With the advent of various learning technologies, educators have a wide array of tools and techniques that are unprecedented in their scope and utility. In recent years, online education has emerged as a strong contender at all levels of education. Included in online delivery methods are various blended and distributed models, including virtual world, online social communities, and mobile technologies, to name a few. One technology, augmented reality, has been on the sidelines for several decades, patiently waiting as processing power and pricing considerations could make widespread use feasible. Its day has arrived.
Augmented reality is a process by which digital environments are overlaid upon real world spaces. These augmented spaces can occur in various forms and are delivered through various means. Augmented reality combines real and virtual images in real time in a 3d display. Typically viewed through special lightweight glasses or computer screen, viewers can interact with three-dimensional virtual objects within a real space. The uses for augmented reality technologies are limitless and have a special, profound implication for education. In fact, these technologies will revolutionize learning at an astounding pace.
In this presentation, technology psychologist and educator, Dr. Jon Cabiria, will introduce the audience to the concepts of augmented reality and its implications for learning on a previously unimagined scale. Through a multi-media presentation incorporating research findings, slideshow, and videos, Dr. Cabiria will discuss, in his typical straightforward manner, the implications of augmented education for all educators, administrators, and students.
The audience will be exposed to the latest in augmented reality learning tools as they currently exist and those on the immediate horizon. Examples of uses for augmented reality learning options include, but are not limited to: textbooks that, when opened, display moving 3D images above the pages that can be manipulated and viewed from any angle; modern day spaces can be overlaid with architecture from previous eras to enrich historical presentations; students from multiple locations can appear to be gathered in the same room, in real time. The extensive range of applications for this technology make this a truly disruptive paradigm that educators will all have to grapple with over the next five years. In fact, an important issue will be how to keep up with the rapidity of growing demand, and in producing educational materials quickly enough to sate this demand.
This is not a technical-laden presentation and will be offered at a level accessible to everyone. Attendees need only bring their imaginations and desire to experience this most immersive, experiential learning approach to date. For those unfamiliar with augmented reality, this will likely be awe-inspiring; for those with some exposure to the concepts, this presentation will expand upon how they may have been conceptualizing its uses. Al attendees will learn how to define augmented reality in education, how it is to be used, and its benefits and challenges to both educators and students. Attendees will receive handouts and links that support the information in the presentation, as well as provide resources for additional information.
