NJ school uses wearable tech to encourage disabled students
Wearable technology is helping engage and educate disabled students at the A. Harry Moore School at New Jersey City University, according to the NMC/CoSN Horizon Report. Fitbits have been introduced into the Adaptive Physical Education programme, Myo Gesture Control Armbands and Force Bands are used to enable students to control drones, robots and droids by waving, and LilyPad Coin Cell battery holders, used with conductive thread, have allowed students to create garments that light up.

Dive Brief:

The A. Harry Moore School of New Jersey City University, which serves students with low-incidence disabilities, has introduced a range of wearable technologies into classrooms that have engaged as well as helped students.

Courtney Pepe, supervisor of curriculum and instruction, and Stephanie Talalai, technology coordinator, write for EdTech: Focus on K-12 that Fitbits have motivated students to walk more, and LilyPad Coin Cell Battery Holders paired with conductive thread have allowed students to illuminate fashion creations.

Myo Gesture Control Armbands and Force Bands have both helped students control robots, droids and drones by waving their hands, and the school is developing occupational therapy workouts with the Force Bands to let students practice sensory motor, cognitive and behavioral skills.

Dive Insight:

While the A. Harry Moore school specifically serves students with low-incidence disabilities — a small portion of the nation’s student population overall — its creativity with tech tools can set an example for schools of all kinds serving special education populations as well as students in general education.

The Fitbit has been particularly popular for physical education classrooms across the country. Tustin Unified School District, south of Los Angeles, has contemplated tracking physical data with student performance data to find trends. With every tech initiative like this, however, administrators must consider the safety of student data and plan for opposition. Some parents will not want their children’s data collected in this way, and educators must be respectful of this while making their case for the benefits of participation.