Movement-based and gesture technologies (EdTech)

Movement-based and gesture capture technologies are those that can detect and trace movements of people and machines within a physical space. These technologies are used to track movements of participants within a learning environment to take advantage of a person's embodied learning experiences by using their whole self within an immersive learning activity.

Movement-based technologies can be used in educational settings with students to encourage, reward, or otherwise promote movements in certain ways. This is particularly helpful in situations where learners are working on physical skills or body movements and tracking of such movements would be helpful for feedback.

Movement-based technologies can also be used for evaluation and research purposes for evaluators to collect data on how people use physical spaces during learning and how certain movements of their bodies and participations may lend to learning certain skills.

Examples of movement-based technologies that can capture data on movement and apply it to learning activities include:

• Direction (compass), speed (accelerometer), and distance (pedometer, geolocation technologies)
• Movement detection or motion sensing around a space or room
• Gaze and eye tracking
• Hand, leg, and body movement tracking and distinction of different movements
• Gesture capture, such as hand movements, swipes in the air, and raised hands.

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