Blog 9
After reading the article, “Virtually There: Kids are using
VR to Explore Worlds and Create New Ones” by Leila Meyer, I was intrigued by
the HTC Vive Virtual Reality system. In
the article, a school librarian describes how VR is used in their library and
how it could be connected to a display board so that entire classes can see
what is happening within the VR headset.
This capability allowed the VR system to become more interactive for the
class.
The HTC Vive VR headsets are pretty pricy with the entry
model starting at $499. The most
expensive kit retails for $1,399.00 and features the latest tracking technology
and a larger room-scale stage. These systems
are higher tech than other systems geared towards education and they are
primarily marketed towards the gaming community. Content is available through their Viveport
platform. Some of the content is free
but the more popular ones are paid and can range from $10-$50. There is also the option of purchasing
monthly or yearly subscriptions for unlimited access to the content featured as
part of the “Infinity” subscription.
Viveport is searchable by genre, with education as one of
the options. There are 364 results
tagged as educational. Most of the educational
content seems to be geared more towards middle and high school aged users, but
I did find some that would make great additions to an elementary school library:
We Are Stars is a video that explores the origins of the
universe. This could aid 4th
graders as they study the solar system during science.
Tree is an immersive experience as viewers are transformed
into a rainforest tree and experience the life cycle of the tree. This would pair well with 1st
grade plant studies.
Berlin Wall: The Virtual Reality Experience could help 5th
grade students to better grasp the impact of the Berlin Wall as they study the
Cold War.
While VR may seem like a fad, it can increase student engagement
and therefore increase learning.
According to Massis, “whether VR enhancements are developed for a course
or a library experience, there can be a heightened level of knowledge and
understanding of the virtual world and its electronic offerings brought to a
generation, many of whom were raised on electronic devices and all of the
enrichments that technology can provide” (2015). Today’s students are “digital natives” and have
come to expect content to be delivered through technological means. VR offers teacher librarians a new and still
exciting way to deliver that content and keep students engaged and wanting
more.
References
Massis, B.
(2015). Using virtual and augmented
reality in the library. New Library World, 116(11/12), 796-799.
Meyer, L.
(2017). Virtually there: Kids are using
VR to explore worlds and create new ones.
School Library Journal. Retrieved from https://www.slj.com/?detailStory=virtually-kids-using-vr-explore-worlds-create-new-ones
One of my concerns with VR and AR is the cost. I like how you pointed out the cost of VR and the expenses it can place on those buying it. However you also note the positives associated with paying for a better VR systems to use in the library or the classroom. It's definitely not a fad, but a way of the future. You used a wonderful phrase--digital natives--to describe students. Technology is all around us and them, so it's better to embrace it!
ReplyDeleteI think AR and VR are still in the infancy stages. The high prices and impracticalities will iron themselves out. I don't think they are a fad, just not perfected yet. I think it's better to learn as the technology is emerging than to play catch up once it is mainstay.
ReplyDeleteTiffany Anderson
I am intrigued by the idea of using AR/VR technology in the media center. I agree that using this technology can enhance engagement and increase learning. This is a great time in education, as there are endless technology tools that can be used to add depth to lessons. Students now expect to have these hands on experiences in the classroom. When I relay stories to my own children at home, they immediately think there is a video or some visual representation to go with it.
ReplyDeleteI like that you highlighted the information about being able to share with the rest of the class what the student wearing the headset sees. This will allow for group activities that depend on communication and collaboration. The district I work in has recently purchased a Google Expeditions kit and I am excited to see the students and teachers using it. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteMcCabe