Using computer games and wearables, researchers at the University
of Texas at Arlington are analyzing the effect young students’ physical and
emotional states have on their attention and self-control during different
tasks, especially learning. The results may reshape instructional methods and
where school systems focus their efforts and investments.
“We think that if we understand the different physical and
emotional states related to attention and self-regulation, we could develop targeted
interventions for children and adults to achieve greater well-being,” principal
researcher Catherine Spann said in a release.
Volunteers aged 7 and older answer questions about their levels of
self-control and attention in everyday life, as well as how they’re feeling
that day, and then move on to play games on an iPad while a wristband tracks
their heart rate and skin activity, which gives an indication of how calm and
engaged they are. Subjects’ scores are determined by accuracy and reaction time
in completing game tasks.
“We need to understand the conditions under which people optimally
learn and the ways that educators can best support students,” said George
Siemens, executive director of UTA’s Learning Innovation and Networked
Knowledge (LINK) Research Lab, which is conducting the study in collaboration
with the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History’s Research and Learning
Center.
