The answer is smartwatches, watches that, as we know, can adjust to the conditions and changes that are happening now. The invention of smartwatches, which are often known as wearable gadgets, is one form of technological development. Initially, smartwatches were only used by adults according to their functions. However, adjusting to the needs of the world's society, smartwatches developed special features to target children as their market.
In terms of efficiency, the smartwatch is more comfortable because it's smaller and easier to carry everywhere. Moreover, the factory's design is adaptable to the user, so parents don't have to worry about damage. Kids' smartwatches often have an app for watch settings and location tracking. A GPS tracker to monitor their child's location can also be set up as a GPS-safe zone. This will enable the child to receive alerts if the child goes beyond the limits, and the children can press a single button to call an emergency number. Many parents are busy enough not to have time to supervise their children's activities, so they need some products to help them. Kids' smartwatches provide the services they need.
This is an efficient way for parents, especially when sending their children to school. The question is, how can a smartwatch that is part of the gadget impact students at school?
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Benefits of smart watch for students
Even though they have similar functions, smartwatches don't take as long as smartphones because their features are more limited.
According to a World Health Organization report, childhood obesity has been increasing at an "alarming rate" and is currently "one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century." Smartphones have plenty of game apps that children can easily access and use. Due to their narrow range of gaming options and their super portability, smartwatches encourage kids to get out and play instead of sitting in one place for long periods with a gaming device.
Plus, your child's smartwatch won't interfere with them in class—a growing problem at school. Unlike smartphones, smartwatches don't show various social media and advertisements that usually appear on smartphones. They even limit wifi access, so the internet access options will be lower. So screen time is not a problem at all during class.
Here are things that parents consider an advantage if students use a smartwatch:
1. Beneficial for children with ADHD
MedicalDaily.com reports that a small study in Norway has found that smartwatches can help children with ADHD improve their daily lives by giving them reminders of particular tasks they need to do during the day. Parents can sync their smartphone with their child's smartwatch to track their child's progress throughout the day, including whether they take their medication on time.
2. Provides multiple educational functions
Some smartwatches are smarter than others and allow children to learn something. Multiple watches keep the user up to date on world news and weather forecasts. In addition, by using the device, children become familiar with the technology.
On the other hand, these devices can be more distracting than supporting children with ADHD who are easily distracted. More research is needed to determine how useful these devices are for these children.
3. Security
It is a simple and sad fact that life is not what it used to be. Crimes against children are increasing. WHO estimates up to 1 billion children aged 2-17 years. Have experienced physical, sexual, or emotional abuse and neglect in the past year. Having a device on the child to track their whereabouts gives parents peace of mind. Most smartwatches offer real-time GPS location tracking and two-way communication, so parents can always know where their children are and stay in touch with them. Some devices can also send alerts when a child leaves a certain area.
On the other hand, this security feature can cause a threat to children because location-tracking smartwatches are relatively easy to hack. Making smartwatches for kids that keep all their data safe is very difficult and expensive, and not all companies are ready to follow this difficult route. So further verification is needed regarding the security offered.
Greg Whitby, executive director of Catholic education for the Parramatta diocese, said he didn't want to consider it a problem. Still, it was a "challenge" and an improvement considering the fast pace of technology. However, he thinks the argument about what could go wrong if children contact their parents during the day is "grossly false," and he would not support a ban on mobile technology.
Some smartwatches provide a "do not disturb mode" function to solve this problem. Although not all smartwatches have a "do not disturb" mode, the Wonlex kid's tracker watch does have it. Parents can set a "do not disturb" time when their child can't be bothered by a text message from a friend. And since social media and internet usage are blocked, they won't be tempted to use this app in class. Parents will not have to worry about a teacher punishing a child for using a smartwatch, and they will be able to concentrate in class without distractions.
Smartwatch from a teacher's point of view
In addition to students, teachers also need to follow current developments. Teachers need to learn to embrace students who wear smartwatches because smartwatches are tools that help students stay focused, organized, and even safe. Students should embrace the features of their smartwatch, but of course, use it responsibly so that it is not a distraction but something that can help our lives run more smoothly.
"Smartwatches are loaded with functionality that makes a teacher's life easier. And they are becoming more and more popular." According to Technavio's report on the global wearable technology market, the wrist-wear sector held the largest share of the market in 2017.
There are many ways that wearable technology can improve student-teacher communication and make learning more interactive, but
wearables such as smartwatches have particular benefits for a teacher.
1. Never miss an email or call anymore
Smartwatches use vibration alerts. A vibration alert means you won't miss any notifications from your phone. The vibrations in the skin are very noticeable and can't be ignored. Vibration is also non-intrusive, so it will let you know but won't interrupt your class.
2. Accessible class schedule
Your daily schedule, which includes staff meetings, extracurricular responsibilities, scheduled class tests, etc., will be available at a glance. You'll know throughout the day what's coming next without consulting your tablet or phone.
3. Provide up-to-date information to students
If you teach a subject like political science, it's important to stay up-to-date. You can access apps like BBC or CNN on your watch, which show the most relevant breaking news via text messages on your watch. With this information, you can always ensure that you expose your students to current information on what is happening worldwide. So the chance they might use their smartwatch can decrease.
4. Keywords on your wrist
Smartwatches allow teachers to type a few lines of text to act as keywords for something they need to remember. This can be useful for complex lessons, meetings with parents, or whenever you need notes to ensure you cover them all, almost like a PowerPoint slide on your wrist.
Wearing a smartwatch allows teachers to get information at a glance without taking out their phones or tablet. Smartwatches are a secret way to access information in the classroom.
Conclusion
There are so many advantages that smartwatches have, not only for students but also for teachers. But the smartwatch also has its lacks, as told above. Now it's time for schools to show how they can deal with the problems that may arise from using such smartwatches. School policies are highly recommended to have a smartwatch as assistance in teaching materials to students and the teaching team so that learning activities can be facilitated well.
