Watches as technology and uses for learning

When I was asked to bring in a piece of technology into class I immediately wanted to bring bring in my video game system. After all it has microchips, has multiple functions like internet access, and of course runs video games. I was then taken aback by how quickly I turned to a simple solution because of those very reasons. I began to broaden my horizons on what I considered technology and decided to show my fellow students my watch. At first one might not be sold that this is technology, but a defining characteristic of technology is it's ability to become better at it's function(s). If a watches job is to tell time, then one could view a sun dial as a simplistic watch. As a person looks at other historical time periods the way of telling time becomes more advanced. There have been hourglasses, clepsydras, clocks that use weights, pendulums, and finally batteries. This is not a complete list but the idea that telling time is becoming more important and more more precise is there. Watches are also a great piece of technology because they are a form of organization. if i were to tell a person I would meet them at 5 pm I would look at my watch to tell me the time as to not be late. Asking a person could be inefficient because those are precious seconds wasted. Especially if they respond time to buy a watch instead of simply answering the question. Watches are meant to keep individuals organized. Watches are also a great learning tool.  

If I were to teach a lesson based on my watch, I would bring the elements of composition, legibility, and complexity forward. When the designer thought up my watch he or she did not place anything randomly. The numbers are not out of order because that would not make a bit of sense. The numbers are also evenly spaced from each other and not cramped. The numbers are also are in a circle which reinforces the overall shape of the watch. there are dots that tell a person which second it is of a minute and are also evenly spaced from each other. In addition every fifth dot is slightly bigger to line up with a number on the watch. To give the watch pizzazz the inner circle is comprised of multiple lines that reach the center of the watch and comes with a little icon that designates what company made the watch. The band of the watch can be adjusted for the wrist and for the where the watch is placed. All these elements are essential for the making the watch something nice to look at. These elements can be played with as well. For example, does the watch need to be circular or could it be square in shape and how might this shape effect where the numbers are placed. As for legibility the designer is making it for a certain age group. if the buyer is young he or she might have better eyesight and would want the numbers to be smaller whereas if the user is old he or she might want large numbers. Lastly, a watch can change in complexity meaning what functions should a watch have. Obviously we want it to tell time, but do we also want it to tell military time? A watch could also tell what altitude you are at. These are also elements to think about when making a watch. 

In addition, a watch is an excellent device to use when teaching someone to tell time. By explaining the little hand is used for showing what hour of the day it is and that the bigger hand is used for showing an individual how many minutes have transpired since the start of the hour a person can grasp the concept of time quickly. a little more instruction is needed like the hand moving quicker than the others is the second hand, if the watch has one. Soon the person can be able to calculate how much time has transpired at a set point or how much time will pass when given a certain time to add on. Not only can a watch teach people artistically, but also mathematically.