Wearable Computing—eTextiles, eThread

Using alligator clips, eThread, fabric, sewing skills, and imagination, students are creating wearable technology. Some have done projects in college, but others are in middle school and high school. The Hacket is an eJacket designed by an eighth grader to flash stars from it when a sound is detected, to show a flashing heart (which the designer plans in the future to show his actual heartbeat), and to play music when anyone hugs him. A college student created a glove that electronically detects pressure to the hand. It’s meant to help those with diabetes and other diseases in which people lack feeling in their hands. In the video about wearable tech, you’ll also see how this technology is a great way to create costumes.  Think of how this might be used in art, tech, or engineering classes, along with in extracurricular club experiences. Designing wearable technology is a great way to motivate students to learn about electronics, science, technologies, and design—all while they are having fun. Materials for eTextiles can be found at Sparkfun Electronics, where you’ll also find tutorials.

Turning Kids on to Science with Quadrotors

Vijay Kumar, Penn State, and his engineering team build robots that are fantastic flyers. The little flying quadrotors (agile aerial robots) monitor their flight by where the neighboring plane is. They can come within inches of each other, maintain stable flight, and play musical instruments while in the air. They can pick up objects and put them where specified in a blueprint. Able to use their lasers to build a map of their environment, they are able to figure out where to fly without anyone guiding them. You and your students will be amazed by this video, and it may serve as an impetus for students to take on the STEM subjects.

Are We “Dumbing Down” What We Do With Kids, Teachers, & Computing?

Ask Gary Stager. If you haven’t heard him speak, experienced a workshop with him, or read any of his writing; you’ve missed a dynamic advocate for empowering teachers and students. He tells us that when educational computing transformed itself into educational technology, we turned from letting students attempt the impossible to having them name the parts of a computer. As for teachers, we make them take courses in using iPads, when Stager tells us his “95-year-old grandmother figured it out all by herself.” The words “Computer Literacy”, coined by Arthur Luehrmann, originally referred to using computers to solve problems, not to browse Web sites or practice keyboarding. Gary Stager asks us to use our brains when working the computers and kids and to give our students challenges that have meaning for them. Besides reading Stager’s article Dumbing Down, check out his Website, blog, and his Minds-On Institute for Educators, July 9-12, 2012, in Manchester New Hampshire. The topic of the Institute is Constructing Modern Knowledge and that’s just what you’ll do if you have the chance to attend.

iTunes Gems for Learning from ITunes University

Here are two excellent opportunities for learning at iTunes University, where the courses are free. You’ll want to check out others that will integrate with your course work or provide enrichment learning for you and your students.

Learn fascinating facts about moons in our solar system through audio and video course materials. You and your students can wander moons such as Europa, Phobos, Deimos, Titan, and our own moon to learn from scientists about the search for extraterrestrial life.

Study programming methodology with Stanford’s Mehran Sahami, who focuses on object-oriented design, decomposition, encapsulation, abstraction and testing. You and your students don’t need any previous courses in programming for Sahami’s course, but you will need, according to the course outline, “considerable dedication and hard work.”