How to transform the school education department
The school education department oversees the education of students in the 21st century should include new technologies that will make learning fun and exciting. The world was introduced to virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) with the emergence and popularity of Pokemon Go in the summer of 2016.
What's the difference between the two technologies? You can swim with sharks in virtual reality. Augmented reality allow you to watch a shark pop out of a piece of paper.
Most young people today are active smartphone users. However, much of their time is spent using social media to connect with friends and to mobile phone apps to play games. Students spend less time using mobile technology to study, complete homework assignments or research information on the Internet for school papers and other assignments.
Why should the school education department consider the use of emerging technologies in the classroom?
Research demonstrates that the uses of virtual and augmented reality are found in the tool kits of 21st century educators. The popularity of Pokemon Go and other apps are being accessed on a regular basis by students at home. The use of emerging technologies in education today is very important to the school education department.
Today's students need to be prepared to face the complexities, challenges and sophistication of tomorrow's changing world. Teachers should be equipped with the knowledge and tools needed to introduce students to the concepts and use of technology that will prepare them for the future workplace. It's important for today's teachers to stay up-to-date with new and emerging technologies that may become a part of tomorrow's society.
VR and AR are emerging technologies making an impact in the lives of today's students. It's important for the school education department to incorporate the use of VR and AR in the curriculum to prepare students for the emerging technologies now making a true impact on the world.
AR app development is one of the fastest growing technology trends in the education industry since the launch of the Pokemon Go app. The valuation of this industry grew to $ 90 million in 2018. Although VR and AR are two separate technologies, they can both be implemented together.
Although there are benefits to incorporating AR in learning and development, the cost remains high. There are two factors that contribute to the reason why AR and VR technologies are not supported by the school education department. The lack of development and exposure in addition to the high cost of adding the emerging technology to the school curriculum.
Benefits of VR and AR
AR makes it possible for students to easily see things in three dimensions. Students are able to visualize the things they are learning in class. As a result, students are more interested and involved with the classroom instruction they are receiving from their teachers.
Being able to visualize the things they are learning has led to an increase in their curiosity. Students are now engaged in various educational opportunities.
A nationwide survey conducted by Samsung in June 2016 reported that the education industry is ready for VR and AR learning. About 68 percent of teachers surveyed indicated that they would like to use the technology in their classroom. More than 86 percent of these teachers reported experiencing challenges in motivating their students to learn the subject matter they were teaching in class. At the same time, 93 percent of teachers thought that VR would increase student interest during instructional time in class.
AR eliminates language, cultural and geographical barriers in education. This technology opens doors to communication that were previously shut. Google Translate helps students enjoy lectures and writings from experts and speakers around the world. The app is free and works on any mobile phone. AR bridges the gap between student and teacher communication. Teachers and students now understand each other. Doors to learning that were once shut are now open.
AR is already being used in designing buildings, cars and creating 3D images. Putting on VR spectacles and watching fingers move in a direction that will form and image helps to make work fun. Productivity comes quickly and leads to development.
In schools, the subject that is most difficult for most students is math. VR helps students visualize problem solving and diminishing the need to use elaborate imagination to solve difficult problems. VR makes teaching math to students easier.
Since many AR apps are accessed through a smartphone or tablet, students can easily use this technology on field trips and other out-of-school learning activities. Many of these AR apps are already available for use within the school education department.
Since many AR apps are accessed through a smartphone or tablet, students can easily use this technology on field trips and other out-of-school learning activities. Many of these AR apps are already available for use within the school education department.
CoSpaces Edu app is an example of how augmented technology increases student interest and understanding of the subjects they are studying in school.
This infographic demonstrates the impact of augmented reality on mobile app development.
Historical websites accessible with a mobile phone
National Museum of American History
Smithsonian Institution in Washington, DC
Mount Vernon in Alexandria, Virginia
National Women's History Alliance
History Today
History News Network
Colonial Williamsburg
