Welcome to Cantastic Authorpalooza, featuring posts by and about great Canadian children’s book creators! Today’s guest: Elaine Kachala. Take it away, Elaine!
I was waist-deep in research about fourth industrial revolution technologies (4IR) when, many drafts later, I’d landed on the topic of wearables—technology that’s on, in, or attached to your body. The topic cast a spell on me. I had to think, why was I suddenly so invested? I realized two things: That deep down, this multifaceted topic had to do with health, well-being, and equity. These issues are close to my heart and at the core of my professional work. (I worked as a health policy researcher, advisor, and writer for over twenty years). And, beyond the blow-your-socks-off cool factor, our society faces many challenges with wearables and tech innovation. I didn’t see these issues reflected in books for young readers, yet kids have a significant role in helping steer the world toward a better future. That’s how the book, Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution came to be!
Our brains, skin, eyes, ears, other body parts, and clothing are becoming the new ways we connect with technology. Immersive technologies like virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) offer exciting new ways to work, learn, and play. Robotic suits (exoskeletons) help soldiers and factory workers to carry heavy loads safely. And in health care, breakthrough research is happening on many fronts. For example, virtual reality (VR) reduces loneliness and improves brain health in older adults. Brain-computer interface (BCI) technology enables people with severe disabilities to move and communicate, and robotic suits allow people with disabilities to live fuller, more active, and more connected lives. The possibilities of wearables to improve our lives are limitless; these are just some examples.
All good, right? Not exactly.
As I dug further into the research, I learned about many downsides to technology and innovation. Data privacy breaches, device safety and reliability problems were among the challenges. Even the idea that innovation can go too far, like with brain-computer technology that, might one day be able to read our minds. Experts are warning us about dangers.
I also learned about a “move fast and break things” culture that drives tech development. It means innovating fast, not worrying about how tech impacts people and being a disrupter. Experts now agree that this mindset is dangerous!
Then, there’s the issue of tech inequities; what if some people can access technology to help them and others can’t? The gap may increase as devices become smarter, faster, more precise, user-friendly and mainstream.
Or, what about the idea that not everyone believes we should spend billions augmenting our minds and bodies with technology? Some people with disabilities are speaking out about this. People see disability differently; people have different abilities. And not everyone with a disability wants to be “fixed.” Many just want a working wheelchair, a job, health care, accessible spaces, and not to be poor.
And let’s not forget about who the developers behind this technology are. When teams are diverse and inclusive, we have better, safer products. But are company policies and practices mindful of this fact? And do all kids have access to STEAM education and training? While some things are changing, there’s more to do to resolve injustices.
Enter the era of responsible design. For all the issues raised here and more, scientists, engineers, designers, and inventors of all kinds, including young inventors, are on a responsible design mission. They’re asking how can we innovate safely, fairly, and equitably? How do we reap the benefits of wearable technology while still protecting against harm?
I hope this book sparks kids’ curiosity, expands their thinking about science and technology in society, and instills hope by showing how STEAM can help solve pressing problems. At the same time, I hope they consider how inventors have a big responsibility when developing technology.
Superpower? The Wearable-Tech Revolution (Orca Book Publishers, 2022) is my debut book. I’m so excited that honors include Best STEM Book (NSTA/CBC, 2023), and a finalist for the AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books (2024), the Red Cedar Book Award (2023-24) and SCBWI’s Golden Kite Award (2023). Readers can download a free Teacher’s Guide and resources from my website.
Thank you, Lindsey, for giving me the opportunity to share my book!