The authors in chapter 31 discussed emergent technologies which if follows past trends, will significantly impact future instructional design technologies. They speak of a paradigm shift impelled by a continuously developing ecological structure. One of the key aspects of this reading focused on Advanced Performance Tracking. As I read this section, I thought wow! I can imagine improving my racquetball game and maybe my golf game. The authors suggested that one could” slip into a body glove” which covers you from head to toe. This body glove according to the authors would “incorporate an intricate electrical grid that transmits precise body position and relative movement information to a personal computer located several feet away”. Wow! I could actually perform tracking and feedback to improve my swing, positioning for racquetball and golf. During my matches, I often think of what I need to focus on to improve my performance. This system can also be used to assess academic deficiencies and target areas which need further development.
Sounds sci-fi…..interestingly as a child, I could never imagine a cell phone or even an electronic car starter. This chapter presented some intriguing concepts. When I think about the body glove, I also think about the portable tens unit which sends electronic surges into your muscles for healing?
As I reflect on the technological tools and select readings presented in this course, I have a sense of wonder and an appreciation for the technological advances emerging in our global society. This course created opportunities for me to explore technological tools that I either took for granted or simply did not know they existed. There were several tools and programs which I found fascinating though I had the most fun with Google Maps, Camtasia Studio, and Photo sharing. The online photo sharing tools were fun once I figured out the specifics such as how to add titles and tags.
3 comments:
Patricia,
I'm not a golfer but my husband is and he was interested in the body glove when I showed him this section.
It is amazing technology. My game is tennis and it was great that they used that as an example. How fascinating to think about wearing the body glove and modifying movement/motion to improve my serve. I am wondering about the cost of using this technology in future.
It is a bit sci-fi. Incidentally, I test drove a Prius recently and felt like one of the Jetsons :)
Jan
Hi Patricia,
It's funny that you mentioned the body glove for improving performance. I also couldn't have imagined these types of things as a kid. We didn't even have cable TV until I was 15! I've often wondered about the efficiency of my running stride when I run for miles and I'm trying to learn to golf. Without the benefit of experts, it's difficult to know if we are using our bodies efficiently. This would be an awesome way to find out! Jan's comment on the Prius and yours on the Jetsons made me think of my own car. I can call through blue tooth without touching my cell phone, it has voice commands, it has a larger manual for all of the technology in the vehicle than on the actual car. I'm not a real bells and whistles type, but my husband is and he picked it out. It is frightening in some way, since my first car was a 74 VW superbeetle that I bought from my grandpa. (only AM radio). Incidentally, mine is a Mitsubishi Outlander. I think that I'm always on a fine line between being overwhelmed and being excited by all of the technology at our disposal.
Thanks for your comments!
Chris S.
Hi Pat, I too really liked the rich media tool Camtasia. I could spend many hours with this tool... if I had the time. I also thought of my golf game when reading about the performance tracking technology. I wonder how far down the road the technology of this kind will be available to the average player, wanting to shave a few strokes off their score? I don't see the body glove technology being available to everyone, but I do think some form of the technology will be available to us all someday.
And, to answer your question from my blog... yes I do see a overriding theme through this course and our last course together... research into practice! Have a great summer... perhaps we will see eachother in class again. Amy
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