Module 4 Blog Post on
the Disruptive Power of Google Glass
A disruptive technology is a technology that displaces another
technology. Thornburg (Laureate Education, 2014a) defines a disruptive technology
as new technology with the same functionality of an existing technology. The
new technology functions more efficiently. In fact, the new technology will
obsolete the previous technology.
Google Glass is an example of a disruptive technology that can
eventually replace cell phones and tablets. According to The Financial Express
(2014, October) Google Glass displays information at eye level in a
smartphone-like hands-free format. Similar to a smartphone, users can video
record, make phone calls, take pictures and search the internet with voice
commands. An article from Tech Life (2013, July) claims that within the
overlay, there is a prism that beams light onto the user’s retina. The prism
receives from a tiny projector inside the lens. The user can see the physical
world and all relevant data regarding their physical world.
Testers all over the
world are using the Google Glass device to gather the social benefits of using
it. Google Glass is an overlay of the world that users will see around them. According
to Tech Life (2013, July) Google Glasses users get data and applications in the
context of what they are doing or from where they are looking. Users can take
pictures and video tape their surroundings. Users can get the time and weather
report in their current location. The can map out and navigate their way to a
destination. Users can translate information into a language they prefer.
Google Glass (2014, October) also allows users to learn geographical and
historical from their current location. Users can use the voice control to take
notes with the feature Evernote. They can also use Google to find recipes while
they are taking out their ingredients. Google Glass offers features for active
users. Users can gage and map their walking, running, weightlifting, and
circuit training workouts. In an educational setting. There are a few social
implications as users engage in using Google Glass. Newman (2013, May) points
out privacy violations. The device has a built-in camera that can sneakily take
photos and video at any time. There are also social implications with
etiquette. It may be rude to Google Glass a person’s profile when you are
speaking directly to that person. Parents may also have a difficult time
monitoring what their children are viewing through Google Glass. In a public
school setting, the device may be useful for gathering data and performing
laboratory exercises. However, the device may also promote academic dishonesty.
In five – ten years another
emerging technology will replace Google Glass. Holography is an emerging technology which enables users to
make three-dimensional images. Holograms use a laser, diffraction, light
intensity recording and illumination. The image appears three-dimensional as
the viewing system changes the position and orientation of the image. There is
a projection that the use of holographic telepresence will bring digital
participants and remote location to classrooms with the use of three-dimensional
technology.
References
Applying
google glass. (2014, October). The
Financial Express. Retrieved from
How does google glass work. (2013, July). Tech Life. Retrieved from
Laureate
Education (Producer). (2014a). David Thornburg: Disruptive technologies
[Video file].
Baltimore,
MD: Author.
Newman, J. (2013, May). The real privacy implications of
google glass. Time. Retrieved from
