VisRef: A reflection support system using a fixed-point camera and a smartwatch for childcare fields

Author

Owada, Shigeru and Fujita, Sawako and Tomiki, Naho and Ogura, Masami and Taoka, Yuki and Nakatani, Momoko and Saito, Shigeki

Abstract

We propose VisRef, a video-based reflective support system incorporating a fixed-point camera and a smartwatch, and investigate its application for improved retrospection in childcare fields. When a childcare worker wearing a smartwatch encounters a situation he or she hopes to reflect upon later, the worker can press a button on the smartwatch to record a video of the immediately preceding few minutes. Depending on the button pressed, a preset text tag or transcripted voice tag is added to the video when they are posted to a chat system, shared with the relevant parties, or stored as a private record. We conducted experiments using the proposed application at a nursery school and at a daycare center for children with disabilities in Japan. The efficacy of this system in improving different field activities was evaluated through questionnaires and interviews. The results indicate that the acceptance of the system varied considerably depending on the differences in the facility environments. We identified several points can be explored in the future.