Students at New College Worcester (NCW) recently had the opportunity to explore some of the latest developments in assistive technology, as we welcomed a local optician to deliver a series of interactive workshops.
During the sessions, students were introduced to Meta smart glasses—an emerging piece of wearable technology designed to support everyday tasks in new and innovative ways. The workshops provided a hands-on experience, allowing students to learn how the glasses work and consider how they could be used to support independence in daily life.
Meta glasses combine classic eyewear with built-in technology, including a camera, speakers and voice-controlled assistant. Users can take photos and videos, listen to audio, make calls, and ask questions using voice commands—making them a potentially useful tool for navigation, accessing information, and staying connected on the go.
Students were fascinated by the possibilities and quickly put the technology to the test, asking the glasses a variety of “Meta” questions. Impressively, the device responded accurately each time, sparking curiosity and plenty of excitement in the room.
The sessions weren’t without their lighter moments either. Mr Styles took on a challenge to see if the glasses could teach him the running man dance. While the results may still be up for debate, it certainly provided plenty of entertainment for students and staff alike!
Mr Swainland, Head of ICT at NCW, said:
“It’s fantastic for our students to have the opportunity to explore emerging technologies like the Meta glasses in a hands-on way. Experiences like this help build confidence and independence, giving students a better understanding of how technology can support them in everyday life.”
We would like to extend our thanks to the local optician Vision Express Worcester for supporting our students and the wider NCW community. Their expertise and enthusiasm helped bring the technology to life and made the sessions both informative and enjoyable for everyone involved.
At NCW, ensuring students are familiar with the latest assistive technologies is a key part of preparing them for life beyond education. By providing opportunities to explore and trial new tools in a supportive environment, students can build confidence, develop independence, and make informed choices about the technology that works best for them.
Workshops like these form part of NCW’s ongoing commitment to innovation, ensuring students are equipped with the knowledge and skills to navigate an ever-changing technological landscape.
