Translational Applications of Wearable Sensors in Education: Implementation and Efficacy

Ferrier, Brendon; Lee, Jim; Mbuli, Alex; James, Daniel A.

Abstract

Background: Adding new approaches to teaching curriculums can be both expensive and complex to learn. The aim of this research was to gain insight into students' literacy and confidence in learning sports science with new wearable technologies, specifically a novel program known as STEMfit. Methods: A three-phase design was carried out, with 36 students participating and exposed to wearable devices and associated software. This was to determine whether the technology hardware (phase one) and associated software (phase two) were used in a positive way that demonstrated user confidence. Results: Hardware included choosing a scalable wearable device that worked in conjunction with familiar and readily available software (Microsoft Excel) that extracted data through VBA coding. This allowed for students to experience and provide survey feedback on the usability and confidence gained when interacting with the STEMfit program. Outcomes indicated strong acceptance of the program, with high levels of motivation, resulting in a positive uptake of wearable technology as a teaching tool by students. The initial finding of this study offers an opportunity to further test the STEMfit program on other student cohorts as well as testing the scalability of the system into other year groups at the university level.

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Feb 18, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Feb 21, 2022
• Publication Date: 2022
• Deposit Date: Feb 22, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Feb 22, 2022
• Journal: Sensors
• Publisher: MDPI
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 22
• Issue: 4
• Article Number: 1675
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/s22041675
• Keywords: disruptive innovation; wearable technology; STEM education
• Public URL: http://researchrepository.napier.ac.uk/Output/2847324