Sixth Sense allows people to use the internet without a screen or a keyboard
It can turn any surface into a touch screen
It is made with store-bought components
The software program processes the video stream data captured by the camera and tracks the locations of the colored markers [that you wear on your fingers] using simple computer-vision techniques (http://www.pranavmistry.com/projects/six...htm#ABOUT)
According to a number of sources, graduate students at MIT have been working on this for the past four months day and night
Just a few things it can doÂ¦
The device recognizes items in stores, and then gathers and projects information about products to the user. It also is able to provide quick signals to let users know what the best products are based on their needs.
Another amazing feature is the deviceâ„¢s ability to look at an airplane ticket and let the user know whether the flight is delayed or on time. It is also able to recognize books (based on an image or RFID) in a book store and then project reader reviews or author information from the Internet onto blank pages.
The device can also recognize articles in newspapers, retrieve the latest related stories or video from the Internet and then display them on pages for the user. Say goodbye to your dictionaryÃ‚Â and encyclopedia.
Cost of Sixth Sense
The interesting thing here is that Sixth Sense can never really be more expensive than its individual components
Purpose of Sixth Sense
I believe Sixth Senseâ„¢s purpose would be to allow K-12 students and teachers to interact with information on a level not experienced before
In my opinion, at least initially, its purpose would be to motivateÂ¦motivateÂ¦motivate
Teachers may find that Sixth Sense, because of its unique ability to work with many of Gardnerâ„¢s multiple intelligences, will be a catalyst for students who might otherwise remain unengaged in learning.
Sixth Sense uses the visual, kinesthetic, intrapersonal and interpersonal among others.
If this technology does nothing else, the idea that students can simply use their hands to draw images on walls and take pictures with their hands will be (at least initially) quite motivating
Sixth Sense will give new meaning to looking something up.
Since we are essentially talking about the internet, students will be given the opportunity to portably research the world.
They can all go on a virtual field trip and project the images on their own desks, for example.
Students will be given an opportunity through this technology to feel more connected to others.
Although there does seem to be the sense that individuals could walk through life wired and lonely, I like to think the classroom would serve as the environment in which students and teachers using Sixth Sense would want to share.
Not only could the sharing take place in the classroom, I suppose since the users are connected online, sharing could take place around the world.
As mentioned earlier, this product currently costs only $350. From an educatorâ„¢s stand point, this is minimum given the amount of money spent on textbooks, computer labs and LCD projectors.
For educatorâ„¢s, Sixth Sense would be a way to put technology (literally) into each studentâ„¢s hands, because of its size and its cost.
Anticipated Time Frame
According to a number of sources, the MIT students already have a patent on Sixth Sense. Still it is unclear as to when this device might actually become available for general purchasing.
Microsoft Surface does currently exist (which is similar in theory). But Microsoftâ„¢s product is not portable like Sixth Sense
Even if it came out next week, as educators we may need to wait some time in order to learn of the dangers that are sure to exist with the product.
Advantages of Sixth Sense
Connectedness between the world and information
Critical thinking skills would be somewhat vital hereÂ¦allowing teachers a fantastic opportunity for interdisciplinary study with critical thinking components
Students could become too wiredÂ¦and the element of collaboration I envision might be completely erased by how the individual interacts
Availability of inappropriate information (how does this differ from current computer labs....this information is literally at studentsâ„¢ fingertips.)
The technology will cost more because it is packaged and marketedÂ¦and they can charge more
What type of signal is needed..and might there be issues with getting signals in schools
My new thing is getting people to play with the technology
Give them time
Allow students and teachers to play with this together
Offer support in the initial weeks/months of use
Let Opinion Leaders emerge from their experience
Relevant Issues from Rogers (2003)
Opinion Leaders are key
Consider the length of time of the innovation-decision period
Think about homophily and heterophily when planning Sixth Sense expansion in a second and third school/classroom
Realize that in most cases, individuals depend mainly on the communicated experience of others much like themselves who have already adopted a new idea (p. 331). My guinea pigs better be the right ones