Week Four

Week Four

Augmented Reality

This week we explored the world of augmented reality.  Previously I was of the opinion that augmented reality was the same as virtual reality, namely a 3 dimensional artificial environment created by a computer, however I now realise that augmented reality is so much more.  (Burdea & Coiffet, 2003).  This new technology incorporates virtual reality features with real life aspects, thus enabling the viewer a more realistic and engaging viewing perspective.  The possibilities for this technology within classrooms (of the future) are mind boggling, for example wouldn’t history lessons be so much more engaging if students could actually see (rather than just envisage) how historical items and places once looked.  (Johnson et al. 2010).  I firmly believe augmented reality has enormous potential and scope for linking real world (and realistic virtual world) applications into the classroom setting.

During the tutorial we looked at Zoo Burst a digital story telling tool that enables anyone (who has an account) to create 3D pop-up books.  This is a fabulous interactive tool that could be useful in primary school classrooms, particularly to engage reluctant writers.

The Horizon Report

This report discusses new and up-and-coming technologies that will impact upon educational and classroom learning environments, now and in the future.  Since technology is advancing so quickly it is imperative for educators to be aware of what is currently available and what will be available within the foreseeable future.  Although this report is lengthy (40 pages) it is easy to read and has many useful web links and examples of classroom applications.

Digital Presentation

Our group is currently in the researching/planning phase of the digital presentation.  A few weeks ago we decided to create a Google Doc for us to collaboratively share our ideas and thoughts.  This page has been useful as a planning proforma, in particular as we each come up with new ideas we can add them to the one document, rather than emailing (each new contribution) backwards and forwards.  Google Docs is a new technology for me and I can now see the real benefits of utilising it both personally and within the classroom environment. 

References:

Burdea, G., & Coiffet, P., (2003).  Virtual reality technology, Volume 1.  New Jersey: John Wiley & Sons: 

Johnson, L., Smith, R., Levine, A. & Haywood, K. (2010).  2010 Horizon Report:  K-12 Edition.  Austin, Texas:  The New Media Consortium.