EDUWEAR: DESIGNING SMART TEXTILES FOR PLAYFUL LEARNING

Milena Reichel, Anja Osterloh, Eva-Sophie Katterfeldt and Heidi Schelhowe, Digital Media in Education, University of Bremen, Germany; Deirdre Butler, Digital Learning Group, Education Department, St. Patrick’s College, Drumcondra Ireland

In this paper we describe the EduWear construction kit that allows children and young people to both interact with new ‘intelligent’ materials and understand their technological background. Based on constructionism we argue that children and young people learn best when designing artefacts themselves. The kit consists of programming software, smart textiles, sensors, actuators and micro-controllers that enable learners to actually make ‘smart fashion’ artefacts. Since fashion is highly valued in youth culture the kit is likely to attract children and young people, even more when considering smart textiles and wearables as somewhat “magic.” Moreover, they comprise forms of expression, communication; hence foster awareness of body, movement and clothes. In this paper we introduce the components of the kit and give examples of young learners’ projects. We also put forward a pedagogic concept that we consider very important. Finally, we present our evaluation results of workshops in different countries, settings and age groups.