Five smart ways to use wearable technology in the classroom

Wearable technology is playing an increasingly important role in our lives. It seems like every week, a prominent tech company or revolutionary startup is ready to unleash something new into the world.

Essential reading: Top fitness trackers and health gadgets

Classroom wearables are also becoming common as students learn through modern technology like GoPro cameras, smartwatches, virtual reality headsets and more. All of this has the potential to drastically change the way future generations learn.

GoPro projects

Video projects are a lot of fun for advanced learners, and adding a wearable camera into the mix can really change the way these projects are approached. When a student is wearing a camera, they don’t have to worry about setting up their equipment to get going. Every moment is captured from the student’s own perspective, adding a personalized touch to the cinematic experience.

GoPros can be taken in and out of the classroom to complete projects, and they’re a whole lot easier to tote around than heavy digital recording equipment.

Activity trackers and health

Incorporating activity tracking wristbands into health projects allows students to clearly see how the information they’re receiving tethers into their everyday life. Such devices let them know how much they actually walk over the course of their day, and trackers that incorporate heart monitors can demonstrate how many calories they naturally burn in their everyday lives.

Essential reading: Choosing the right Fitbit tracker

We could all use a little more interest when it comes to keeping ourselves active and vital, and this is one of the easiest ways to encourage students to take an interest in nutrition, fitness, and personal health.

Sync up with smartwatches

It can sometimes be difficult to get students to work independently, particularly if they aren’t self-starters. Smartwatches can keep everyone on the same schedule, and they’re a great tool for time management. Students can send teachers messages or information via the smartwatch, rather than waiting for an opportunity to speak with their busy educator.

Unfortunately, this also has a flip-side. More and more school kids at all qualification levels are using wearable devices to cheat in exams. Smartphones are officially forbidden in exam halls but that doesn’t mean they can’t be smuggled in. Many places also have specific rules about smartwatches, but again this is difficult to police.

Smartwatches are an excellent way to get a large group of people working as members of one productive team. This is exactly what most people want in a classroom environment.

Studying with the right music

Studying to the right music can help students stay focused on the task at hand. Ambient background noise drowns out noisy distractions and keeps learners calm. The only problem is that the same music won’t work for everyone, and it may disturb lessons in neighboring rooms.

Bluetooth or wireless earbuds can allow a student to listen to study music that will work for them without affecting the people around them. The best thing about the wearable wireless technology is that it doesn’t require the student’s phone to be out on the desk, which can potentially be a distraction. Annoying wires won’t get in the way of their work, either.

Virtual reality field trips

You can’t put a few dozen students on a plane and send them away to a historical location for a week, but you can replicate that experience without ever leaving the classroom. Wearable VR goggles make this virtual field trip feel incredibly immersive. VR glasses are a one-time investment that can be used over and over again in the classroom, allowing students to experience things they may not have otherwise been able to do.

As wearable tech becomes more and more accessible, the landscape will continue to shift. The quality of education will improve, and the costs of devices will inevitably decrease. Students will be dealing with tech innovations for the duration of their lives, and it’s never too early to get them started with modern technology.

Like this article? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter to never miss out!