/term Holidays. The system could recommend study assignments that could be compulsory. Or even recommend reading assignments or tutorial tasks.

‘Intensive’ mode is when the learner is in a time tabled learning session. the system acts as intergral part of the learners educational apparatus. For example in lectures it will act as Notepad/Audio/Video Recorder.

RFID tagged
In addition the device is RFID tagged to user. this will allow tracking of the device and student through university buildings and allow access to certain services. For example the proximity of the device will allow access to certain rooms at certain times.

Procrastination Alert
Device will alert user when work needs to be done with the ‘procrastination’ alert system. The device glows amber to signify items need to be addressed, and red when assignments are impending and need to be completed.

Library Integration
Device is integrated into the faculty library allowing access to ematerials and book ordering. It will also track books that the learner has and when they need to be returned.

Dynamic Time Tabling
This will allow tutors to modify times and locations of events and update the corresponding learners. The system would need an explanation to be submitted for any missed sessions.

Level 1, 2 and 3
There are three versions of the system tailored to different educational  age range and curriculum.

Connectivity
The device also has basic web functionality with WIFI allowing users Internet access for research purposes and to stay connected to other members of the course.

The basic principle is that the device becomes an embedded personal device,  like a mobile phone. This constant ‘learning element’ be a great asset in the learners ability to cope and organise their educational life. With constant connectivity to the ‘educational establishment’ it will blur the lines between ‘school time’ and ‘home time’.

The example storyboard light heartedly demonstrates how the device coaxes learners into persevering with coursework.

And in the style that many learners and old and young will be more then familiar with!

Click here for the ‘Lazy Learner’ Storyboard & Microsite

Cue theme Music!

• Have a complete selection of features and tools
• Have the ability to aid independent study. Lecture note/video/ audio capability.
• Higher capacity connectivity. WiFI
• Web browsing/Office applications

With the complete functionality and features the Level 2 learning lasso will have the same flavour of specifications as a confident PDA. Something that has been getting alot of attention in the ‘sub laptop’ arena at the moment as been the ASUS Eeepc. Targeting the lower price range of the market and marketed to compete with the likes of the One Laptop per Child offerings of the world.

Below is a review and feature of the Asus Eeepc. Take note, It appears that the bastard child of Lloyd Groseman is doing the review. You have been warned!

• have security features to deter theft
• have personalised functions and features
• increased social networking functionality
• incorporate more enhanced ‘level 3′ features such as dynamic time table, blogging etc…

With increased funcationality a more sophisticated hardware and software solution is required. One can invisage an Iphone style arrangment. With GPS tracking and RFID tagging to deter and trace theft and ownership.

A more sophisticated interface as seen in other devices targeted at this age groupe would be appropriate. For example the Sony PSP/ Sony Ericsson interface.

Taken from ‘Designing for Small Screens’

“The PSP’s main menu interface is the “XrossMediaBar” (XMB) used by recent Sony TVs, the PSX (DVR) hardware, and the PlayStation 3. It consists of a horizontal sequence of icons, in this case Settings, Photo, Music, Video, Game, and Network, which show a vertical sequence of sub-icons when highlighted.

The XMB allows the user to adjust settings, connect the device to a PC (via USB), connect to and browse the Internet, and play video, audio, and games. The XMB may be accessed at any time by pressing the Home button” – Wikipedia

Teenagers may be able to relate to more familiar interface that has already been implemented in popular consoles and adopted phone handsets.

• must be robust in order to survive the day to day use of children.
• have a smaller more relevant range of features.
• could have an inviting colour scheme
• a simplified interface

Existing digital children’s devices…

Firefly Childrens phone. Note the bright colours and simplyfied push button interface. Also generic sex specific symbols to ‘phone mum’ or ‘phone dad’ . And next to it a similar design from a Japanese developer. These phone are marketed for ages 4 years and above.

These devices are very much what i would imagine a level 1 Learning Lasso.

In addition to the above examples the ‘One laptop per Child’ inititive has a unique opertion interface and ethos detailed below,

Networking is Visual and significantly more decipherable then more contemporary interfaces.

The development of a Level 1 Learning Lasso would take key design and implementation principles from the above examples. Both in Hardware, Software and Design Ethos,

Links/

Further reading on the Principles of OLPC interface and Demo

Japanese Childphone

Firefly Press release

Learning lasso level 1 will be aimed at children and learners in the primary school stage of learning.

• must be robust in order to survive the day to day use of children.
• have a smaller more relevant range of features.
• could have an inviting colour scheme
• a simplified interface

Learning lasso level2 will be aimed at secondary school learners.

• have security features to deter theft
• have personalised functions and features
• increased social networking functionality
• incorporate more enhanced ‘level 3′ features such as dynamic time table, blogging etc…

Learning lasso level 3 will be aimed at University learners.

• Have a complete selection of features and tools
• Have the ability to aid independent study. Lecture note/video/ audio capability.
• Higher capacity connectivity. WiFI
• Web browsing/Office applications

I will specifically design and detail a mock up of the ‘level 3′ learning lasso and speculate on its features and benefits.
And also a  ‘Scenario’ which will detail a situation where the ‘Learning Lasso’ will be beneficial. This will be,

‘The Lazy Learner’ – Detailing the Anti-procrastination features

Nicholas Negroponte lays out the details of his nonprofit One Laptop Per Child project. Speaking just days after relinquishing his post as director of the MIT Media Lab, he announces that he’ll pursue this venture for the rest of his life. He takes us inside the strategy for building the “$100 laptop,” and explains why and how the project plans to launch “at scale,” with millions of units distributed in the first seven countries. “This is not a laptop project; it’s an education project,” he says.

Links/

One laptop per Child (OLPC)

	iPod & iPhone Syncing Anytime, anywhere learning across multiple access points.		Shared eLockers A virtual storage space to share, and access learning resources.
	Student Rated Gallery Share, discuss and rate a resource in the gallery or turn your gallery into a podcast and RSS feed!		RSS Feed Connect your students to a constant feed of updated information.
	Poll One student, one vote! Gauge student and parent opinions!		Safe Chat A safe and monitored environment that facilitates live chat forums.
	Primary Interface Personalised learning for Key Stages 1 and 2.		Mobile Interface Enrich teaching and learning opportunities across multiple access points.
	Secure Messaging Easy to use personal communication in a secure internal messaging system.		Assignment Send, receive, store and track assignments in an automated environment.
	Report Generate formative, summative and diagnostic assessment to track student achievement and whole class understanding.		Blogs An online personal journal space that can be kept private or shared.
	Individual Learning Plans Personalised learning for every student by setting clearly defined targets to guide students.		Team Folders Create the student groups you need to teach effectively from simple group projects to special interest needs
	eBulletins From whole school announcements, to personalised messages, inform individuals or the whole school with instant eBulletins.		Enhanced Interface Rich interface with teacher defined panels for a more dynamic and flexible environment.

As is apparnt these are some of the features i detailed in my Digital device. I applaud studywhiz in its implementation and scope of its undertaking. And from the many promotional and interview videos available on their site, Studywhiz does indeed seem to be an invaluable resource in the student/teacher toolbox.

Another exciting aspect of their service is in addition to supporting teachers and learners but also the parent. Parents have the ability to recieve updates and dynamically view their child’s progress.

With studywiz as some  conveniant inspiration my Learner Lasso can take some valuable influence from this initiative.

Links/

Studywiz Virtual Tour 

Studywiz Promo Video (quicktime required)

“Studywiz is a dynamic Becta approved learning platform for schools. It is a key tool in transforming education to address 21st century needs.

Studywiz allows schools to meet government initiatives with the capability to link seamlessly to other systems, environments and content. Its inherent flexibility makes customisation easy and it has the potential to extend future use with specialised modules.

It provides an online space where educational content of all types is collected, organised and managed to create an enriched learning environment and curriculum for students. Studywiz gives teachers a unique tool for elevating instruction through personalised, collaborative and interactive learning and real-time assessment and results, and it supports parental participation in learning.

Developed in conjunction with UK schools, Studywiz is the learning platform of choice for many schools and authorities in England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Our UK office is comprised of a dedicated team of project development, curriculum support and technical specialists.

Worldwide, Studywiz is deployed in more than 18 countries including the USA, Australia and China.”
links/

Studywiz news at Macworld

Studywiz official site

Standard features so far will be;

Dynamic Time-Table (with updating news section)
Video/Audio recording/playback of lectures/events
Note recording ability.
Calculater
Full Calander (linked to time table)
Procrastination Prevention (alarms, warnings, and mentor feedback)
Work aid (plays ambient music,  displays soothing colours?, ‘action plan creator’)

Hardware:
Colour screen
Microphone
Camera
Speaker function
RFID
WIFI

With this loose set of standards confirmed design implementation can now begin.