There’s no doubt that Google Glass and the wave of Smart Watches have been capturing technology headlines lately; in some cases, not necessarily for all the right reasons, as concerns regarding personal and public privacy have undoubtedly been raised. In this article we’ll take a look (no pun intended) at our own experiences with Google Glass, and consider some of the potential opportunities for the use of Wearable technologies in training and learning.
This new wave of technology is similar to the early days of mobile phones. Initially bulky and arguably unsightly, mobile phone technology and design improved over time whilst costs came down. Now, with the evolution of the smartphone, these devices have become an essential part of almost everyone’s business and daily lives. Be it for social media, staying in touch or keeping up to date, there is an app for every and any possible thing we could think of. Wearable technology will no doubt follow the same trends – becoming more stylish whilst improving battery technology; components will shrink so that, in the long run, these devices will enter our society (almost without us noticing), just like the first generation mobile phones did and smartphones have.
To some degree Wearable’s are just like the iPad; it wasn’t a ‘necessary’ product, but it captured the zeitgeist and quickly became the must have device. Like it or not, many of us are always looking for new technologies and the next evolution to use a mobile phone; a device that many condemned for taking too much of our attention. As wearable technology emerges, those condemning the new technologies may hope it solves the attention seeking crisis, though it has the potential to take even more of our valuable time.
A major issue that has been raised with current Wearable’s is privacy. Devices like Google Glass have hit the headlines recently with journalists trailing the device for a day in numerous public spaces mostly unchallenged. There are many arguments for and against using them in public and in the workplace.
Although not as discreet as Google Glass the argument goes that it’s also just as easy to hold up a phone if the user is intent on ‘snooping’. We’ll wait and see how it plays out in the public environment, for Ignition though its far more about where we think the use of Wearable’s could go in adding value to the training and learning experience.
In a face-to-face training environment keeping eye contact with delegates is an essential asset in keeping them engaged and participative. A useful example with Google Glass would be if a presenter was able to use their slide notes with just a subtle look away – invaluable when covering complex or detailed topics. The micro sized information display could help trainers deliver presentations not only even more efficiently and professionally, but potentially with live updates ‘on the go’ or by talking and responding to questions posed by the audience through live response systems. We see numerous other concepts, such as presenters live streaming a product demonstration, or augment reality with feature rich interactive presentations – the possibilities are open ended.
Google Glass is already being used in various other industries and sectors. Surgeons are already using Google Glass to live stream operations in teaching hospitals, as its main advantage is that they are hands free. The concepts of an automotive technical trainer carrying out a complicated fix or service from his direct point of view is the same as the surgeon; the ability to share knowledge directly with technicians in their own workplace in a real world scenario application that is simple and effective. These examples do already exist of course with applications on mobile phones and tablets. But the main advantage to devices like Google Glass is that the user can keep their hands free.
Smart watches are also on the horizon for 2014 with phone manufacturers releasing plans to bring them to market. These Wearable’s may have less obvious uses in training and the workplace, however there’s still some interesting concepts to be explored. One main affect we can see from smart watches will be in the major push towards making components micro sized and continued development in battery technology.
With my experience using Google Glass, I can already see the benefits and some potential drawbacks to the product. Currently in Beta you can sense the development needed to make it ‘consumer ready’ for the broader market. One of the greatest advantages I found is that it keeps me in the now, especially with news headlines streaming to my Google Glass at a momentary look away, not distracting me from the important work I am doing.
I have found the battery life to be short, which I would imagine is something that Google’s technicians will be looking to significantly improve for future consumer versions. The design divides opinion, as does the weight balance, but again that’s all about personal preference.
Overall, the majority of my interactions with Google Glass are positive; I can’t wait to get hold of other Wearable’s to start understanding what applications for the suite of these new technologies could be utilised and developed for the training space.
Wearable’s may be in their infancy, but like all recent mobile & smart technologies, they will become better and integrate seamlessly into our lives.
Many more applications are waiting to be developed. That’s why Ignition is taking the initiative and have begun to contribute to the development for these new wearable platforms.
Do you have a wearable device? Are you thinking about purchasing one, now or in the future? If you have any thoughts, please add your opinion in the comments below.
Ignition has been delivering training, events and e-learning since 1979, operating in the automotive, technology, retail, hospitality and cosmetics sectors. For further information about Ignition’s work please email [email protected] or call +44 (0) 1279 201100.
