Eye-tracking technology allows Halszka’s research team to critically study how humans process information. Applying this technology to education means that it is now possible to study the learning process in three different ways. Firstly, it’s now possible to investigate how students process a computer-based learning or testing environment. What information do they look at and what do they completely ignore. This kind of investigation can even be done on a class level. Secondly, it’s possible to investigate what experienced teachers see in a classroom full of students, how they interpret these events and how they use this information to manage their class. This also has implications for how novice teachers can be supported. Thirdly, eye tracking can be used to directly support learning by creating eye movement models. These are instructional videos in which the teacher explains how to approach a task, and at the same time, the student also sees his or her visual focus during this explanation in order to better understand what the teacher is refering to in his or her explanation. 

Although these three scenarios seem rather futuristic at the moment, Halszka argues that they will soon become reality. In the past 12 months, three large companies (Google, Apple, Facebook) have each bought eye-tracking companies. Using such technology in future classrooms will really enable us to see through the eyes of the student. What do you think they will see and what would you like them to see - an inspiring environment with motivated people from which they would like to learn? Like to know more? Then take a look at this YouTube video about this type of research.