LIVESCRIBE: AN EMERGING TECHNOLOGYEDET 637 SPRING 2010UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE

George Flores, RN, BS

Learning Objectives

Individuals will be able to: Describe the emerging technology Identify two applications for the device Identify two unique features of the

technology Describe one application of the

technology in education

Technology Description

Livescribe Pulse™ digital pen records both what is written and syncs audio input to notes on specially patterned paper and uploads to PC or MAC

Designed to enhance productivity, learning, communication and self-expression

(Baig, 2008; Naone, 2008; Livescribe, 2010)

Tech Developers

Executives have experience working with companies such as Leapfrog, Palm, Apple and IBM

CEO Jim Marggraff known for creating LeapPad and LeapFrog FLY Pentop computers

Company unveiled May 28, 2007 Pulse smartpen unveiled January 28, 2008 Company headquarters located in Oakland, CA,

USA

(Livescribe, 2010)

Livescribe Pulse Hardware

Sleek and ergonomic, anodized aluminum housing

Titanium color 155 mm in length, 14 mm to 16mm wide

with even taper Weighs 36 grams (1.3 oz.) Storage 1GB, 2GB and 4GB

Specific details for both hardware and software available at Livescribe website (2010)

Livescribe Pulse Software

Desktop software downloaded from website Page viewer Export function Smartpen and application management Account access

Bundled software Paper replay Notes (ink capture) Audio recording access Calculator Translator Demo

(Livescribe, 2010)

Current Uses of Pulse smartpen Note taking device (education, corporate,

etc.) Handwriting to text transcription Translation Study guide Auditory flashcards Educational assistive device

(Livescribe, 2010)

Accessibility, Availability and Cost Available throughout North America at Best

Buy, Staples, Target, Apple Stores, and London Drugs

Livescribe site includes a Google Map to assist consumer to find retailers near them

Available online at the same stores Smartpen and applications available through

the Livescribe store online 2GB Pulse costs $149.95, 4GB Pulse costs

$169.95, and 4GB Pulse Propack costs $229.95 (Livescribe, 2010)

Equipment and Usage Standards Works with Windows and Mac OS Getting started with Pulse tutorial

available online at the Start here site on the Livescribe site

Following tutorial videos, desktop installation assistance is available

(Livescribe, 2010)

Adaptability of Pulse smartpen User friendly device Support available online Tutorials available to consumer Pulse smartpen user manual available

online Windows user manual and

Mac OS X user manual online Getting started guide also available online

(Livescribe, 2010)

Interactivity & Control

Device provides tactile sense of writing, audio input and visual cues to the user; optimizing sensory input for user

Brief video demonstrates some of its features

(Livescribe, 2010)

Application to Education

Device optimizes teaching and learning Enriches the dynamic exchange between

student and teacher Reinforces concepts through various

sensory modalities; assistive device for those with visual impairment (K. Parks, personal communication, January 28, 2010; Science Daily, 2008)

EdLivescribe site details additional application of the smartpen to education

Personal Experiences

Pros Easy to use device Has heft and ink flow is very smooth Audio capture clear and can be augmented

with ear buds Capability to transcribe hand written notes

to text Tech support

Cons Initial cost Cost of supplies

Overall a very usable assistive technology

References

Baig, E. C. (2008, May 5). Livescribe Pulse digital pen brings your notes to life. USA Today. Retrieved from http://www.usatoday.com.

Smartpens help blind see: Industrial technologists design smart pen to record what it writes and hears. (2008, May, 1). Science Daily: Your Source for the Latest Research News. Retrieved from http://sciencedaily.com/videos/2008/0509-smart_pens_help_blind_see.html.

Livescribe: Never Miss a Word. (2010). Retrieved April 17, 2010 from http://www.livescribe.com.

Naone, E. (2008). Livescribe pulse: Handwritten notes get digital audio support. Technology Review, 111(3), 86-87.

Weaver, B. (2009). On the Pulse: Pen-based computing in the laboratory. Retrieved March 27, 2010 from http://www.scientificcomputing.com/On-the-Pulse.aspx.