District Five school becomes “Explorer” for Google Glass wearable computer

CHAPIN, SC  – Joseph Boyd slipped on the pair of sleek white glasses, craned his neck upward and gazed off dreamingly into the classroom ceiling.

“Oh, I see it now,” the Irmo High senior said tapping, then swiping the side of the frame. “I’ve got to get one of these.”

What he saw through his right eye was an augmented reality app’s view of stars and constellations, surrounding him in broad daylight. What he wanted was Google Glass, a wearable computer only available to a few thousand handpicked “Explorers”  – a few thousand that now includes students and teachers at Lexington-Richland School District Five’s Center for Advanced Technical Studies.

“We contacted the company and asked to be Explorers because we want our students and teachers to have access to the latest technology available,” said Dr. Bob Couch, director of The Center. “It’s also an opportunity for us to provide valuable feedback to Google on possible improvements and how the app may be used in education. The Center is all about giving students hands-on experience, and being Google Glass Explorers is just a continuation of the educational experience we want our students and staff to have.”

The Center has been using Glass for nearly a month, after requesting the test version of the device. Google has not yet announced a date for releasing Glass widespread to consumers, but the $1,500 device is “available to all types of people through the Explorer program” and the company has been expanding the program gradually, officials said.

“The point of the Explorer program is to get Glass in the hands of lots of different types of people and see how it can be used out in the world (in the field of education as well as other areas) and get their feedback so we can make the product better and better before we launch it to consumers,” said Anna Richardson White, communications manager for the Google Glass program.

Students and teachers at The Center have been looking for classroom uses for Glass and will submit feedback to the company for improvements and possible publication. Available in several colors, Glass looks much like ordinary eyewear but does not have glass in the frame. Instead, wearers look through a small screen that looms over the right eye which allows users to perform tasks similar to that of a smartphone: take video and photos, check social media posts, get directions and browse the Internet – all hands-free.

Chapin High Junior Ross Mirgon tries on Google Glass. As “Explorers,” The Center for Advanced Technical Studies has been using Glass for nearly a month, after requesting the test version of the device. Google has not yet announced a date for releasing Glass widespread to consumers.

In a September Aerospace Engineering class at The Center, students passed around the eyewear, testing out features and engaging in lively discussion on ways Glass could be used in aviation, classroom lessons and everyday life. Students like Chapin High Junior Ross Mirgon and Dutch Fork High student Liam McGarry already had ideas and hopes for getting the device, once it’s available.

Aerospace Engineering Instructor Dr. Martin Cwiakala shows Google Glass to onlookers. As “Explorers,” The Center for Advanced Technical Studies has been using Glass for nearly a month, after requesting the test version of the device. Google has not yet announced a date for releasing Glass widespread to consumers.

“I’m thinking of being a pilot and it would help with maps and routes,” said Mirgon. “You wouldn’t need a piece of paper to find your route. You’d just have the map right there in front of your face so you can focus more on flying.”

“There are so many ways you can use this. Just having it hands-free allows you to, well, have your hands free to do other things,” McGarry said. “And it’s not distracting to have it on like some people would think. You’re either looking at the glass or looking at something else, which is a lot different from being buried down on a phone or tablet…I think it’s pretty great.”

Aerospace Engineering Instructor Dr. Martin Cwiakala added, “Our motto at The Center is challenging the impossible, creating the future. Well, here’s an example of it. Here’s a real piece of hardware that is the future.  The rest of the world doesn’t necessarily have it and we do, and our students are going to get to try it out before it goes mainstream…We have state-of-the-art stuff and we’re doing state-of-the-art stuff, and that seems to bring a high level of excitement.”