A review of the use of portable technologies as observational aids in the classroom
Information and Learning Sciences
ISSN: 2398-5348
Article publication date: 3 April 2019
Issue publication date: 15 May 2019
Abstract
Purpose
Current classroom observation strategies include questionnaires, interviews, tests, self-report metrics and live or video review observation. However, these traditional methods are subject to biases from observers in determining behavior nuances, as well as being difficult to analyze for rapid and practical feedback. In addition, the invasiveness of extra body equipment in the classroom may alter the dynamic between students and teachers. The emergence of portable devices into mainstream usage has opened a pathway for a relatively novel source of quantitative data, free from observer bias and often with accompanying analytical tools for convenience. The purpose of this study is to summarize current uses of portable technology and explore how such devices could be used as monitoring tools by both schools and education researchers.
Design/methodology/approach
Functions based on utility outside the education field are proposed for monitoring student activity, posture and movement, as well as proximity and relationships to others and their environment. Deterrents to device implementation in regular classroom use, such as the importance of considering ethical issues and hardware limitations, are also covered.
Findings
While current portable technology is unlikely to replace more commonly used techniques of observing classes, they have the capacity to augment qualitative strategies, particularly in the area of real-time data output.
Research limitations/implications
Ideally, the lack of unbiased observational tools available and increased adoption of portable devices in classrooms could prompt future advances in technology for teaching and learning environments.
Originality/value
This review summarizes potential uses for portable technology in classroom observation strategies undertaken by researchers and teachers to improve learning and teaching practices.
Keywords
Citation
Goh, F., Carroll, A. and Gillies, R.M. (2019), "A review of the use of portable technologies as observational aids in the classroom", Information and Learning Sciences, Vol. 120 No. 3/4, pp. 228-241. https://doi.org/10.1108/ILS-08-2018-0080
Publisher
:Emerald Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2019, Emerald Publishing Limited