Context-Aware Environments & Devices

Context-aware environments are those such as smart classrooms where computers are able to be programmed to do certain tasks at certain times on certain days.  With this technology in a classroom, the computer is able to react in certain situations to perform functions based on what the teacher or students do.  For example, a teacher might be able to lower a projector screen simply by pointing her finger.  This technology is being experimented with and is projected to be in use in about four to five years.  This type of technology seems a bit overboard and needless in a classroom. The time factor is one great benefit of this technology; with a computer that automatically does so many menial tasks on its own, teachers are freed up to use more of their time actually teaching.

Context-aware computing can also be used into the educational classrooms  It has been used in kindergarten through second grade for kids learning math tables.  The way that this context aware computing works is that the kids will be learning math in class and will have a camera that will monitor the kids facial features and actions and will be able to see what the kids are doing.  There is also a projector that will project math problems onto the desk of the student.  The other device that would be used would be used to talk to the student.

     The way that this will help students in the classroom would be that if the kids are expressing confused body language the computer will be able to sense that through the camera and by detecting that will be able to project hints and talk a student through the problem.  This is a great tool in the classroom because this way the teacher doesn't have to slow down the whole class because the computer will be giving the student the extra help that they may need.  This is a great way to make learning in early education and even upper education more effecient.

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References

http://horizon.nmc.org/wiki/Where_Are_They_Now_2006#Context-Aware_Environments_and_Devices

http://www.edtechmag.com/higher/february-march-2006/executive-corner-2.html