The Realities of Education

"Whole worlds pivot on acts of imagination." 

- the 13th Doctor (Doctor Who)

   

Education and technology go hand in hand. You never really understand the true potential of new technological developments until it is successfully implemented in the classroom. As technology creates equity and equal opportunities for students, it is no wonder that the classroom is the best place to test these new innovations.

 

Trends in Ed Tech

According to the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), there are eight trends emerging this year. In the following video, I will highlight the trend of augmented, virtual, and mixed reality.

 

Trends in Education Technology: Augmented, Virtual, and Mixed Reality - Watch Video

Here is a breakdown of my video presentation:

1. Introduction - a quick introduction of the trend. 

2. Augmented Reality - uses the existing real-world environment and adds virtual elements to enhance the experience. Here is an example.

3. Virtual Reality - computer-generated environment with scenes and objects that appear to be real, creating an immersive environment for the user. Here is an  example.

4. Mixed Reality - a blend of physical and digital worlds. The difference from augmented is mixed has an overlay where digital and physical elements can interact. Examples are social media filters. .

5. Pros - safe and practical learning approach, fosters creativity and imagination, drives student engagement, visualized learning, memorable experiences, and a lot of fun!.

6. Cons - expensive, risk of addiction, lack of flexibility, downgrades human connection, and possible health issues.

7. VR Museum of Fine Art - introduction to the program and how I would use it in the classroom.

8. Reflection - a reflection on the possibilities this type of technology will bring to the classroom. 

The Possibilities are Endless

Technology bridges the socioeconomic gaps that students encounter outside of the classroom. Yes, you can learn about the Mona Lisa, but not everyone can see it in person. However, with technologies such as virtual reality, all students can experience visiting the most famous work of art. No student will be left behind if they have virtual reality in the classroom. 

 

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These opportunities could open doors and possibilities for students. Perhaps it could motivate them in a certain path because of the memorable experiences that virtual, augmented, and mixed realities can offer.  

As with all technology, there can be risks, but with careful regulation and monitoring, the pros will outweigh the cons. If there is an opportunity to show the world to students who may never get the chance to shouldn't we as educators jump on that bandwagon? I know I would!

 

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Would you use virtual, augmented, or mixed reality in your lessons?

 

Works Cited:

Furness, D. (2016, October 5). VR Museum of Fine Art lets you embrace some of the world’s greatest works. Digital Trends. https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/vr-museum-fine-art/

Krueger, N. (2023). Edtech’s hottest topics for 2023. International Society for Technology in Education. https://www.iste.org/explore/professional-development/edtechs-hottest-topics-2023

STEAM. (2023). The VR Museum of Fine Art. https://store.steampowered.com/app/515020/The_VR_Museum_of_Fine_Art/

University of Toronto. (2022, Dec. 17). Virtual Reality in the Classroom. https://guides.library.utoronto.ca/c.php?g=607624&p=4938314

XR GURU. (2022, May 11). The truth about virtual reality in the classroom: the pros and cons of using VR in education. https://www.xrguru.com/blog/2022/05/the-truth-about-virtual-reality-in-the-classroom-the-pros-and-cons-of-using-vr-in-education

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