The Smartwatch as a Situated Reflection Tool for Everyday Science

• In Event: K-12 Perspectives on Technologies + Pedagogies

Abstract

It is difficult for children to understand the relevance of science through in-classroom instruction. Everyday experiences conversely represent rich opportunities for children to see how science can be applicable in their everyday life. This paper investigates the smartwatch as a tool for in-situ reflection of science concepts. We conducted a study with 18 fourth-grade students at a local elementary school to understand whether smartwatch apps as situated reflection tools can positively affect their attitudes towards science. Our results show that the smartwatch intervention helped the students to see the usefulness of science as a domain, but did not necessarily increase their perception that they learned more about science. We also provide example smartwatch stories recorded by the children.

Authors

• Sharon Lynn Chu, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Brittany Garcia, Texas A&M University - College Station

• Beth Nam, Texas A&M University - College Station