Wearables Workshop
When
Wednesday 4 February, 2026
9:00 – 16:30
Organisers
Digital Education Futures Initiative (DEFI)
Cambridge University Press & Assessment (CUPA)
Event details
Join us for an interactive workshop that explores the transformative potential of wearable technologies in learning environments. This event will showcase examples of the latest devices, giving participants hands-on experience with tools that could shape the future of education. We’ll also explore critical themes such as inclusion, ethics, and privacy which must underpin future use of this technology.
Through futures-focused activities, we’ll examine the uncertainties and opportunities these innovations present, generating insights to inform research and design principles for inclusive pedagogy. Expect lively discussions on topics like technology adoption, ephemeral design, and speculative scenarios for schools and educational organisations. Whether you’re an educator, researcher, or technologist, this workshop offers a unique chance to engage with emerging ideas and help shape the next chapter in wearable learning.
Agenda
| 09:00 | Arrival and coffee | |
| 09:30 | Opening remarks – purpose of day, structure and goals | |
| 09:40 | Keynote 1: The Future of Wearables – State-of-the-Art & Emerging Trends | Dr Imogen Casebourne |
| 10:05 | Keynote 2: Philosophy, Ethics, Privacy & Legal Considerations for using Wearables in schools | Prof Ann Kristin Glenster |
| 10:30 | Coffee break and visit to the Wearables Exploration Zone | |
| 11:25 | Keynote 3: The View from the Teacher’s Perspective | Dr Alexandra Read |
| 12:00 | Lunch | |
| 12:45 |
Wearables Exploration Zone Examples of stations:
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| 14:15 |
Futures Workshop
|
Dr Fawaz Abu Sitta |
| 15:45 | Closing Discussion with focus on future research questions | |
| 16:15 | Informal Networking | |
| 16:45 | Event End |
Speakers
Dr Imogen Casebourne
Head of the Innovation Lab,
Digital Education Futures Initiative (DEFI), Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge
Prof Ann Kristin Glenster
Professor at the Centre for Research in the Arts, Social Sciences, and Humanities at the University of Cambridge,
Executive Director of the Glenlead Centre, and an affiliate of the Centre for Intellectual Property and Information Law (CIPIL) at the University of Cambridge
Dr Alexandra Read
Head of Learning Technology,
Girls’ Day School Trust
Dr Fawaz Abu Sitta
Futures Research Director,
Digital Education Futures Initiative (DEFI), Hughes Hall, University of Cambridge
Register here
