Incorporating human factors in course design: Utility of wearable technologies

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to describe efforts taken by Texas A&M University at Qatar to bridge the gap between traditional modes of instruction and a new tech-savvy student populace. The undertaking proved to be challenging as it required addressing the buildup of a technology infrastructure, development of training programs, and establishment of motivational strategies to encourage experimentation with innovative teaching ideas. One promising idea that resulted from the aforementioned efforts showed that the approach of incorporating elements of technologies that are pervasive among students in course design has the potential to promote acceptance and enable effectiveness. A pilot study that is discussed in this paper utilized a wearable technology with an optical head mounted display to develop multimedia instructions for chemical engineering students. Student surveys revealed mixed reactions to different parts of the study but the overall enthusiasm about the approach remained positive.