Near Field Communication (NFC)

From DSC:
What applications and implications might this type of setup mean for libraries? For classrooms?

PressPad Lounge: new digital press corner that utilizes iBeacon technology — from talkingnewmedia.com by D.B. Hebbard

Excerpt:

The idea behind PressPad Lounge is that the service allows a business to turn a space into a reading zone, allowing those with mobile devices to access digital publications for free.

Also see:

Excerpt:

With PressPad Lounge, people visiting your venue are able to install the magazine app of their choice, and read every issue for free while remaining PHYSICALLY within your venue.

Whether it’s a hotel lobby, a shopping mall, restaurant or a booth, PressPad Lounge enables a slick marriage of digital publishing with location marketing. People located within the range of the reading zone will be able to read magazines on their mobile devices, for free.

A vision for some edupreneurs out there: Leverage M2M comms for us w/in the classroom

On 04/02/2015, in A/V -- audio/visual, Daniel S. Christian, education technology, emerging technologies, ideas, machine-to-machine communications, Near Field Communication (NFC), vision/possibilities, by Daniel Christian

From DSC:
A vision for some edupreneurs out there:

Please create a system whereby machine-to-machine (M2M) communications would be used to detect and display the names and majors of students within a given classroom — complete with the photos of those students that are actually there at that particular time in a face-to-face classroom setting.

The data from that information gathering would be sent to a holographic image that the professor could make larger or smaller. The professor could use gesturing to point to a given student to ask them a question. Once that student has been asked a question, the color around that student is changed to reflect that the professor has already called upon them recently. (The setting that controls how long this “who’s-been-questioned-recently” information is maintained could be cleared every X minutes/hours/days.)

For more introverted students, they could choose to use their own device to broadcast their answer to a digital/online-based means vs. answering verbally in front of 50-200 other students.

More info about iBeacon technology [King]

On 03/25/2015, in education technology, emerging technologies, learning spaces, library / librarians, machine-to-machine communications, mobile learning, Near Field Communication (NFC), smart classrooms, user experience (UX), by Daniel Christian

More info about iBeacon technology — from DavidLeeKing.com

Excerpt:

Microsoft’s Productivity Future Vision – some sharp innovations here!

On 02/27/2015, in 21st century, 24x7x365 access, 3D, A/V -- audio/visual, Augmented Reality (AR), business, collaboration, communications, convergence, corporate / business world, corporate universities / corporate training, creativity, digital audio, digital learning, digital photography, digital storytelling, digital textbooks, digital video, distance education, education technology, elearning, emerging technologies, engagement / engaging students, future, human-computer interaction (HCI), ideas, innovation, instructional design, intelligent systems, intelligent tutoring, interaction design, interactivity, interface design, internet, learning ecosystem, Learning from the Living [Class] Room, learning hubs & pods & microschooling, learning spaces, machine-to-machine communications, Microsoft, mobile learning, multimedia, Near Field Communication (NFC), new media literacies, online learning, online media, online tutoring, participation, platforms, presentations, productivity / tips and tricks, programming, second screen apps, smart classrooms, smart/connected TV, social learning / networks, tablets, technologies for your home, technology (general), telecommunications, telepresence, trends, ubiquitous learning, user experience (UX), user interface design, using teams, vendors, videoconferencing, vision/possibilities, visualizing information, web-based collaboration, workplace, by Daniel Christian

Example snapshots from
Microsoft’s Productivity Future Vision

Breakthrough technologies 2015 [MIT Technology Review]

On 02/20/2015, in 3D, biology, business, data related items, emerging technologies, geography / geology, human-computer interaction (HCI), machine-to-machine communications, Near Field Communication (NFC), technology (general), by Daniel Christian

Excerpt:

Not all breakthroughs are created equal. Some arrive more or less as usable things; others mainly set the stage for innovations that emerge later, and we have to estimate when that will be. But we’d bet that every one of the milestones on this list will be worth following in the coming years.

iBeacon in Education Case Study: Stephen Perse Foundation — from locly

.

Find out how a group of schools in Cambridge are using Apple’s iBeacon technology
to deliver dynamic content for locality learning. A real-world case study from Locly

.

Also see:

.

Also see:

How the Internet of Things (IoT) could be used on field trips (for K-12 education) — from this Learning Ecosystems blog by Daniel Christian
.
Future expertise to be required from those working in ID, UX Design, UI Design, HCI, Product Dev, Programming and more — from this Learning Ecosystems blog by Daniel Christian

Future expertise to be required from those working in ID, UX Design, UI Design, HCI, Product Dev, Programming and more

On 01/07/2015, in 21st century, Apple, art, Artificial Intelligence / Machine Learning / Deep Learning / Algorithms, blended learning, cloud-based computing / apps / other cloud-related, corporate / business world, corporate universities / corporate training, Daniel S. Christian, education technology, human-computer interaction (HCI), hybrid learning, innovation, instructional design, intelligent systems, interaction design, interactivity, interface design, IT in HE, K-12 related, learning ecosystem, learning spaces, machine-to-machine communications, mobile learning, mobile technologies, Near Field Communication (NFC), personalized/customized learning, productivity / tips and tricks, programming, smart classrooms, tablets, training / L&D, trends, usability, user experience (UX), user interface design, web-based collaboration, by Daniel Christian

From DSC:
We continue to see more articles and innovations that involve the Internet of Things (IoT) or the Internet of Everything (IoE). This trend has made me reflect upon what I think will be a future, required subset of needed expertise within the fields of Instructional Design, User Experience Design, User Interface Design, Product Development, Programming, Human Computer Interaction (HCI), and likely other fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Augmented Reality (AR), and Virtual Reality(VR) as well.

And that is, we will need people who can craft learning experiences from the presence of beacons/sensors and that integrate such concepts as found in “If This Then That” (ifttt.com) whereby one is putting the Internet and cloud/mobile-based applications to work for you. Certainly, those involved in retail are already busy working on these types of projects. But those of us involved with learning, human computer interaction (HCI), and interface design need to get involved as well.

For example, this potential scenario of a K-12 field trip might be fodder for such a learning experience.

So for those individuals who are involved with the aforementioned disciplines…we need to pulse check what new affordances are coming from the rollout and further development of the IoT/IoE.

DanielChristian-Beacons-n-educ-2015

A potential scenario

A teacher takes a group of students on a field trip to their city’s recycling center.

The city has installed sensors/beacons next to their bins. They’ve also made Wi-Fi available (but only during normal hours of operation).

Upon arriving, the city’s beacons sense that mobile devices are in its proximity — including one that’s been pre-registered as a K-12 teacher — and thus take the following steps:

A request for permission to display content is received by each mobile device
If approved, a video of the city’s mayor is sent to each of the students’ mobile devices, explaining what the city is trying to achieve with their recycling operations
This video is followed up with a graphic that relays how many tons of recycling are processed each week/month/year — as well as other relevant information
After that, a brief quiz hits the students’ devices, asking them a series of questions about what was hopefully learned from the trip
Upon submission of the quiz, the National Audubon Society has arranged with the city to transmit gift certificates worth $5.00 to each device — with an option to accept the certificate or not — and sends an interesting item to the devices from one of their sites

Meanwhile, upon returning to school:

Another quiz is sent to each student’s device, using the concept of spaced practice/repetition to again assess whether the learning objectives were reached re: that days’ field trip
Once the student clicks on the submit button for the quiz:
- their score is registered in the system and an answer key appears
- simultaneously, a notification is sent to the child’s parent/guardian that says that Billy has completed the field trip to XYZ recycling center, and encouraging the parent/guardian to ask Billy some open ended questions (in fact, 2-3 are provided to help with the conversation later on). That email could also let the parents know when the center is open and if they have any special programs going on (like Christmas tree disposal and recycling for Christmas tree lights)

The Internet of Things is far bigger than anyone realizes [Burrus]

On 12/04/2014, in 21st century, human-computer interaction (HCI), internet, machine-to-machine communications, Near Field Communication (NFC), by Daniel Christian

The Internet of Things is far bigger than anyone realizes (Part 1) — from wired.com by Daniel Burrus

Excerpt:

The Internet of Things really comes together with the connection of sensors and machines. That is to say, the real value that the Internet of Things creates is at the intersection of gathering data and leveraging it. All the information gathered by all the sensors in the world isn’t worth very much if there isn’t an infrastructure in place to analyze it in real time.

Cloud-based applications are the key to using leveraged data. The Internet of Things doesn’t function without cloud-based applications to interpret and transmit the data coming from all these sensors. The cloud is what enables the apps to go to work for you anytime, anywhere.

The Internet of Things is far bigger than anyone realizes (Part 2) — from wired.com by Daniel Burrus

Excerpt:

When we truly consider the ramifications of connecting a vast array of data-gathering sensors, devices, and machines together, what’s important to realize is that information will be translated into action at a rate that we have never seen before. We are closing in on a world with infinitesimal reaction times, immediate responses to changing conditions, and unparalleled control in managing assets and resources.

The key is not to think small. Like I said, the Internet of Things (IoT) is not merely about creating savings within current industry models. It’s about upending old models entirely, creating new services and new products. There is no one sector where the Internet of Things is making the biggest impact; it will disrupt every industry imaginable, including agriculture, energy, security, disaster management, and healthcare, just to name a few.

The Hitchhikers Guide to iBeacon Hardware: A Comprehensive Report by Aislelabs

On 11/17/2014, in Apple, Daniel S. Christian, education technology, emerging technologies, ideas, innovation, interactivity, machine-to-machine communications, Near Field Communication (NFC), by Daniel Christian

The Hitchhikers Guide to iBeacon Hardware: A Comprehensive Report by Aislelabs

Excerpt:

In this report we examine 16 different iBeacon hardware vendors, including Estimote, Kontakt, and Gimbal. Over the past three months, we have stress tested the beacons under many conditions examining every aspect of them. This is the first and most comprehensive report of its kind.

Addendum on 11/19/14:

Delivering on the promise of beacons: a modular approach — from blog.estimote.com
Announcing the Estimote Platform and all-new fleet management software

Excerpt:

We’re really excited to unveil an enormous new set of software tools and services that make deploying and managing a beacon network easier than ever. A fallacy in the market right now is that all beacon hardware is created equal. It’s not. But although well-designed hardware is important, the real differentiation comes down to how tightly integrated that hardware is with software up the stack—from firmware to mobile SDKs to APIs to web services.Our flexible and extensible software allows remote configuration and management, enterprise-grade security, and rich analysis of data in real time for your entire beacon network.

Also, from the press release (emphasis DSC):

Signul, the World’s First Complete Consumer iBeacon Solution, Unveils IFTTT Integration
VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA–(Marketwired – Oct. 28, 2014) – IoT Design Shop, the Internet of Things innovation centre at Finger Food Studios, today announced that it is actively developing an IFTTT Channel for Signul, the world’s first personal consumer iBeacon solution. IFTTT is an online service that allows users to create tasks that combine different Internet-based services from one platform.

Signul is a complete package of hardware and an easy-to-use App. By integrating with IFTTT, Signul users will be able to easily initiate automation in other IFTTT Channels. For example, Signul will turn on your lights as you pull into your garage or turn on your home’s air conditioner or heater when you leave work.

“Our goal is to help people simplify and automate their digital lives and integrating with IFTTT dramatically expands the potential of Signul. Based on the simple premise of ‘IF This Then That’, IFTTT is quickly becoming the leading web-based automation service. And with our own Channel, users can easily use Signul to connect with some of the most popular Internet of Things devices in the marketplace,” said Trent Shumay, CTO of Finger Food Studios.

From DSC:
This is the same concept that I was trying to get at my “What if we were to combine “If This Then That” with iBeacons/sensors?” blog posting. This concept has enormous potential for learning at all levels — K-12, higher ed, and in the corporate/business world. It gets at the intersection/blending of the physical world with the digital world. Where you are and what you are near will allow you to automatically bring up relevant resources.

One can see this concept being played out in things like campus tours, in setting up and running chemistry or physics experiments, in touring art galleries, and more. And if it’s implemented with a level of intrigue and digital storytelling baked into it, this could be a very powerful way to engage our students (as well as employees)! In fact, such a concept has implications for ubiquitous, lifelong learning.

DanielChristian-Combining-Digital-Physical-Worlds-Oct2014

iBeacons give visitors to the Palmer Museum of Art a customized experience [Jacobs]

On 10/27/2014, in Apple, art, creativity, Daniel S. Christian, human-computer interaction (HCI), ideas, innovation, interactivity, love of learning, machine-to-machine communications, Near Field Communication (NFC), personalized/customized learning, play, by Daniel Christian

iBeacons give visitors to the Palmer Museum of Art a customized experience — from news.psu.edu by Katie Jacobs

Excerpt:

Soon, there will be new, high-tech additions to the Palmer Museum’s galleries — small electronic devices that will be stuck to walls behind paintings, hidden under shelves or concealed in corners. You won’t be able to see them, but your mobile devices will.

The devices ares iBeacons, small transmitters created by Apple that communicate with nearby smartphones. If a visitor has the correct mobile app installed, content will be automatically sent to the phone with more information about the nearby artwork.

…

“Sometimes I’ll lead tours with visitors and focus on the works of art I think are particularly fascinating,” says Kletchka. “I thought it would be wonderful if everyone could have that experience here — they can learn more about the objects they are interested in on their own terms.”

DanielChristian-Combining-Digital-Physical-Worlds-Oct2014

iBeacons, sensors, & similar M2M communications: Connecting the physical world with the digital world

On 10/16/2014, in 21st century, 24x7x365 access, blended learning, communications, corporate universities / corporate training, Daniel S. Christian, digital learning, digital storytelling, education technology, educational games / serious games, emerging technologies, engagement / engaging students, experimentation, face-to-face, ideas, innovation, interactivity, internet, IT in HE, K-12 related, learning, learning ecosystem, learning hubs & pods & microschooling, learning spaces, library / librarians, machine-to-machine communications, mobile learning, mobile technologies, Near Field Communication (NFC), participation, pedagogy, platforms, play, second screen apps, smart classrooms, tablets, teaching & learning, tools, training / L&D, trends, ubiquitous learning, universities, user experience (UX), wearables, workplace, by Daniel Christian

From DSC:
iBeacons, sensors, & similar machine-to-machine (M2M) communications: Connecting the physical world with the digital world while opening up enormous possibilities for education & training-related applications.

DanielChristian-Combining-Digital-Physical-Worlds-Oct2014

iBeacons in the classroom and on campus

On 09/29/2014, in 21st century, Daniel S. Christian, digital learning, higher education, human-computer interaction (HCI), ideas, innovation, K-12 related, learning hubs & pods & microschooling, learning spaces, machine-to-machine communications, mobile learning, mobile technologies, Near Field Communication (NFC), tablets, tools, by Daniel Christian

From DSC:
The bridging of the physical world with the digital world presents many powerful scenarios for learning. Via the use of iBeacons (or similar devices), one could imagine students going to different places within a learning space and having a variety of relevant items and applications automatically open on their mobile devices.

Examples:

In a chemistry lab, students could go to the supplies area and see a video or a PDF listing of what they need for that day’s experiment — also taking in any warnings of the use of the equipment (hazardous materials, use of fire, etc.); then they could go to the hands-on lab area, and if they’ve struggled to do the experiment for _______ minutes, they could watch the first __ steps (or the experiment in its entirety); finally, the last area would initiate a webpage, video, or blog that summarizes what they should have learned and experienced if the lab was properly done
.
In an art gallery, the iBeacons could initiate a video from the artist on a particular piece, explaining what they were trying to achieve, what materials they used, how long it took them to create/design, and any inspirational messages that they want to relay to budding artists
.
On campus tours, iBeacons could control what takes place on a school’s Virtual Tour app
.

This video by Paul Hamilton captures a bit of what I’m trying to get at w/ the use of iBeacons in the classroom:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S04viOYnSg4&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop

Also see:

Building Applications with iBeacon
http://shop.oreilly.com/product/0636920033813.do

Other resources to check out:

Getting Started with iBeacon — from apple.com
Introduction to iBeacon
iBeacon for developers — from apple.com
http://www.fosbury.co/beacon-comparison
Beacons at the museum: Pacific Science Center to roll out location-based Mixby app next month — from geekwire.com by Todd Bishop
Aerohive Networks Delivers World’s First iBeacon™ and AltBeacon™ – Enabled Enterprise Wi-Fi Access Points
Building Proximity Applications with iBeacon — from shop.oreilly.com ß does this look like something you all could do/want to do?
http://blog.fosbury.co/the-exciting-impacts-of-ios8-on-ibeacon
iBeacon and Education: Bringing Beacons to the Classroom
storify.com/Jason_Smith/
beekn.net
The blog out at roamable.ca
Creating an iBeacon proximity feature for mLearning — from roamable.ca
The Future of iBeacon: Trends for the Year Ahead – from beekn.net guest post by Stefan Wolpers

Yesterday’s announcements from Apple – Apple Watch, Apple Pay, & iPhone 6

On 09/10/2014, in Apple, business, human-computer interaction (HCI), innovation, machine-to-machine communications, marketplaces, Near Field Communication (NFC), wearables, by Daniel Christian

Recording of yesterday’s event/keynote

Beyond the Major Apple Headlines, 11 Things You Need to Know — from blogs.wsj.com by Brian R. Fitzgerald

The Apple Watch: Everything You Need to Know — from businessweek.com by Joshua Brustein

Apple Watch: Here Are the Apps to Expect — from blogs.wsj.com by Nathan Olivarez-Giles

Apple in Focus After Debut of iPhone 6, Smart Watch, Apple Pay — from finance.yahoo.com by Zacks Research Staff

Tim Cook tells USA TODAY: ‘This is epic’ — from usatoday.com by Marco della Cava

Apple unveils smartwatch, bets on wearable devices — from finance.yahoo.com by Michael Liedtke and Anick Jesdanun

Apple Watch: Coming to a Classroom Near You? — from chronicle.com by Rebecca Koenig

Learning Ecosystems

A vision for some edupreneurs out there: Leverage M2M comms for us w/in the classroom

More info about iBeacon technology [King]

The Internet of Things is far bigger than anyone realizes [Burrus]

The Hitchhikers Guide to iBeacon Hardware: A Comprehensive Report by Aislelabs

This concept has HUGE implications for learning at all levels [K-12, HE, corporate world/training & dev]

iBeacons give visitors to the Palmer Museum of Art a customized experience [Jacobs]

Yesterday’s announcements from Apple – Apple Watch, Apple Pay, & iPhone 6

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