Skip to main content

Home/ technology in education PK-20/ Group items tagged VirtualWorlds

Rss Feed Group items tagged

Filter: All | Bookmarks | Topics Simple Middle
juanrubenromero

Will Virtual Reality Stake Its Claim in K-12 Classrooms? | EdTech Magazine - 5 views

www.edtechmagazine.com/...take-its-claim-k-12-classrooms

education technology VirtualWorlds VirtualEnvironments classroom

shared by juanrubenromero on 16 Jul 15 - No Cached
myraguz liked it
    • juanrubenromero
      juanrubenromero on 16 Jul 15
       
      This is a very interesting statement about the uses of online virtual environments.  Could using online virtual environments be the direction K-12 schools take when assigning projects? How could a virtual environment be used to replace current projects or assignments in your curriculum?
  • The building of the immersive environment was a transformative teaching and learning experience, says Aaron E. Walsh, iED’s founding director. “As we used to build dioramas in school, when you’re building something like this, you’re putting down neural pathways in the brain,” he says. “You can remember what you’re learning much better.”
    • juanrubenromero
      juanrubenromero on 16 Jul 15
       
      If virtual worlds are being used by employers, shouldn't we be incorporating this technology into our K-12 instruction? At the high school level, we are always being told to teach to ensure that students will be college and workforce ready. By not incorporating the technology that employers use, are we doing a disservices to our students? 
  • ...7 more annotations...
    • juanrubenromero
      juanrubenromero on 16 Jul 15
       
      We all know that in education we are often limited by the set budget. However this section makes an excellent point! Virtual reality headsets can be purchased for a high price, but alternatives are also available, which I found quite interesting and surprisingly simply, i.e. Google Cardboard which uses a smartphone for virtual reality. here is the link for further information on Google Cardboard... its literally cardboard! https://www.google.com/get/cardboard/get-cardboard/ Watch this youtube video of a classroom using Google Cardboard
  • iED provides VR headsets to students that cost about $18 each, he says. Constructed of foam and cardboard, the student-built headsets use a smartphone to run graphics.
  • Companies such as Caterpillar, General Motors and Ford have used VR technology in the workplace to train their staffs
  • In addition, evolving apps and tools such as Google Cardboard and Microsoft HoloLens mean there are plenty of developers and educational technologists thinking about VR and how to best use the technology — within and outside of the classroom.
    • juanrubenromero
      juanrubenromero on 16 Jul 15
       
      I completely agree, with today's technology centered students, we as educators need to adapt to our learners. Excellent point about students already being ready to think in 3D. What changes have you had to make in order to meet students technology needs?
  • Today’s students are more tech-savvy than students of just a few years ago, White notes. They grow up using tablets to play games such as Minecraft and not only are prepared to use VR but also are already able to think in 3D
  • Will Virtual Reality Stake Its Claim in K–12 Classrooms?
  • asuarez1 on 16 Jul 15
     
    I think that virtual reality is already being used in the classroom. I have already had a class where we had a virtual classroom. We met to get to know the platform and explore the possibilities. We found out that there are even businesses using these virtual reality spaces to conduct meetings and advertise among other users. Although right now I think it is so time consuming to show students how to use this AND the risk of open platforms will not allow the use of it readily, I do think that it will be used soon. Technology develops so quickly and needs assessments happen just as fast. Once there is a need for a tool, someone usually develops it. We need a safe environment for students to use and I think it is in the works.
  • ...6 more comments...
  • juancalvarez on 16 Jul 15
     
    1. I do not think that VR can be used in all grade levels. I think that Pre-k to 4th grade (+/-) would need to first learn about technology in general and then they could understand a virtual world, plus they need to understand their real world first. VR could provide a visit to a Zoo or any other field trip that is currently impossible. We could take the students to visit other cultures or animal habitats. 2. I think that VR should be incorporated in High School for the students to learn the technology and be able to use it. 3. Well, maybe 3% of the companies are using VR because of the health concerns. The following article describes why so many developers are going slow in creating new VR devices and the problems they have with people throwing up. The "nightmare scenario", as they call it, has to be solved before the technology can really be sold or used for education. This article is from March 2015. http://www.nytimes.com/2015/03/05/technology/solution-to-nausea-puts-virtual-reality-closer-to-market.html?_r=0 The video you provide is amazing! I hope the developers can fix all the problems and can be an available technology soon. 4. I have had to research what apps are good for my students and try to find apps that do not have links that take them out, which has been a huge problem because once they are out, they click here and there and sometimes find things they shouldn't see. Most apps have their section for more information about the developer, but once they click there and go to the app store, and click here and there, they find other things. 5. Eventually VR will take its claim and there will be hundreds of VR schools and courses.
  • juanrubenromero on 17 Jul 15
     
    Ana Suarez, I agree with you about the time and open platform issues with virtual reality environments. I too have taken a course that explores virtual environments, but I am not sure how common it is for K-12 schools to use a virtual world. Maybe virtual worlds may not be a good fit for all levels, but I think benefit can come at the high school level.
  • juanrubenromero on 17 Jul 15
     
    Juan Alvarez, you make a great point, this technology may not be ideal for all grade levels. With this technology they may need to roll it out with higher level and work down to work out the issues, so lower level grades can make a smooth transition into the technology if possible. You make an excellent point, many may not consider. Some people are sensitive to the 3D nature of virtual worlds, and this can be an issue when trying to provide instruction. This might be a difficult thing to solve as it deals with the individual perception. Virtual worlds definitely need to be refined to make it more safe with a focus on closed platform. Like you said, students are going to wander once they are out in the world, we need to be able to control how their wandering just like we do in class. I definitely think that virtual worlds will begin to incorporate themselves in school curriculums. During my exploration of Second Life, I met with the owner of a the NOVA campus science world and he mentioned how the nursing program at the college was going to begin simulated practicals using Second Life.
  • Marie Evans on 18 Jul 15
     
    Most K-12 has not embraced virtual reality in the classroom. There are many great learning opportunities such as the CSI lab for science. It is yet another engaging tool to add to the K-12 arsenal of learning experiences.
  • jfaguilar on 18 Jul 15
     
    I believe exposing our students to virtual worlds is beneficial for them understanding and learning at the same time. I remember an anecdote from one class that introduced the Alamo in San Antonio using SecondLife software. My students liked this trip and learned a lot. We saved time and money and were able to have students "travel" and see places that they may not be able to see in real life due to everyday expenses, obstacles, etc.
  • bradlampton on 18 Jul 15
     
    This was a great article to read and well informative. In my opinion, The vision of Project Tomorrow is ensure that today's students are well prepared to be tomorrow's innovators, leaders and engaged citizens of the world. Also, I believe that by supporting the innovative uses of science, math and technology resources in our K-12 schools and communities, students will develop the critical thinking, problem solving and creativity skills needed to compete and thrive in the 21st century.
  • juanrubenromero on 20 Jul 15
     
    Javier, thats a great way use virtual environments. Second Life definitely allows teachers to explore various sites around the world for students to get experience of what certain structures looks like. Not only that, but I know with SL the sites can be loaded with information and interactive educational activities.
  • juanrubenromero on 20 Jul 15
     
    Brad, rolling out the use of virtual environment with a STEM focus might be a good start to then mainstream its use into other subjects. I talked to the owner of the NOVA campus on Second Life and he mentioned that a lot of high schools that are able to use SL on campus use it in courses for building and scripting. This technology can offer a lot to courses in the math and sciences.
1 - 1 of 1
Showing 20▼ items per page