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’
