There are many different methods of introducing technology into education. However, they may be clunky or depend on different factors, such as signals, access, and different devices. So, why not use technology in or on the body? Using Body Technology would be convenient, weigh nothing, and possibly eliminate internet poverty. For example, a signal receiver could be placed in a wristband, under the skin, or on the skin. This method can grant students access to all the education they need. In this blog, we will discuss ‘The Internet of Bodies’ in further detail along with its benefits.
Problems Body Technology Can Address
It is not uncommon to see children of all ages carrying huge bags of books to and from school. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way around it? Also, as students grow older, they may have laptops or tablets which could be difficult to carry around. Even if the student has access to all the laptops they need, there is still the issue of internet poverty. What is their internet connection like at home? What about the poorer regions in the world where students have neither books nor internet access? Wouldn’t it be great if there was a way around these problems? This is where body technology could be useful.
Wearing, Ingesting, or Implanting Educational Technology.
Let’s look at how wearing, ingesting, or implanting educational technology, or EdTech on or into the body might work. Students could receive their lessons on a wristband or be implanted or ingested. Next, the students could go to a monitor, wave at it, and their lessons would appear. Notes and materials would also be ready to go. After completion, the lesson would be automatically saved. This educational technology could also be useful for teachers; they could quickly assess who hasn’t done their homework, or receive alerts when students are struggling.
Furthermore, educational technology can be helpful for higher-level students too. With so many different learning modules available, it can be difficult to keep track of a student’s overall progress. Sometimes school leaders are unaware of an issue until the results of the end-of-semester examination are in. By then, it’s too late for improvement, so the only option would be repeating exams or attending summer school. However, with constant tracking of student progress in one place, issues could be addressed much more quickly.
Bodily Technology and Tutoring
Body educational technology would also be useful when it comes to tutoring. When talking to a student, a tutor typically learns their name, what module they’re studying, and possibly their ID number. The tutor then looks up the student’s information on the school/college Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software. Decisions of the tutor are based on this information and what the student has said. However, if the student is integrated with bodily technology, a simple wave at the tutor’s screen brings up much-needed information; It can even include any issues with other subjects. This would allow staff to give students the best advice to help with their overall performance. Moreover, it would be like having a needs assessment on demand.
Body Technology and Substitute Teachers
Imagine how great The Internet of Bodies would be for substitute teachers. They go into a class, with no idea of who the students are or their personalities. The students get scanned and voila, the sub is saved, and all the information they need is on hand. Furthermore, this would also put a definitive end to “but we did this with the other teacher already.
Hesitancy with Body Technology
Be that as it may, there may be some hesitancy when it comes to ingesting or implanting body technology. This can be resolved by placing it in a wristwatch, pin, or on the skin as a barcode or QR code. These options would be very convenient because they wouldn’t need recharging, they are charged by the wearer’s body through kinetic or thermal energy. In addition, these external devices could have different styles such as fashionable running watches that appeal to students.
In conclusion ‘The Internet of Bodies’ may seem new, but it has been around for a long time. There are businesses where employees can enter buildings and sign in using microchips implanted in their hands. Some countries have vending machines that a customer can just wave their wrist at for access. As stated previously body technology weighs nothing and can be worn, ingested, or implanted. It could solve many educational issues and allow for a student’s progress to be monitored and accessed easily and regularly Despite any uncertainties, body technology can be an important asset in the world of academia.
Note: This is an opinion/personal experience article.
Read more articles related to STEAM trends on our Zealousness blog STEAM – iN Education Inc.
About the Author:
Dr. John Jennings is an educational theorist from Galway. He has a PhD in TESOL with research in Social Media and Education. He has researched the perceptions that students have of social media in education and how it affects their interaction with the academic world. He is also an avid virtual runner.
Dr Jennings, John. Linktree (2024) https://linktr.ee/dr.johnjennings
