Design Principles for Wearable Enhanced Embodied Learning of Movement

Abstract

Human Computer Interaction (HCI) has seen increased interest in designing embodied experiences and interactions. This also includes the field of Wearable Enhanced Learning which marks the transition from the desktop age through the mobile age to the age of wearable, ubiquitous computing. Wearable enhanced learning relates to learning in a state of physical mobility supported by body-worn devices and sensors. While computer-mediated communication has been observed to enhance conscious experiences without self-reference leading to the sense of disembodiment, wearable technologies have the potential to enhance embodied experience with a strong self-reference. In fact, the affordances of wearable technologies to support embodied learning make wearable enhanced learning unique compared to other technology enhanced learning approaches. The concept of embodiment is based on the assumption that thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are grounded in movement and bodily interactions. Wearable Enhanced Embodied Learning is enabled by transmitting bodily information gathered by wearable sensors onto dynamic displays and making bodily information accessible to learners, in this way extending the learning experience. This paper draws on literature review in HCI and Embodiment research and collates a set of principles to inform the design of wearable enhanced embodied learning of movement.