A Brief Overview of Calming Technology (Research group at Stanford University)

What is calming technology?  I've been meaning to write a few in-depth posts on this topic, but I've had little time.  For now, here's a brief overview of the topic:


"Calming Technologies are tools that reduce stress and anxiety, improve focus and clarity, and help develop calming physical, cognitive, and emotional habits." -CalmingTech

Calming Technology 
"CalmingTechnology.com is the research blog for the Calming Technology research group at Stanford University. We draw from the fields of human-computer interaction, persuasion and influence, psychology and perception, and medicine and anatomy. Previously we referred to this field as "augmented relaxation" and similar names..."


Calming Technology Course, Stanford Persuasive Tech Lab, taught by BJ Fogg and Neema Moraveji


CalmingTech (twitter)

Calming Technology Bibilography

Calming Technology (pdf)
Neema Moraveji, Neekaan Oshidary, Roy Pea, BJ Fogg (CHI 2011)


Links: Calming technology projects,  freeware, and commercial products

As I explore this topic, I'll post more information!

Children, Teens, Families, and the Economic Crisis

It is clear that the current economic crisis has had an enormous impact on adults. It is impossible to shield children and teens from the news around them, or shield them from the fears their parents may be experiencing about the economy.

Here are a few links and resources I've collected about this topic:

10/5/08 Washington Post
Anxious Children A Fiscal Lesson for the Ages: For Some, the Economic Turmoil is a Grim Reminder of Past Crises. For Others, it Marks a New Fear
By Brigid Schulte

• "A survey of 500 U.S. teenagers released Friday found that almost 70 percent feared an "immediate negative impact" on the security of their families. "That's a gigantic figure," said Michael Cohen, a research psychologist who runs the opinion research firm that conducted the poll. "There's anxiety about this. And the anxiety is not just for the society at large, but for me and my family. I was quite taken aback by the scope of that fear. ""

10/01/08 Kiplinger.com
Talking to Your Kids About the Financial Crisis
By Janet Bodnar


9/24/08 Wall Street Journal
When Tough Times Weigh on the Kids

Parent's Financial Problems Are Reflected in School Performance
by Sue Shellenbarger

10/8/08 U.S. News & World Report
Economic Crisis Takes Toll on Emotional Health: Experts seeing more cases of sleeplessness, anxiety, but they offer tips for coping
by Amanda Gardner

10/10/08 wral.com
Duke Prof writes children's play about economic crisis
Script: Play explains the economy


The New York Times Online features a video clip that gives an overview of how the current economic crisis is impacting teens attending a private high school in NYC. The clip includes interviews of students and an economics teacher.

Link to post: Chill in an on-line tropical paradise from Unity3d

Take a moment to read my post on the Interactive Multimedia Technology blog about a free on-line virtual tropical paradise. If you work with young people who have stress and anxiety, or need tools for calming down when agitated, this application might be worth a try. I'm planning on using it with some of the students I work with who have autism spectrum disorders.

This application would be great on an interactive whiteboard or display to teach a few lessons about landforms and tropical climates!