Welcome, To the School of Tomorrow!

The school of tomorrow is here, today! The school is a joint effort between Microsoft and the State school organiasation. And the included you tube videos detail some exciting details that are similar to my Device. RFID is used, with each pupil having it embeded in their ID cards. Allowing access to lockers, canteen services and other personal features.

Each student is also given a laptop.In much the same way i see my digital device would be utlised. Another intereting point is that there are no ’set class rooms’ for subjects . Instead students are informed via software updates on their laptops when and where each class will be occurring during the day.

News mini-feature

Government technology Video

“Rapid Advances in computing are transforming the wat we teach, learn and live. one of the lets to helping the next generation realise its potential is empowering todays teachers to use technology creatively
this is why microsoft and the school district of Philadelphia have partnered together on the school of the future – it is creating an environment where students and teachers can explore the tremendous possibilities of computing.”
- Bill Gates

TED Talks: Richard Baraniuk on open-source learning

Fantastic talk by university lecturer and software engineer Richard Baraniuk on the ‘web-ification’ of education and learning resources into his ‘Connexions’ open source project.

In his talk he foresees the user becoming their very own “educational DJ” something i imagine would be fabulous addition to my digital device. Baraniuk raises some exciting prospects for his Connexions concept. And is something that will be a very powerful and robust addition to the teaching tool box.

“imagine a library where the books didnt talk to each other” – Richard Baraniuk

“Tech-Presence” and RFID tagging

Interesting artical from a related blog detailing some of the principles that would benefit my device.  Some of the features (such as security and attendance monitoring) could be implemented using excisting and established technology. RFID tagging springs to mind.

Some interesting and related RFID material can be found at its Wiki. There is also additional historical info at The Register 

Educational smart-device brainstorming…

Healthcare is currently taking priority with reformation into our digital society. This is hardly surprising as this is a social service which literally has people lives in their hands. However i believe education will be soon to follow and has a great deal to gain from recent and future devices and systems.

Convergence of the technology that is already established in students pockets with the technology in and behind the classroom will provide some dazzling opportunities for learners of today and tomorrow. I will draw from my own experiences and notes here as i explore some ideas here that i could incorporate into my own Digital Learning Device…

Why does the Teaching have to stay in the Classroom?

This device as part of the academic establishment program would stay on/with the learner much like (or combining) a mobile phone.

This does however pose some questions… how should the system change to relate to students time away from class room?

System Modes

Lets say the system has 2 modes. ‘Passive’ and ‘Intensive‘.

‘Passive’ mode would be enabled when the learner has finished their time table 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 and even recommend/download material.

‘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.

Age range,

Device could have as many as half a dozen different incarnations? targeting different age ranges. From Primary school, into Secondry and beyond. Each system would be specifically designed to cater for the age curriculum and style.

For example the system designed for the youngest range would have to be Hardware durable (eg, waterproof, drop proof) and have a system that is more user friendly and intuitive. Probably utilising simplified icons and familiar imagery to replace system function labels and text.

Software proposals?

The system would ideally have a modular software system. (possibly open source? XML?) allowing different schools, academy and institutions to run pre-built plugins or at least have the ability to build and use their own.

System should have the ability to be ‘branded’ by the host learning institution. or have the ability to be customised to an extent by the specific user. this will give the system an endearing appeal to the host user and minimise theft, loss and other mis-use.

Other standard Software and features that would be benficial,

Email
Web Browser (Filtered?)
Multimedia reader (video, picture, sound capability)
Multimedia Editor (video editor, photoshop style software)
Office program package.
dynamic Social/class networking software.
Instant messaging

Hardware

Common and familer mobile device features will give the device a longer life cycle and can be used and developed in ways to aid learners ability to record and research. for example the device could include,

Digital Photo Capture
Digital Video Capture
Ability to capture audio
Note taking (possible via stylus, touch screen or integrated keyboard)
Datalink to other devices/services/ service providers (bluetooth 2.0, Wifi 802.11G/N, EDGE, HSPDA or 3G)
Multimedia ability (possibly SD)
RFID – linking user with device MAC address and transmitting the location of device when on campus.
GPS- would enable the ability to show student the route to class. location for feild work. and locate it or the user in event of theft/emergency.

Possible Names for Device/system

‘Learning Leesh’

‘Learning Lead’

‘Learning Lasso’

‘Edu-pod’

‘Edu-aid’

Medical Smart Devices

Medical uses are an obvious avenue for practical Smart device application. Users with Cronic illness such as Diabeties, heart or cognative issues could utilise such a device to document patient development remotly.

For example blood pressure, temperature and other criteria could be linked to a patients smart device. This can be documented and fed into a local hospital/ GP system which monitors patient status continuously. Any alarming changes in data above certain threshholds would immediatly inform the corresponding service or official.

Such systems are already being developed. Such as IBM and the University of Florida there is also a (quite idealistic) video accompaying…

In this video (And in a typical american sentimental way) there are some reletive ways smart devices and the convergence of these with other technologys could revolutise health care in the future.

Also worth a mention is the ongoing NHS IT system that is utilising RFID tagging to track equipment, medicines and patients in a similar manner .

Concept Digital Learning Device

A conceptual digital learning aid. Designed to maximise student and faculty efficiency and proficiency.

This could be an officially endorsed and supplied acedemic aid. Given to learners at the beginning of their program and taken through to qualification. This device could incorperate the following features:

• Library intergration. Allowing users to search for books and utilises remote services at any time.
• Time table intergration. Time table is controlled and updated instantly and remotely. From the related faculty/ tutor.
• Feedback can be requested at any time (regarding teaching units/services) and could be optional/compulsory.
• The device would plot learner progression both academically and physically. A possible GPS function would warn learner of missed classes. this and related functions could be recorded.
• Plays Soothing music/ ambience when learner is reading to aid concentration and other such ‘user specific’ functions.
• Learning dysability support. Dylexia etc… Students could request more support when needed.
• Procrastination alert. After a certain time limit with no activity a reminder can be sent to the student and an alert made to relevent authority.
• intergrated blogging functionality could act as mobile digital ’sketch books’. Additional ‘touch screen’ functionality could also make this more dynamic.

Another additional benefit of such a concept is that such a system in place for each student on the same course could, in time. Amass a huge body of individual and relevent statistical information. This contextual into would greatly enhance the development cycle for Hardware, Software and Faculty programs.
I’ve approaced this as an ‘Iphone meets electronic ankle Tag’ concept. Which would be very rewarding for a ‘good student’ although would coax ‘lazy learners’ out of bad habits and into a progressive and productive ’study style’.

The working title for this is the ‘Learning Leash!’

The past, present and future of HCI & Mobile devices.

A Very interesting article by John Canny, University of California, Berkeley. I gained a tremendous insite after reading this article. which is rich in speculation on the future of human computer interaction design as well as being informative about past and current HCI trends and history.

I particularly enjoyed the hypothetical situation which should be possible in a few years where by mobile devices are situationally and contextually aware( jump here). aiding the user with specific advertising custom designed and relevant to their current situation. Although this may be a more Utopian vision of future technological convergence it still raises some interesting questions. Its seems to me that if a mobile device is doing all the decision making for the user, then how fulfilling and independent would the user eventually feel after the experience? And would the highest bidder be the one leading the user through an ‘on rails’ train of suggestion and manipulation?

“The amazing thing is (lesson 4), when you execute the human-centered design process well (in a real usage context, as the Star designers did), you get a design that endures for decades. Multiple generations can learn it and become computer-empowered without worrying about losing that skill later”

On current Multimedia HCI trends…

“I’ve made myself a guinea pig for this stuff, but it’s really a pain to use. The wireless keyboards, cornucopia of remote controls, on-screen letter-of-the-alphabet menus – it’s like those early “horseless carriage” steam automobiles that had reins. Once again, something feels really wrong”

On Mobile interfaces and ‘contextual awareness’

“What will work in these new domains? The race is certainly not over, but there are some very good bets. Let’s start with the cellphone. It has a tiny screen with tiny awkward buttons and no mouse. From start to finish, it was designed for speech. The microphone and speaker are small but highly evolved, and the mic placement in its normal position is optimal for speech recognition. We’ll get to speech interfaces shortly. If it’s a smart phone, it probably also has a camera and a Bluetooth radio. It has some kind of position information, ranging from coarse cell tower to highly accurate assisted satellite GPS.

This is all “context” information, in contrast to the “text” you might type on the keyboard or see on the screen. Normally, WIMP interfaces rely entirely on the text you type (let’s include mouse input) to figure out what to do. Context-aware interfaces use everything they can. This is particularly relevant to mobile phones. When you’re using a phone, you’re either in some “place” (café, restaurant, store) where you do rather specific activities, or you’re moving between places. If the phone can figure out what that place is, it can also provide services that you want there, or that complement services that that place provides (e.g., song previews in a music store, comparison pricing in a supermarket, stats or replays at a baseball game). When you’re between places, the phone can use other pieces of context to figure out what services to offer, or it can wait for you to ask.”

These are clearly exciting predictions. With the possibility of having a very wide and substantial long term social impact. Already the hardware we associate with Mobile telephony is a vital part of our lives. Being intergrated with out clothing (mobile phone capabilities in jackets/sportsware) , Vehicles (carphone adapters, hands free kids, GPS) and Workplaces (mobile video conferencing etc..) How long will it be until related software also becomes intrinsic with our lifestyles and behaviours? Will rival ‘Restauranct locating software’ be affiliated with rival restaurant franchises? as a result will the software be impartial? These and more are some interesting questions i could address in my project.

In addition to this artical John Cannys University homepage is host to a large selection of interesting projects that i am going to cover in further blog entries.

links//

John Cannys Artical @ ACM Queue 

John Cannys University of Berkley Homepage 

More Online interaction

Continuting with the theme of GUI there is a growing ‘web 2.0′ trend for implementing different ways of displaying and exploring data. There are a few visually exciting and user friendly examples that have been implemented well. Such as musicovery which allows the user to select how they feel and as a result the system selected and displays a selection of appropriate artists in an ‘tree’. The user can visually explore and navigate into other artists related to the currently selected track.

This is not just limited to the desktop enviroment Musicovery has its own Mobile application. Although the user does require a specific smartphone and OS. See the video here…

musicovery on mobile
Uploaded by musicovery

Relating back to my previous blog post ‘The past, present and future of HCI & Mobile devices…” the mobile Musicovery application has the discussed ability to make ‘informed’ and is (to a point) ‘Contextually aware’ of the user. And the users current needs/mood. A trend that will only become more common in the future.

Links//

Previous Blog post 

Musicovery

Microsoft Surface and Tactile Interfacing…

I first stumbled across this about 6 months ago… Microsofts first commercial venture with tactile interfacing. Its come along way and is now looking rather polished and workable. Jump here to see its latest appearance with the Mr Microsoft himself on Americas ‘Today show’…

This sort of Tactile interface will become more common in the future with the evolution from fixed physical input devices such as Mice and Keyboards to more flexible and customisable interfaces.  Microsofts surface venture seems to have a very natural and intuative input/output system. with user input being constantly assessed and recorded whilst output is adapted and changed ‘on the fly’ to relfect the users intentions. It would be fantastic to actually get hands on with this hardware and really see how intuative and ‘intelligient’ it is.

Another aspect of this form of HCI is how user friendly it (at the moment appears) to be. I can imagine technophobes interacting with this without the intimidation of a keyboard and cluttered GUI. Also abiguious gestures for common commands should be naturally apparnt. This immerging technology will obviously echo some of the features now commonly associated with the Iphone (such as on screen and customisable keyboards) but with more and more devices now being developed with touchscreen capabilities maybe its only a matter of time before we start seeing the keyboard and mouse/ Keypad and scroll wheel fall out of fashion and perhaps being as outdated a cliche as a punch-card!?

Links/

Microsoft Surface 

Time announced ‘Iphone Invention of the Year’

 I dont want to keep banging on with the rest of the world about the ‘forever-revolutionary’ Iphone… But this was a neat and bite size article from Time.com explaining just why its so god damn good…

Taken from  Time.com

“The thing is hard to type on. It’s too slow. It’s too big. It doesn’t have instant messaging. It’s too expensive. (Or, no, wait, it’s too cheap!) It doesn’t support my work e-mail. It’s locked to AT&T. Steve Jobs secretly hates puppies. And—all together now—we’re sick of hearing about it! Yes, there’s been a lot of hype written about the iPhone, and a lot of guff too. So much so that it seems weird to add more, after Danny Fanboy and Bobby McBlogger have had their day. But when that day is over, Apple’s iPhone is still the best thing invented this year. Why? Five reasons:

1. The iPhone is pretty
Most high-tech companies don’t take design seriously. They treat it as an afterthought. Window-dressing. But one of Jobs’ basic insights about technology is that good design is actually as important as good technology. All the cool features in the world won’t do you any good unless you can figure out how to use said features, and feel smart and attractive while doing it.

An example: look at what happens when you put the iPhone into “airplane” mode (i.e., no cell service, WiFi, etc.). A tiny little orange airplane zooms into the menu bar! Cute, you might say. But cute little touches like that are part of what makes the iPhone usable in a world of useless gadgets. It speaks your language. In the world of technology, surface really is depth.

2. It’s touchy-feely
Apple didn’t invent the touchscreen. Apple didn’t even reinvent it (Apple probably acquired its much hyped multitouch technology when it snapped up a company called Fingerworks in 2005). But Apple knew what to do with it. Apple’s engineers used the touchscreen to innovate past the graphical user interface (which Apple helped pioneer with the Macintosh in the 1980s) to create a whole new kind of interface, a tactile one that gives users the illusion of actually physically manipulating data with their hands—flipping through album covers, clicking links, stretching and shrinking photographs with their fingers.

This is, as engineers say, nontrivial. It’s part of a new way of relating to computers. Look at the success of the Nintendo Wii. Look at Microsoft’s new Surface Computing division. Look at how Apple has propagated its touchscreen interface to the iPod line with the iPod Touch. Can it be long before we get an iMac Touch? A TouchBook? Touching is the new seeing.

3. It will make other phones better
Jobs didn’t write the code inside the iPhone. These days he doesn’t dirty his fingers with 1’s and 0’s, if he ever really did. But he did negotiate the deal with AT&T to carry the iPhone. That’s important: one reason so many cell phones are lame is that cell-phone-service providers hobble developers with lame rules about what they can and can’t do. AT&T gave Apple unprecedented freedom to build the iPhone to its own specifications. Now other phone makers are jealous. They’re demanding the same freedoms. That means better, more innovative phones for all.

4. It’s not a phone, it’s a platform
When Apple made the iPhone, it didn’t throw together some cheap-o bare-bones firmware. It took OS X, its full-featured desktop operating system, and somehow squished it down to fit inside the iPhone’s elegant glass-and-stainless-steel case. That makes the iPhone more than just a gadget. It’s a genuine handheld, walk-around computer, the first device that really deserves the name. One of the big trends of 2007 was the idea that computing doesn’t belong just in cyberspace, it needs to happen here, in the real world, where actual stuff happens. The iPhone gets applications like Google Maps out onto the street, where we really need them.

And this is just the beginning. Platforms are for building on. Last month, after a lot of throat-clearing, Apple decided to open up the iPhone, so that you—meaning people other than Apple employees—will be able to develop software for it too. Ever notice all that black blank space on the iPhone’s desktop? It’s about to fill up with lots of tiny, pretty, useful icons.

5. It is but the ghost of iPhones yet to come
The iPhone has sold enough units—more than 1.4 million at press time—that it’ll be around for a while, and with all that room to develop and its infinitely updatable, all-software interface, the iPhone is built to evolve. Look at the iPod of six years ago. That monochrome interface! That clunky touchwheel! It looks like something a caveman whittled from a piece of flint using another piece of flint. Now imagine something that’s going to make the iPhone look that primitive. You’ll have one in a few years. It’ll be very cool. And it’ll be even cheaper. ”