WearablesWearables, or wearable technologies, combine fashion aesthetics with functional electronics. They are currently being implemented, while not commonly, in a variety of settings, including classrooms, MakerLabs, and library workspaces. In education, wearables are growing in popularity as they are used to teach circuitry, programming, and crafts. However, other fields have benefitted from their use, such as music, fashion, theatre, sports, science, business, and healthcare. The design and construction of wearable technologies allows students to focus on the process of creation through self-directed learning and constructive, problem-based activities. Students learn through trial and error, construction, critical reflection and scaffolded experiences. Wearables give students a chance to learn core concepts while creating items that they see as useful and relevant to their lives, as well as their personal and cultural identities.
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Benefits in Education |
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Etextiles support a multiliteracies framework by facilitating the roles of students as both designers and producers in a collaborative educational environment. Novice learners can experience successes alongside experts, and the medium allows students to learn from each other, with teachers becoming a support tool. Perhaps most importantly, e-textiles manage to do what many incentive programs do not: engage females in STEM studies, such as computer sciences and electrical engineering.
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