The staff at Penn State University is reportedly going to conduct a research program that is set to explore the effect that wearables, such as the Apple Watch, have on human behavior. One of the main focuses of the program will be to turn to the device into a learning tool. The manager of advanced learning projects at Penn State’s Teaching and Learning with Technology Program, Ben Brautigam, told Government Technology that plans are currently in place to run several experiments that will look to the Apple Watch to help boost student achievement, especially in regards to self-regulated studying. Brautigam had the following to say regarding the matter:

The associate professor of educational psychology at Penn State, Rayne Sperling, who is spearheading research in cooperation with TLT, is working on describing how to integrate the Apple Watch into the study. Currently on the list of potential implementations are study reminders and personal trackers alongside interactive content for generating user success metrics. Sperling had the following to say regarding the matter:

The fact that the Apple Watch is strapped to a user’s wrist and connected to an iPhone, the device is an ideal candidate for receiving said scaffolds and providing instant feedback to research prompts. As of right now, an exact user interface hasn’t been designed but Brautigam mentioned that yes/no buttons, sliders and even voice messages are alternatives should all else fail.

Depending on the results of the study, which will end up comparing the Apple Watch to other technology platforms, it is possible that wearables could also become a staple in self-guided learning. Brautigam had the following to say regarding the matter:

How do you feel about the concept? Do you think it’ll work out? Share your thoughts and comments below!

Source: Government Technology