Augmented Reality and Its Applications for Education

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Augmented Reality (AR) has had a tremendous impact on education during the past few years. 

It started out as something really “cool” before developing into one of the most useful resources available for learners. 

What Exactly is Augmented Reality? 

Augmented Reality, which is also known as AR can simply be defined as the process of viewing or scanning a trigger image through a mobile device. This process would give life to a subsequent action. This action can be another image, a video, QR code, 3D animations, games or whatever you want it to be. Even a GIF image can be considered as an AR in action.

The Impact of Augmented Reality on Education

Imagine that you are a student who is sitting in a history class. The lesson you are going to learn is about Egyptian Temples. Augmented Reality has the potential to create a realistic 3D environment of the temple and you will be able to learn it in more of an interactive and appealing way without even leaving the classroom. You can view every corner of the temple and get a clear view of it. That’s the beauty of AR.

Augmented Reality can be used in education via many different methods. These include:

• Virtual Reality

Even though Virtual Reality mainly focuses on games, it can be used effectively in training and education as well. The immersive learning experience delivered by Virtual Reality has contributed a lot towards its popularity. A 3D immersive environment or a 360 degree video shot becomes useful when teaching new languages for students. A large number of learners will be able to get connected to the same virtual space as well which is particularly useful at a time of globalization and increased connectivity between countries via the internet.

• Virtual Reality Glasses

Virtual Reality glasses have also received a lot of attention in the recent past. More specifically, they have become particularly popular among students who are looking for a convenient method to learn marine biology. That’s because virtual glasses are in a position to immerse the students in a seabed environment and help them learn in an effective manner. This method of teaching is not associated with print books. A tablet is being provided to the student by the teacher and the student is asked to follow what appears on the screen. The students can then simply ask what animals are invertebrates and what vertebrates are. Then the students are asked to point them out by having a look. At the end of the lesson, the teacher would be able to know who has got it right and who has not.

• 3D Objects and Motion Capture

Offering training on 3D objects is not an easy thing to do. People who learn about these objects will not be able to get a clear understanding until they interact with the objects. That’s where 3D Objects and Motion Capture comes into play. This method is based on motion capture technology where the students will be asked to reposition the 3D objects that they see.

• Virtual Learning Environments

Virtual Learning Environments involve a platform where students and teachers can come together and collaborate with each other through an intranet. Teachers can use this network in order to create and send homework for their students. In addition, students can complete the assignments and submit them over the network themselves. In this way it is possible for the teachers to have the homework submitted and gathered in an organized manner, as well as being able to access useful statistics at the end of the day. Virtual Learning Environments have changed how traditional class sessions are managed and are thought of as a revolutionary way of e-learning.

Feedback and Monitoring Through Augmented Reality

Feedback and monitoring holds a prominent place in the education system. Otherwise, teachers will not be able to figure out whether they reach the educational objectives or not. Augmented reality creates an ideal platform to achieve this traceability. For example, the teachers will be able to get a clear understanding of what content is mostly viewed by the students and what assignments are completed by them. This type of information can be used in order to make important decisions respective to the students’ learning styles and performance.

Here is a list of some useful applications based on Augmented Reality, which can be used to enhance the quality of education:

1. HP Reveal (formerly Aurasma)

One of the most popular applications allowing to bring tagged images, objects and even physical locations to life. Using interactive digital content like video, animations and 3D scenes named Auras, Aurasma unfolds the amazing world of Augmented Reality with the ‘explore’ and ‘featured’ sections to retrieve the latest Auras. This app has been widely used in education since it allows the teacher and student to create their own interactive content. School displays come to life with this great tool!

2. Spacecraft 3D

This remarkable app created by NASA themselves and recently upgraded, as the name probably gives away, is more closely related to science or space teaching. Once you download Spacecraft 3D and print off the ‘markers’, it is possible to use your iPad’s camera to make a three dimensional spacecraft appear right before your eyes. There is also the option of taking a closer look to the structure of Rovers, Satellites and Telescopes while also looking at all angles of the technology since there are moveable parts on some of the crafts. These features can be quite engaging for children yet the app allows also to single handily bring a research lesson to life. Based on the content this app can be used in particular for students aged Key Stage 2 and 3.

3. Butterfly Fingers

Butterfly Fingers is one app that makes use of the Augmented Reality in combination with SEN. What the app does is that it places animated butterflies in the room while you look through the iPad’s camera. You might be stunned but this fluttering of butterflies can create a calming environment in the classroom especially when you have a very vivid student population. Importantly, the app does not require to be excellent in fine motor skills so it can be useful with children with special educational needs and all age groups.

4. Quiver

Whilst for many applications using AR, the user basically points the tablet’s camera at something and watch the effect, there is nothing physical about the endeavour. In contrast, Quiver is a fantastic app which allows you to physically customize the Augmented Reality object using coloring pages as triggers, and this video shows it in action. The way to do this is simply by downloading and print off markers which you can color and redesign yourself. Once the child (or adult) draws a picture and sketches its parts, pointing at the colored image using the tablet turns it into a three dimensional animation with moveable parts. There different markers, all enabling for creative and imaginative artistic learning. For example, the app can help a child visualize a character and stimulate more ideas for scripts, storyboards etc. 

5. AR Flashcards – Animals Alphabet

One extremely favourable app is AR Flashcards. The app is rather simple: there is a card for each letter of the alphabet, featuring one animated animal for every letter. You therefore realize that immediately the app allow you to play with twenty six Augmented Reality animals. There are more exciting stuff to do though, like using a huge number of dinosaur flashcards available for free. This creates endless educational potentials, ranging from phonics teaching and early language development, to topic-related learning such as using the dinosaurs which are pretty popular among children. Embedding these flashcards in your classroom teaching can therefore help with story writing, artistic endeavours, research projects and so much more!

6. Google Sky

A very interesting Augmented Reality app by the colossus focused on learning about astronomy in a fun and engaging way. Google Sky Map allows you to directly identify stars and constellations using a smartphone camera rather than through a book.

7. FETCH! Lunch Rush

A great educational game app to get elementary level kids to overcome their fear of Maths by learning, Fetch! Lunch Rush released by PBS KIDS uses printable cards as Augmented Reality pieces. Designed in 3D, the app uses the smartphone camera to place graphics in real-world surroundings. Specifically, there is a plot in the game where students help Ruff the Dog feed sushi to a movie crew by solving math problems. 

8. GeoGoogle

GeoGoogle is awesome when it comes to expanding students’ geography skills and help them measure distances to specific destinations, like latitude and longtitude by applying GeoGoogle to real-world surroundings. 

9. AugThat

One former teacher developed AugThat specifically targeting students that are not motivated to follow the classroom routine. Using the app's features, it is possible to create animated lessons in a variety of topics to engage students, including 360-degree virtual environments and 3-dimensional experiences.

10. Elements 4D

One of the most quality apps created by DAQRI, a powerful AR developer, is the application Elements 4D. As the name implies, this app brings elements of the periodic table to life to allow students of elementary, middle and high school level, see chemistry in action. The app work by printing out and assembling blocks that are used as trigger images for an AR experience. There are also lesson plans available for integrating Elements 4D at the DAQRI's website.

11. 4D Anatomy

Another amazing app by DAQRI, Anatomy 4D, allows teachers to design their own anatomy lessons by allows to view 3D images of the human body and heart. The app works by having teachers print off one of the target images and have students look at it through the app. This way they can learn about the different biological systems and bring the human body to life in a fascinating way, turning them "on" and "off" with the touch of a button.

12. Layar

This application employs Augmented Reality features to scanned print materials to enable a rich digital experience. Some of the app’s characteristics include seeing magazines come to life with videos on top of pages, browsing and viewing thousands of Geo Layers to find nearby stuff, enjoying interactice print with pop our content, and sharing your interactive print experiences without having to scan. Layar is thus one great app for use on a variety of learning projects. 

These are only a few Augmented Reality applications that are related to education. You can find a variety of similar applications that have taken the entire education system to a whole new level. Given this increased interest in Augmented Reality in the field of educational technology and technology enhanced learning, substantial empirical research has taken place in the past two decades to determine how this technology meaningfully engages students. 

Conclusion

The existing evidence so far suggests a variety of benefits from using Augmented Reality and similar immersive experiences during the lesson. More research however is needed before a conclusive argument is made, and what is certain, is that the use of Augmented Reality for educational purposes, like any other trending method, should be accompanied by a solid theoretical background while also addressing the individual needs of the particular classroom at hand.

READ THIS NOW: The Potential of Blended Learning for Steering Education

Did you find this article interesting? Don’t forget to drop your feedback in the comments section below. Thank you for reading!

*by andreascy*

Image to Word App: How to Convert and Edit Your Receipts

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

How Fast Do you Lose Track of Your Cash?

Do you find it hard to keep track of your daily spending? Many people often have problems with handling their finances, day-to-day spending and taking care of their bills, so they turn to technology for help. Ask any millennial and they will tell you the importance of managing your cash in today’s world… There just isn’t any money we are ready to give up that easily!

If you are an avid fan of money, you should consider using technology to help you save your money. There are many useful apps that can provide the same user experience as if you were reading out the receipt just handed to you. One such app is Image to Word, a mobile app converter that will help you track your spending. This app allows its users to take a photo of their receipt, or a screenshot of an image, and convert it to the easily editable MS Word file. The apps developer Cometdocs has recently released a bunch of new apps, among which this was one of them, if not even the most successful of all apps in this past release.

Money in the Bank, Tracking Ain’t Easy!

Well, not really in the bank since you are spending it, but at least this way you will know how to track it. Here are some of the standout features that make Image to Word one of the best converters on the market:

- Great conversion quality and absolute data recognition

- Screenshots and complex tables are convertible too

- No limitations when it comes to file sizes and numbers

- Won’t drain your battery

- Very intuitive and easy-to-use

The app offers two ways of converting files: by choosing a file from your library, or taking a photo with your camera and then selecting to convert it.

If you click on Photos, you will see a list of folders which are located on your device, and from there you can select any image you want to convert. If you wish to convert a screenshot of you receipt, or a photo you previously made, this is the option you need to select. If you click on Camera, the app will open your rear camera, with which you can quickly snap a photo of your receipt or maybe a newspaper. 

Once you’ve selected your file, the conversion will begin. The file being converted will appear on the main screen. You can also see all active and finished conversions on your main screen below the part where you choose between Camera and Photos. Those files are saved on your phone for future use, unless you choose to delete them by hand.

The converted file will be in .docx format, which is the primary format for editing text in many apps, mainly MS Word. By clicking on your converted file, you will see a preview of your new file and you can export it to the app where you wish to edit it by clicking on the Share button in the bottom left corner. The app will then open a list of suggested apps to use, as well as all previous editing apps you used.

If you are having trouble using the app, click on Options and then click on Guide for better results for a few quick tips. This guide will take you through the app and show you the proper way to take a photo of your receipt, or how to make a screenshot suited for conversion.

From there you can also rate the app, stop all conversions or contact customer support in case you have issues with using the app. Also, by clicking on Settings in that same menu, you can allow and deny Image to Word access to certain parts of your iPhone/iPad, such as the Photos and Camera, as well as managing the notifications you get from this app.

With this app you shouldn’t have anymore trouble tracking your receipts because now you can have them all stored in your phone. While this app is very popular among iOS users, Image to Word is also available on Android so feel free to try it out, and let us know how much it helped you in managing your finances.

NEXT ARTICLE: How to Edit Bank Statements on a Mobile Device

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*by andreascy*

How Mobile Technology Has Enhanced Everyday Life

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

It won't be long before there will be an entire generation of adults who won't remember that there was a time when you couldn't snap a picture while listening to music and texting with a friend. Back then, it would take three devices to do all that. Your GPS would be another device and your handheld gaming system yet another. Watching a movie on a phone? That sounded like something straight out of sci-fi. 

Fast forward to today and you can stream your favorite show on your mobile device, keep an eye on your puppy while you're at the office with a tablet, and start a load of laundry from across the globe using your smartphone. 

It's pretty clear that mobile technology is one of the reasons this planet of ours feels smaller every day. Connectivity refers no longer to the person to person virtue but rather to the relationship between our mobile devices and the world around us. More and more, we are interacting with our loved ones, our homes, our workplaces and our stuff via mobile devices loaded with apps. 

The Internet of everything is an evolving concept but mobile technology is already making our lives better in myriad ways. Here are just a few examples:

Taking Care of Yourself

Beyond Fitbit, consumer health monitors and lifetrackers abound – almost all of which rely on apps to store and analyze data. But even without wearables, taking care of your physical and even your mental health has never been easier. 

Smartphones often come equipped with heart rate monitors and pedometers, and mood charting apps like Optimism are promoting healthier habits among their users.

Self-love also means treating yourself to the things you enjoy, whether that’s enjoying a nice night in with a bath bomb and some binge-watching, or using that promotion bonus towards a new smartphone. 

There are also plenty of great ways that technology can help us relax and de-stress, such as giving us access to our favorite songs and movies with streaming services like T-Mobile’s BingeOn and Music Freedom. 

Taking Care of Your Home

Thanks to fully integrated and DIY smart home systems that synch up with mobile devices, it's never been easier to stay on top of all of the tasks most adults are responsible for. Even better, affordable smart home components are becoming more common. There are now smart fridge and freezer combos that will send alerts to your phone when you're running low on staples like eggs and milk. And that's not all!

There are deadbolts that can only be unlocked via an app. TCP's Connected lighting system is a budget-friendly starter kit for those who want to see what smart homes are all about. According to Berg Insights, the market for smart home accessories is only going to get bigger and the accessories themselves are bound to get smarter. 

Keeping an Eye on Who You Love

Pixies Scientific has created a smart diaper that synchs with an app. There are apps that let you track your pet's activity levels and behaviors while you're at work. Baby monitors and trackers that send data to worried parents' phones are starting to look like they wouldn't be out of place in a modern NICU. And nowadays with a tablet and a few pieces of add on hardware you can create your own security system from scratch. 

Paying for What You Want

Apple Pay and Samsung Pay are just the beginning of the mobile payment revolution that will see the US become a cashless society. 

With Samsung Pay in particular you don't even need to shop at stores that have NFC-enabled terminals. Your phone is all you need because of Samsung's pioneering technology that mimics a credit card swipe. And when you can settle the tab with a wave of your phone, it won't matter that you forgot your wallet at home. 

Getting Things Done

Whether the always-on state of modern work is actually good for employees isn't clear but there's something to be said for having the ability to do research, take notes, dial into meetings and clear out your inbox when you actually feel like doing it. Today's smartphones are simply computers in miniature, which means the keys to a truly productive day are always in our pockets. 

Living Cleanly and Comfortably 

Simply living is better thanks to mobile technology and the devices controlled by it. If you wish, you can have a wakeup call that has been carefully calibrated to match your sleep patterns. Via an app on your phone, your smart car can remind you that it's time for its next round of regular maintenance. There are smart flowerpots connected to mobile apps that let caretakers know when houseplants get thirsty. And smart kettles can inquire via text message whether you'd like a cup of tea ready for you when you arrive home. 

Conclusion

There are still some limitations to how much mobile tech can do in our lives and bugs that will need to be worked out. But right now there are so many ways mobile devices, apps and the gadgets controlled by them are making the modern world cooler and more comfortable. It's abundantly clear: our phones are getting smarter and we're reaping the rewards.

RELATED: 10 Gadgets that Will Make your Life so Much Easier

I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

*by andreascy*

The Potential of Blended Learning for Steering Education

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description: 

Think about all of the ways that technology has influenced and infiltrated nearly every aspect of your life. Paying by check? You can do that online or just with your phone. Making a reservation at a restaurant? No need to call - an app will do it for you. Want to turn off the lights and lock your door? Your smart devices can help connect you.

That technological influence extends to our learning environments, too. Classrooms have undergone a centuries-long change that’s only been speed up with the advent of technology. What used to be one-room schoolhouses in the late 1800s are now redesigned spaces which invite students and teachers to engage in learning using tablets, whiteboards, and more.

One of the most prominent ways in which technology is changing classrooms is through impact on what we think of as the traditional learning environment. One classroom with one teacher standing in front of multiple students as an authoritative figure has given way to a concept known as blended learning. The latter is an instructional approach that capitalizes on the best of both worlds - education and tech. 

Blended learning, is a learning trend driving education which in some form, is currently available in nearly every state. In a nutshell, this strategy or approach to teaching and learning involves the student learning through at least partial online delivery of content. In this sense, it offers both traditional instruction - a teacher in front of students - and digital or online content that’s accessible at any time. 

The conceptualizations behind blended learning adhere to the notion that students are not uniform, and learning shouldn’t be either. Based on learning theories such as Gardner’s on multiple intelligences, and multiliteracies pedagogy, it is considered that students have different learning styles and come for culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds which should be taken into consideration when planning a lesson. In this respect, it is suggested that enhancing students’ learning through digital content can be a personalized response to students’ needs and desires, allowing them to learn at their own pace through means that are relevant to their lives.

In relation to the different strategies for undertaking a blended learning approach, six models have been proposed for its implementation: Face-to-Face Driver Model, Rotation Model, Flex Model, Online Lab Model, Self-Blend Model and Online Driver Model. More recently, other alternative blended learning models have been brought to the surface of educational cycles: 

a) The traditional brick-and-mortar blended learning model:

An approach where the instructor uses online platforms to add resources, assign and gather homework, as well as encourage online discussions and other asynchronous learning activities beyond classroom hours

b) The hybrid learning model:

Students attend live events physically or online (for example webinars) while also work in virtual online environments. There could be an arranged schedule where some days students attend the class and others are optional however students must attend online.

c) The flipped learning model:

Teachers and other instructors record their online lectures and students are obliged to watch them before class. During the lesson, they can work on different tasks and in this sense the teacher has more time to work with challenging topics and addresses students’ difficulties. 

Regardless of which type of blended learning model one chooses to adopt, there are certain misconceptions and considerations needed to be addressed. For instance, people often assume that blended learning equals all education online, but that isn’t true. It might be that the focus is on a technology rich environment, nevertheless, there is ‘hands on’ learning. In addition, unlike it is commonly believed, in blended learning students do not work individually only. The can undertake projects in groups with their peers to produce collaborative work online.

Furthermore, blended learning in contrast to the myth that it requires less work than traditional face to face instruction, doesn’t cut down on the amount of work that needs to be done by either students or educators. In fact, both sides may need to work at a more systematic basis. Instructors still need to prepare and students still need to do the work. But blended learning allows those learners to engage with information more frequently in order to fully grasp concepts that may have been more difficult with just one go-round.

Based on these characteristics of blended learning, in summary, the advantages from engaging in such practice have been identified as being:

- The meaningful combination of interactive face to face instruction and digital content through a differentiated personalized based teaching approach

- The use of digitally mediated content such as digital storytelling that has been found to motivate students’ interest and increase students’ learning and affective outcomes

- Access to the instruction such as an online session many times, with stops and pauses to the discretion of the learner.

- Researchers and practitioners suggest that blended learning can encourage students to continue learning outside the classroom. It can expand beyond the traditional school walls to connect with students’ lives.

- Blended learning can maximize the potential for acquiring 21st century skills.

Despite the promising features of this approach, the excitement about the possibilities of blended learning and the ways that technology can better prepare our students and assist our educators needs to be tempered with some serious questions about the process. It’s not a match for every person or every situation. Students need to know what the physical, in-class requirements are, and instructors need to be upfront and proactive about their availability and roles through digital means. 

For instance, the technology that’s a given in a traditional classroom may not be available in each student’s home, which can impact learning and pacing. Students and instructors must have a shared understanding about assignments and work - what files are usable and which are not. And there should be practice and testing so that everyone understands the accessibility and usability of that particular online environment.

Whilst there is no fixed recipe for meaningful teaching and learning instruction, it appears that technology enhanced learning is the present and future of 21st century education. Blended learning could be a flexible and dynamic approach through the meaningful engagement with technology. 

Whatever the end result, it’s important to understand how blended learning cannot guarantee success. It requires commitment on behalf of the educator and careful use of digital means. And therefore it is important to be aware of its different aspects. This graphic is a good place to start.

Source: Quill.com

Conclusively, it appears that exciting times lay ahead for educators and students all together. Now, more than ever, we are in a position to offer the most engaging form of education that will empower students as dynamic and active learners. Blended learning, as it is proposed in this article, is one powerful approach which could change the education game and will be around for many years to come.

READ NEXT: 8 Ways Digital Storytelling Transforms Learning in 21st Century Education: The Research Evidence

I’m all eyes and ears for your comments.

*by andreascy*

Tech Gadgets That Make Traveling a Breeze

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Supposedly half the fun of travel is getting there, but what if traveling could be fun from start to finish? This year's CES was all about travel tech designed to make your next vacation (or business trip) a lot less stressful and a lot more enjoyable. 

Of course, an open mind and adventurous spirit are the most important things to bring with you on any voyage but there are plenty of gadgets and accessories that are worth packing. Here's some of the newest travel tech, some of which debuted at CES 2016, that's equally useful for world travelers and weekenders.

The Egg – a Phone to Cloud Photo Solution

Eggcyte's personal cloud device, the Egg, is a must have for phone-wielding shutterbugs who have more subject matter than storage space. 

The Egg can connect to your phone from anywhere in the world so you can share up to 50,000 snapshots with friends and family back home. And after you've said goodbye to your favorite destination, scrolling through those vacay pics is as easy is firing up the app. 

Samsung's Galaxy S7 – Best in Class Photos on the Go

The Samsung Galaxy S7 has premium specs that include a best in class camera with 4K capture capabilities, low-light optimization, a cool menu of effects and a fully outfitted manual mode. Why make this your go-to travel phone? 

The brand's latest offering brings back IP68 dust resistance and long-term water resistance up to 3m, which means you can bring it just about anywhere. And best of all, if you get it from T-Mobile this phone comes with a free year of Netflix, perfect for binge-watching your favorite shows on the go.

Bluesmart – the Smartest Suitcase 

This four-wheeled, extra strong carryon-friendly bag does more than keep your stuff safe. Bluesmart can weigh itself, has not one but two USB charging stations, and comes with a built-in tracker that's smart enough to alert you if it senses that your luggage is on its way to Timbuktu. 

Want the tracker without all the extras? Stash Trakdot in your suitcase and you'll always know where in the world your bags are. 

Zagg – Untethered Audio Anywhere

The retractable earbuds on Zagg's versatile Flex Arc headset let you curl up and forget about your neighbors on the plane. 

And then when you get to your destination, you can get the party started with built in external speakers that offer surprisingly souped-up sound for such a small package. 

Sol – a Bag that Does Double Duty

Samsung C&T's Sol Bag is a stylish oversized clutch that features integrated solar panels that charge your devices whenever you're walking in the sun. Of course, if you're traveling to an out of the way destination a high capacity power bank makes more sense.

In that case, grab Aukey's portable charger – it has enough emergency backup juice to charge your iPhone ten times plus a built in flashlight.

Bedphones – Promoting a Good Night's Sleep

DubsLabs has created Bedphones, a new kind of nighttime earbud designed to combat the challenges travelers face when falling asleep away from home. This speaker sits outside your ear so you can bliss out with white noise or fall asleep to your favorite podcast without the uncomfortable feeling of something in your ears. 

Better still, the Bedphones app senses when you've nodded off and automatically shuts off your audio to save you power. 

Mobi EyeFi – for Faster Photo Transfers

The Eyefi Mobi WiFi SD card makes the chore of transferring photos from camera to device a breeze.

Your snapshots are automatically sent from your camera to your iOS, Android, or Kindle device using wifi. 

What else do you need to stash in your carryon? Definitely check out the latest on-the-fly audio translators and ultra light laptops – especially if it's business bringing you to the far reaches of the globe. Ultimately there's no such thing as 100% stress free travel but with the right tech you can come pretty close.

READ ALSO: Transportation Options While Vacationing

As always, would be great to hear what you think!

*by andreascy*

DIY Home Automation and Affordability

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Despite the fact that the home automation market is expected to grow by double digits every year through the end of the decade, there is still a reluctance among the majority of American homeowners to adopt home automation. Among the reasons for their hesitancy is the belief that equipment is too expensive. 

Until hardware manufacturers and retailers figure out how to bring prices down and make consumers comfortable with the cost of home automation, there will be ongoing challenges to making the technology as common as the smartphone.

A recently-released survey from International Data Corporation suggests that about half of U.S. consumers are reluctant to adopt home automation. The top five reasons for their reluctance are as follows:

• Too expensive (46%)

• No use for the technology (40%)

• Too little value (30%)

• Too complicated (18%)

• Lack of confidence in capabilities (12%)

Americans are undoubtedly consumers above all else. Therefore, it would seem that the two biggest hurdles for the home automation industry are bringing down retail costs and creating devices that people can find practical uses for. There are some companies already working on this.

DIY Systems Lower Costs

Bringing down the cost of home automation is more about eliminating labor than actual equipment costs. For example, a consumer who purchases a home automation system through a full-service company offering "free" installation still charges the consumer for the installation through higher hardware prices. So one way to bring down costs is to provide DIY systems.

Uxari is one example of a company doing just that. They are a Florida company that has created a collection of wireless home automation devices that customers can use to build customized systems. They can build systems that meet their requirements and budgets, knowing that those same systems will be scalable should they be able to afford more in the future.

Moving beyond Thermostats and Lighting

The other thing the industry is working hard at is moving beyond just thermostats and lighting. They definitely need to. A person who wants to better control his/her thermostat can spend less on a programmable thermostat than home automation if he/she's willing to learn how to use that thermostat in all of its complicated glory. As far as lighting goes, the old-fashioned outlet timer is still a functional way to control lighting at a lower cost.

Home automation needs to go above and beyond lighting and thermostats to be more attractive. Remote door locks are one example of the industry moving in the right direction. With electronically controlled door locks installed, the homeowner can remotely lock and unlock doors to accommodate children coming home from school or guests arriving from out of town. Should a homeowner leave home and inadvertently forget to lock the door behind him/her, the problem can be solved with a smartphone.

This leads us to another factor that could help more Americans become interested in home automation: tying it into security. Companies such as Uxari are doing that, by offering video surveillance that can be monitored remotely. For example, place a camera just above the front door and you will be able to see the kids coming home from school every day. That's the kind of usefulness people want if they plan to spend the money.

The good news for the home automation industry is that half of Americans are interested in the technology. The bad news is that the other half are not. In order to change that, the industry needs to reduce the costs and come up with devices that have more practical uses.

RELATED: Go-Go-Gadget : Advancements In Home Technology

Thanks for visiting! Hope your week is spectacular!

*by andreascy*

10 Gadgets that Will Make your Life so Much Easier

Posted by Andreas Christodoulou

Description :

Hello everyone! I hope you had a wonderful holiday season. Still recovering and sluggishly getting back to work? Grab a coffee while reading our new posts. 

More than a few people have uttered the phrase: “Isn’t there something to make this job easier?” If you haven’t then you’re probably in the minority, or maybe you already own all those things. 

Listed in this article are 10, sometimes silly, gadgets that can make life less of a hassle. So if you’re not one of those people that own everything, maybe one of these can help you with a current problem that you seem to keep running into.

1. AquaNotes

Have you ever noticed that the shower is where you come up with a lot of your good ideas? You may have also noticed that you sometimes forget that idea before you even turn the water off. With AquaNotes that’s no longer a problem. It’s a waterproof notepad that sticks to the wall in your shower. 

Now those million dollar inventions will never be lost. This is a great gift for an inventor, song writer, and entrepreneur.

2. Wrinkle/Wash Free Pants 

Next to doing the dishes, the laundry is one of the most tedious tasks in anyone’s life. A company called Bluffworks has made it easier to be just a bit lazier. The pants can be balled up and stuffed in your backpack or luggage and still be good to go. 

They also come with pockets for smartphones like the Galaxy or iPhone. These are perfect for any bachelor. 

3. Hovding Airbag for Cyclists

Do you like riding your bike but hate the clunky helmets that are on the market? Or maybe you don’t feel comfortable placing all your trust into a piece of padded plastic and rubber. A company in Sweden called Hovding has invented a new ‘invisible’ bike helmet. 

The device is worn around the neck and is deployed like an airbag around your head and neck if you happen to run into anything. Or if anything happens to run into you.

4. Lock Laces

Do you hate tying your shoes? Maybe you are one of those people that just leaves your shoes tied so you can slip in and out of them easily. With Lock Laces, you can have your shoes done in seconds. They’re elastic laces that have a stopper on them similar to snowboard boots. 

They are a step up from Velcro but people with still probably make fun of you for ‘not being able to tie your shoes. That’s ok though because you can just make fun of them for taking forever to get out the door. 

5. Onion Goggles

These are exactly what you think they are. These goggles fit tightly around your eyes so no more tears when you’re cutting onions. 

They may seem silly; some people are really sensitive to juices that onions omit when they are being cut. They make you look like an Olympic swimmer when you’re preparing your food. 

6. Light up Charging Cables

These may seem gimmicky but they’re actually pretty convenient. Instead of having to look at your device when it’s charging, all you need to do is pay attention to the light patterns. 

A fast current means your device is less than 65% charged, while a slower one means it’s over 65%. Once it’s fully charged the light shuts off. Neat huh?

7. The CanStand

This isn’t just a cool way to hold your beer or soda. The CanStand is a beverage cooler that also reflects the heat of the sun. You just stick it in the ground like those bug torches and you’re good to go. 

It works if you’re standing or sitting, so now you can enjoy a cold one next to the grill without the radiant heat warming up your beverage. 

8. ibattz Mojo Refuel & Invictus Battery Case for iPhone

We’ve all been stuck somewhere with no outlet and a battery that’s on 10%. Or worse you are at the airport with plenty outlets but they’re all being used. Enter the ibattz Mojo Refuel or Invictus Battery Case for the iPhone. 

It works just like most iPhone cases, only this one comes with a small replaceable battery capable of recharging your phone. Not only that but it amplifies the speakers on your phone too. 

9. SleepPhones

If you’re one of those people that like to listen to music when they sleep, this is perfect. Ear buds are comfortable, but not when you’re laying directly on one and jamming it further into your ear. 

This is a headband with earphones sewn into it. Not the best sound quality but still more comfy than rolling over onto an ear bud.

10. StickNFind

This is a nifty little device that you can stick to those items that you lose all the time. You can stick them on your keys, wallet and your TV remote. You can then use your phone to locate them. 

The only downside to this is if your phone is one of the things you’re constantly losing, you may have a tough time.

Conclusion 

There you have it 10 things to make your life easier. In today’s complicated world we could all use a leg up on those frequently annoying problems. Now if they could only invent a machine that grants wishes, that is something that could make your life way easier.

SOMETHING ELSE TO READ: 10 Gadgets to Help You Catch More Fish

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*by andreascy*

6 Learning Trends Driving Education in a Post-Pandemic Scenario

Posted by Dr Stephania Savva

Description :

Following the surge of the Covid19 pandemic around the globe and with the new school year kicking off in September, the talk around the current and future educational landscape globally is resurfacing once more. Here we have compiled the top 6 learning trends driving education in a post-pandemic scenario and beyond. 

The constantly evolving learning demands and needs of a globalized new millennium challenge the teaching practices and strategies for researchers, policy makers and educators; the mission is to reinvent schools for the 21st century. Working within these realizations, several learning trends for education have emerged in the past few years in an attempt to re-conceptualize education. 

Most of these trends are based in the belief that schooling in the 21st century should be connected to real life experiences, becoming meaningful and relevant for students. In this perspective, students as learners are actively engaged in collaborative project-based learning processes integrated in a curriculum that derives from students’ interests, experiences, talents and diverse skills. The learning trends identified below address these understandings and lead the wind of change in education for the years to come.

1. Blended Learning

One of the buzzwords in the educational community worldwide now is blended learning. The term refers to an instructional strategy where the student learns through at least partly online delivery of instruction and content. Teaching within a blended learning environment implies that there are elements of student control over time, place, path and/or pace. There have been six models identified as characteristic of blended learning: Face-to-Face Driver Model, Rotation Model, Flex Model, Online Lab Model, Self-Blend Model and Online Driver Model. The beneficial attributes of any of these models of blended learning are found in the potential to address students’ needs and variant learning styles through differentiated instruction. Such an approach to teaching allows for teachers to make decisions regarding their teaching strategies that will result in better student performance.

2. Game Based Learning

Another trend in education nowadays is game based learning (GBL), which has been cited as a revolutionized way of utilizing games for learning purposes. In particular, GBL is a teaching approach where students undertake work in a game based learning context often in a virtual environment designed by teachers. The intention is for teachers and students to be immersed in the game, collaborate and take action towards a particular learning goal. The aim is to make learning fun, liven up the classroom by engaging and motivating the students. As this is a growing field with increasing interest, the video game industry should consider pairing with researchers to create games that could be employed by formal learning institutions and align with goals of the curriculum. Theorists stress that there is still a need for developing new technology that supports specific pedagogical functions (e.g. group regulation or project management) for schooling in the postmodern era. What we should be aware however is to find a balance between technological or technical aspects and teaching/learning processes.

3. Maker Education

Student work has been taken to a whole new level with the introduction and gradual implementation of maker education or maker movement in schools, a trend starting from the US. An evolution of experiential learning and hands on learning which has been around for more than half a century, the maker education is an approach that adopts a culture of learning by doing which utilizes current and emerging technological tools such as 3D printing, wearable computing, robotics, and coding tools to drive creativity. The intention is to create makerspaces in classrooms where students are given the expressive freedom and digital tools to invent, build and share their work during the learning process allowing for their talents to nourish. 

4. Deeper Learning

Deeper learning is part of a developing movement in the US for education that emphasizes on the knowledge that students need to successfully engage in 21st century jobs and civic life. The term refers to a set of student educational outcomes that stem from a set of core competencies, which allow for students to develop higher order skills and metacognitive understandings. Such an example of a teaching and learning approach to schooling acknowledges students’ multiple and diverse identities, experiences and capabilities while also equipping them to become the flexible and critical learners required in our contemporary societies. Even these students, who have been characterized as multimodally literate (Davies 2006) or digital natives (Prensky 2001), are not ‘per se’ capable to critical reflect and make advanced cognitive processes in their everyday activities. Using the deeper learning theory could empower students’ critical awareness of and uptake of learning tasks.

5. Design Thinking

Design thinking is an emerging trend for education that seems promising in relation to other approaches such as the maker education movement. Stemming from product design processes, design thinking refers to a creative process where you employ problem solving to reach to meaningful solutions in the classroom, school or community. Environments such as schools that implement design thinking use it as a basis for teaching different subjects through workshops where students become design thinkers by engaging in problem solving, brainstorming and other activities that aim to bring solution to real life situations. At the core of this learning approach is the intention to empower students to feel confident to create for solving realistic problems.

6. Technology Enhanced Learning 

Technology has taken the education world by storm in recent years. Technology enhanced learning is an umbrella term used to describe the use and implementation of technological tools such as smartphones and mobile devices including touchscreen and tablet computers for learning, also known as educational technology. The impact of using mobile digital technologies for example through adoption of BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) movement has altered the learning experience for students. Regardless of their background and interests, students nowadays seem to engage in learning more easily when interacting with these devices while they seem relevant to their daily lives where exposure to technology is constant. The interest in educational technology through technology enhanced learning will continue to grow in the coming years. This is driven by the calls for personalized learning and how to encourage a technologically and digitally diverse learning experience which empowers our students. 

The learning trends mentioned in this article are gradually implemented in mainstream education worldwide. The premise is that a more systematic implementation of the above learning theories and practices could transform education for the 21st century.

Hope you found this article interesting, please feel free to let us know your suggestions and what more you would like to see from us. Have a great day!