At its annual conference in late September, Meta, the tech giant founded by Mark Zuckerberg, unveiled its innovative prototype: smart eyeglasses known as Orion. This device represents Meta’s vision for the next wave of computing, integrating the physical world with augmented digital displays.

“They’re not a headset,” Zuckerberg emphasized while showcasing the distinctive glasses that resemble chunky eyewear. “This is the physical world with holograms overlaid on it.”

Teachers’ Concerns Over Distraction

While such advancements may excite technologists, educators may view them with skepticism. The increasing trend of banning smartphones in classrooms suggests a growing concern about distractions among students, who often struggle to focus on real-life interactions and educational activities.

Research, including insights presented in Jonathan Haidt’s book “The Anxious Generation,” warns that smartphones and social media negatively impact teenagers’ mental health. This raises a valid question: if managing smartphone usage is a challenge, how will educators regulate students equipped with these new smart glasses?

Potential Educational Advantages

Despite the hesitation, some education technology experts see promising possibilities with the integration of smart glasses in classrooms. Unlike the cumbersome VR headsets that have yet to gain traction due to their high costs and logistical challenges, affordable smart glasses could open new avenues for collaborative learning.

Maya Georgieva, head of an innovation center at The New School in New York City, states, “Augmented reality allows for more sharing and collaborative work than VR. Many augmented reality applications promote active and experiential learning.”

Research indicates that augmented reality can enhance educational experiences, transforming learning into a dynamic, immersive process. A recent study noted that such experiences lead to improved learning outcomes, suggesting that smart glasses could revolutionize the way we educate.

Cheating Concerns with Smart Glasses

However, the launch of Orion is still far off; Zuckerberg confirmed the glasses won’t be available to the public until 2027. Meanwhile, Meta already markets smart eyeglasses in partnership with Ray-Ban, retailing for approximately $300, and other companies offer similar products.

While these existing models lack heads-up displays, they feature built-in computers, cameras, microphones, and speakers. Recent AI advancements enhance their functionality, allowing for chatbot-like interactions accessible at users’ convenience.

As the popularity of smart glasses grows, so too have reports of students utilizing them for dishonest purposes. For example, an 18-year-old in Tokyo attempted to use smart glasses to cheat on a university entrance exam by photographing the questions and receiving answers online.

Social media platforms like TikTok have seen numerous students sharing tutorials on using smart glasses for academic dishonesty, even with basic models. One video even outlined how inexpensive glasses could enable students to discreetly access information during tests.

Academic Integrity in the Age of Smart Technology

Discussions among educators on platforms like Reddit reveal concerns over student integrity, compounded by the presence of AI tools like ChatGPT, which have already made traditional assessments more challenging to oversee.

Some educators suggest rethinking assessment methods altogether, questioning the efficacy of current evaluation practices in light of advancing technology.

As more institutions implement smartphone bans, similar regulations may extend to smart glasses. For instance, a Florida law restricts the use of wireless communication devices, which could encompass any new tech that allows electronic connectivity.

Looking Forward

Kyle Bowen, an edtech expert and deputy chief information officer at Arizona State University, likens the emergence of smart glasses to the advent of smartphones in educational contexts, where the potential for disruption is significant.

Nonetheless, Bowen envisions positive applications in higher education through the combination of AI and smart eyewear, allowing students to receive real-time feedback during hands-on learning experiences.