Google Glass

In January of 2015, Google discontinued producing Google Glass until the company could perfect the technology and make it more affordable and less awkward looking for the general public, according to NBC News. Google is currently working on a 2.0 version of the Glass and has not released any official information on when the new device will be available.


Google Glass Explorer, the first generation Glass, can still be purchased online through retailers such as Amazon. They range in price from $750 to $1049 and can be bought new or used.


Google Glass has a long list of uses and features. It can basically do anything your phone or computer can do such as take pictures, record videos, search the Internet, and give you directions. Although this device has a lot of everyday functions, there are also some classroom-specific features that teachers and students will find helpful. Huffington Post offers several options for using Google Glass in the classroom including translations of different languages, give students a realtime virtual field trip experience, and teachers can receive questions from the students. Another option from Huffington Post is the use of Google Glass in the sports world. Coaches can see realtime stats of his players in his field of vision, or players can wear the device to film first person videos.


Can you imagine just looking at a text and getting immediate translations? That could be huge for English Language Learners! I believe that Google Glass could definitely have its place in the classroom. Students could be more engaged, and teachers can be more effective. Students would have immediate access to the vast information of the web, virtual field trips, as well as participate in Google Hangouts. The possibilities of this device in the classroom is only as limited as the creativity of the teacher!


Resources:

NBC News-"Disconnected: Sales of Google Glass Suspended Pending Makeover"

http://www.nbcnews.com/tech/innovation/disconnected-sales-google-glass-suspended-pending-makeover-n287181


Huffington Post-"14 Google Glass Innovative Uses In Education"

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/vala-afshar/14-google-glass-innovativ_b_5410893.html