"Techpresence" is the ability of electronic devices to wirelessly communicate and interact with each other just by placing those devices in close proximity to each other.
A smart phone that that exhibits "techpresence" automatically syncs images with a desktop computer (perhaps via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi) when placed close to the desktop. An example of techpresence in the living room might be picture frames or other art that "senses" the presence of "techpresence-enabled" devices and presents custom images or custom artistic content.
Techpresence can also happen with items that we now think of as "dumb". Your refrigerator, for example, could respond to your iPod playing a "don't eat that ice cream" message. Your "techpresence" wrist watch could talk to your front door locks and unlock when you approach from the outside.
In the classroom, "techpresence-aware" devices could reconfigure based upon the presence or absence of selected students. A computer in a lab could present custom bookmarks. A message board on the wall could announce the scores of last night's basketball game when the "star center" enters. A student's cell phone could turn into a "learning key" that unlocks technology and other resources as long as the student is present. Cell phones could also interact with schoolwide networks tracking the movements (presence or absence) of students in class. (No more calling the roll!).
For educators, techpresence could assist with security (locking your keyboard when you walk away from your desktop computer) or provide access to the faculty resource rooms. Place your laptop next to your home computer and that day's grades and assignments are synchronized. Place the same laptop next to your television and a list of educational films you'd found and bookmarked appears as a selectable menu on your TiVo.
The possibilities are endless. Watch as "techpresence" comes to a home (and classroom) near you!
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