1. Connectivism and the SixthSense Sara Bates

2. Questions to Consider What is a sixth sense? Now think in terms of technology: Are there any technologies available that you would consider to be your sixth sense? Are learners today different as a result of technology? How does this relate to what we know of learning theory?

3. The SixthSense Developed by a research group at MIT led by PranavMistry in 2009, the SixthSense is a wearable computer that eliminates the need for a keyboard or screen and instead relies on hand gestures. It is composed of a web connected smart phone, camera project, and mirror. The user wears colored caps on his/her fingers (these could also be painted nails!) to control the device. The projector can project visual information onto any surface as interfaces, and the camera tracks the users hand movements. The device also interacts with other objects and can you more information about them. For example, if you are reading a newspaper, a live news broadcast could be produced.

4. The SixthSense http://www.break.com/index/really-cool-new-sixth-sense-technology.html Skip to 2:05 Stop 3:43 While using this device, in what ways is the user learning? Start at 3:43 Stop at 7:32 How does the device facilitate learning? Is the user learning differently or their learning constructed in a different way as a result of the device? Would you argue that learning is hindered in anyway by use of this device?

5. Connectivism: a Digital Learning Theory One of the principles of connectivism is that learning can reside in “non-human appliances”. Ability or capacity to know more is more important than what is currently known The ability to continuously and instantaneously make connections between people, things, ideas, etc. is critical to learning The learner is able to choose what to learn and to make decisions based on the information given at the time, and is free to change his/her mind based upon the information given at the current time

6. Connectivism: A Digital Learning Theory Learner is constantly involved in the “cycle of knowledge” Importance is placed on access to information Can I find or access the information I need to complete a task or fulfill a requirement? The end goal of learning is essentially to “do” something. Learning is mobile. Learning is experienced with the senses.

7. The SixthSense as an assistive technology Assistive technology is defined by IDEA as “any item, piece of equipment, or product system, whether acquired commercially off-the-shelf, modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities”. Under this definition, could the SixthSense be considered an assistive technology?

8. The SixthSense as an assistive technology for individuals with learning challenges How can this device be used in schools, in the community, and in the workplace to assist individuals with learning challenges? Have access to information on a “need to know” and instantaneous basis Reduces, or even eliminates, the need for memorization, repetition, etc. because information can be immediately accessed Prompts, processes, and reminders can be delivered when needed You become your organizational system Information is stored within the device and you must manage this information to be able to access it when needed. This becomes the focus

9. The SixthSense as an assistive technology for individuals with learning challenges Puts individual directly responsible for the information they receive and how the choose to use it, and what they choose to do with it after it’s been used Device could become an extension of the learner What drawbacks do you see? Is this still learning? What are some of the positives?

10. Resources http://www.break.com/index/really-cool-new-sixth-sense-technology.html http://www.pranavmistry.com/projects/sixthsense/#PICTURES http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SixthSense http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/06/mits-sixth-sense-augmented-reality-demonstrated-on-video/ http://blog.sherweb.com/motion-control-sixthsense-technology-why-were-still-waiting/ http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,489444,00.html http://www.rehabtool.com/forum/discussions/93.html http://74.125.155.132/scholar?q=cache:plNxpGJzMAgJ:scholar.google.com/+connectivism&hl=en&as_sdt=0,14&as_vis=1 http://www.connectivism.ca/