A Sandwell College tech team’s academic research work has been published in a leading global research journal.
Human Data Interaction, Disadvantage and Skills in the Community has been co-authored by a number of prominent university professors, researchers and doctors from around the world.
Fab Lab’s Emerging Technologies Demonstrator Ben Haddock and Teacher Education Curriculum Lead Debbie Grace worked collaboratively to contribute a chapter discussing outcomes from their recent research project using smart glasses, and exploring the possibilities for innovative assessment in the use of wearable technology in Further Education.
A couple of years ago the team successfully bid for Government and West Midlands Combined Authority funding totalling £50,000. This money was used to spearhead exciting tech developments in different curriculum areas of the College, including Drone courses and facilities at Fab Lab, new robotics such as Loomo, and access to smart glasses and XR equipment.
Ben and his colleagues then began to research how smart glasses and emerging technologies could be used for FE assessment at Sandwell College – providing the basis and findings for the chapter.
Ben said: “Sometimes there are days when you realise just how far you have come, as well as what can be achieved when you are part of a hard-working, innovative and high-performing team at Sandwell College. This work would not have happened without our expert teacher leads and Sandwell College students. The resulting project has been an enormous success.”
Professor Sarah Hayes, Professor of Education and Research Lead at Bath Spa University, said: “It was a real pleasure to work with you all on this project and thank you again for your rich and diverse chapter contributions.”
