Interaction design for learning
We all know it; it is the mantra of our time: Our lives have changed a lot in the last years through information and communication technology. It has changed the way we work. It has changed the way we communicate. New technologies like mobile computing, new tools and interfaces not only have a major impact on our work and social experiences, we can rightly claim that they have improved our lives in various areas. Unfortunately, this is not the case in the field of education. Here, it seems as though things are moving slower than anywhere else. The following article proposes various engagement points for interaction designers to make technology count for education.
Designing interfaces to humanise technology
The way we interact with all the small and big machines we handle and inhabit in our daily lives tells us a lot about our personal relationship with technology. What do we actually want from technology and are we really getting it? Which side is more adaptive and compensates for the flaws of the other; Human or machine? What role play designers and artists when designing interfaces for the many black boxes our scientists and technologists surprise us with? Or can only magic save us from becoming machines ourselves? The video shows my 20 minutes talk from last July at Cape Town’s Creative Mornings event and tries to answer some of these questions.
Innovating education in South Africa: Formula D interactive presents a virtual, yet tangible Chemistry Lab.
Formula D Interactive recently developed a Virtual Chemistry Lab, as a safe, low cost alternative to the standard chemistry laboratory in schools. The heart of the system is a so called object recognition table. The interactive platform consists of a 50″ High Definition rear projected screen prepped with lots of computing power. Sophisticated pattern recognition technology allows users to navigate content information by placing physical cards onto the table’s glass surface.
How to design technology tools for the classroom of tomorrow (Part 1)
I recently spoke at a workshop with the title “The South African classroom of the future” at CSIR, Meraka institute in Pretoria. In my presentation “Tools for the classroom of the tomorrow” I discussed the following 4 questions:
- What are technology tools for learning?
- How do technology tools benefit the classroom of today?
- What are the requirements for the design of tools for the classroom of tomorrow?
- What are the key technologies for the classroom of tomorrow?
In this blog post I will deal with the first 2 questions.
Opportunities and challenges of digital interactive media in museums and science centres
Museums, Science centres, zoos and aquariums are undergoing a transition with regards to funding, mission and adaptation to a new generation of visitors and their expectations and needs. Digital technology has become part of our everyday lives. Still, it seems that museums, science centres, zoos and aquariums only very slowly embrace new interactive display technology. This text takes a glimpse at the opportunities and challenges of new media technology in these environments offering professionals an overview and inspiration to adapt new technology in their facility.