Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) – is a cutting-edge technology that allows students to step through the computer or television screen into a three dimensional, computer-simulated world to learn.

• Places students inside of a simulated environment that looks and feels like the real world
• Students interact in VR like they interact with the real world – objects can be picked up, turned around and examined from all angles
• The learning potential of VR is great because it is “learning by doing”
• Learning requires a first-hand experience to understand- words, pictures, and videos are not enough for students to get a full understanding and learning.
• At the heart of VR is an experience

Engaged Learning
• Virtual Reality is based on “Engaged Learning”
• Students explore bodies of knowledge
• Students control learning process
• Students carry out “authentic tasks”
• Teachers use VR to create environments for exploration and experience


Understanding Virtual Reality
• Think of a child exploring a forest for the 1st time
• A child will best learn about the forest not from reading or listening, but by walking into it and becoming a part of it.
• The child is free to explore the forest any way he or she likes
• Discovery and experience are the best teacher


Unlimited Choices in Virtual Reality
• Students make real-time decisions
• Students can fly, drive, swim, or walk anywhere
• The number of possible combinations of real-time interactive choices available are infinite
• No matter how many choices are pre-computed, there are always more possibilities available
• Not possible with other computer programs since the images have been previously generated

Gear You Need For VR
VR Headset

• Lets us see new views of virtual worlds as we turn our heads
  
• Three-dimensional depth perception is created by “stereoscopy,” where slightly different views of the same image appear to each eye

VR Glove

Students see their hand in the virtual world, enabling them to pick up and manipulate objects

• Provide a new, natural way to interact and communicate with the computer

Head Tracking

A tracking mechanism registers any head motion by the student

When a student moves her head, the scene changes accordingly, just as in real life

VR Stereo Sound

• Recognizing objects in the virtual world through 3-D sound greatly adds to the realism of the VR experience
  
• The volume of an airplane in a virtual world decreases as it moves away from you, just as in real life.

Virtual Reality and Students

• The age old problem: how to better involve students in their studies
• New ways must be found to engage students
• The videogame era has changed students’ attention spans
  Students have a great natural interest in VR

Virtual Reality and Teachers

• New teaching methods must be pioneered to relieve growing burdens on teachers
• Teachers assist and guide while students explore and discover
• No distractions in the learning environment when students have VR headset on
• Students are focused on learning

Virtual Reality Costs

• VR is now based on off the shelf PC’s: every school can now afford to use it
• VR Headsets $500 - $1,300
• PC $500
• Graphics Card $140
• VR Glove $130

Opinions

Leah Zaremba: I think Virtual Reality is a great method; every teacher should take into consideration and start applying it more to their courses! I defiantly believe I would have learned a lot more throughout school if I were able to be more active in learning. It makes it more interesting and students will want to learn instead of feeling as if they have to.


Ashley Tremblay: I would suggest that all teachers try to incorporate virtual reality into their classrooms, if they are given the materials needed. Virtual reality is a great new technology that brings a new aspect and view to the classroom. It is something that will grab a students’ attention and keep it throughout the entire lesson. I will definitely use virtual reality in my future classroom.

Samantha Miller: I think that virtual reality is a good source to have in the classroom because it opens up some doors for exploration of teaching.

Khrystine Bosland: I never had access to virtual reality when I was in school. If that had been available to me growing up, I think I would have been more interested in learning. I am a hand on learner and VR is an activity that you learn through doing. I think it is a great educational breakthrough!

Lindsey Newpher: have never really heard of virtual reality in classrooms, but I have experienced learning through virtual reality. When I was in junior high I went to a science museum and actually wore one of these virtual reality shields, I got to explore the solar system as if I was an astronaut. I really enjoyed it and it kept my attention because it you actually feeling like you are there. If I were able to have this type of equipment in my class, I would definitely incorporate it into my curriculum

“I hear and I forget. I see and I understand. I do and I remember.” – Confucius

Steaming Video

What is steaming video? Streaming media is the simultaneous transfer of digital media (video, voice and data). Streaming video is a sequence of "moving images" that are sent in compressed form over the Internet and displayed by the viewer as they arrive. Streaming media is streaming video with sound.

How does it work? Streamed data is transmitted by a server application, and received and displayed in real-time by client applications such as the Microsoft's Windows Media Player or the QuickTime Player. These applications can start displaying video or playing back audio as soon as enough data has been received and stored in the receiving station's buffer

Some benefits of streaming video:

• •Allows teachers to make their own videos from previous material
• •It allows students to learn by a different method other than lecture or reading.
• •Helps prepare students who may work in a job field where streaming video is used, thus preparing them for their future.
• •Video Streaming is available schools all over the country.
• •Video Streaming content is usually current.
• •With content accessible from anywhere, lessons are simple to plan from home.

Some disadvantages of streaming video:

• •There are so many different videos available; it could take a teacher an enormous amount of time to find a video that is appropriate to use in the classroom.
• •Teachers have to be aware of the content that is shown on the video. It might not be age appropriate.
• •If the internet server is busy, a teacher might not be able to access the internet on that given day.

Steps for using Streaming Video:

• A simple keyword or concept search of the database can locate grade- and subject-specific content in science, social studies, language arts, math, and health.
• Each video is indexed, which gives the option of viewing the entire program or watching a shorter clip.

Article Website:
http://www.ripbs.org/Education/video_streaming.html

How teachers can use Video Streaming in the classroom.
http://www.ripbs.org/Education/VideoStreaming/vs.mov

Podcasting in the Classroom




What is Podcasting?

-Podcasting is a term used to describe a compilation of technologies for automatically distributing audio and video programs over the internet.

-Using Podcasting in the "real world" enables independent producers to create self-published, syndicated radio shows, and gives broadcast radio or television programs a new distribution method.

-Podcasting in the Classroom is the use of language to produce child centered content. Teachers and students can use podcasting to hold interviews, talk about research, interpret news stories, read aloud, or respond to literature.

The possibilities are as limited as the student and teachers imaginations!




What are the benefits of using podcasting in the Classroom?

-Podcasting is thrilling because anyone can get involved, express themselves, exchange ideas, or pitch their products. Whatever interests students have, there is a place for them in podcasting.

-Podcasting puts the power to communicate into the hands of the individuals.

-Thousands of people are already involved, each as unique as their podcast.

-The price of using podcasting is some basic equipment and a desire to communicate - that's all!

-Students can learn skills that will be valuable in the working environment, such as communication, time management, and problem-solving

-By using podcasting in the classroom, it teaches students how to research, how to communicate in print, and also how to speak effectively and hold peoples attention with sound.

-By learning these valuable tools at an early age it can only increase their chances of success in the future, as the world becomes more technologically advanced!





How to create a podcast:

-First, you will want to record sound using a digital audio recorder or an MP3 player with a recording function. Some options for these devices would be an iPod or a microphone. You can also completely eliminate this step by recording directly onto your computer's hard drive via the machine's imbedded microphone.

-Secondly, you will transfer the sound from your recording device to your computer.

-Next you will need to edit the sound and add music, voice-overs, or other audio elements. You can do this by using production software such as open-source software like Audacity.

-Then you will want to compress the finished product into an MP3 format.

-And lastly, you will post the audio on a Web server.

Podcasts are relatively easy to create, so it enables students and teachers to use this new technology!





How to use Podcasts in a Classroom setting:

-The first idea for using podcasting involves the idea of "Radio Stations".

-"Radio Stations" is just that. Radio stations are used within the class that students work at to research and create the elements of your "Radio"/Podcast broadcast.

-The teacher could separate the class into several groups and then work with each group as needed.(FYI: It is suggested that the teacher uses thorough modeling and explanation of what is expected for each "Radio Station").

-Depending on grouping selections, or if the teacher lets the kids choose based on their own interests, make sure that students rotate to different stations after each podcast is produced.





Equipment Needed for Podcasting

-A computer with an internet connection and a big enough hard drive to hold your podcasts.

-A separate microphone. FYI: Many laptops come with already built-in microphones, but the sound quality is very low. So it would be wise to buy a separate microphone so you can obtain a high-quality sound.





Link to the article we used:

http://chatt.hdsb.ca/~magps/boylit/Podcasting%20in%20Education

Mutlimedia In The Classroom

What is Multimedia?
Multimedia is sequential or simultaneous use of a variety of media formats in a given presentation or self-study program. This variety of formats can include an integration of text, graphics, animation, sound, and/or video. Multimedia includes activities that directly engage the students in using multimedia to construct and convey knowledge.

Examples of Multimedia:

• Students using concept-mapping software (such as Inspiration) to brainstorm.
• Students using a spreadsheet or graphing calculator to record data and produce charts.
• A small group of students creating a digital movie to demonstrate a procedure.
• A class website that displays student artwork.
• Students scanning their hands and importing the images into PowerPoint for a presentation about fingerprints.
• Powerpoint is a great way to make presentations/lectures more interesting.

Why Use Multimedia in the Classroom?
Multimedia activities encourage students to express creativity and knowledge in multiple ways. It encourages students to not only work in groups and express their knowledge, but to also problem solve, revise their own work, and construct knowledge. Some other advantages that are linked to multimedia include:

• Real-world skills related to technology.
• The value of teamwork.
• Effective collaboration techniques.
• The impact and importance of different media.
• The challenges of communicating to different audiences.
• How to present information in compelling ways.
• Techniques for synthesizing and analyzing complex content.
• The importance of research, planning, and organization skills.
• The significance of presentation and speaking skills.
• How to accept and provide constructive feedback.
• How to express their ideas creatively.

However, there some minor disadvantages related to multimedia because there are constraints when it comes to technological resources, both hardware and software. It is also imperative to have adequate technological skills, for both the students and teacher. When it comes to the time required to plan, design, develop, and evaluate multimedia activities, there is also an issue because of intricate multimedia can be.

What Steps are Involved in Implementing Multimedia Activities?

Implementing multimedia activities in a classroom environment requires some planning.
Issues that will surface:

• What are the goals of the activity?
• Which standards and benchmarks will be addressed?

To begin with the end in mind means to start with a clear understanding of your destination. It means to know where you're going so that you better understand where you are now so that the steps you take are always in the right direction. – Steven Covey in “Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”

Adopting that advice to the implementation of multimedia activities means that you should begin by determining the desired outcomes and defining how they will be measured and then design the learning activity. This is often referred to as "Backward Design" since the process begins with outcomes and assessment measures.

Personal Thoughts on Multimedia

"All of us in this class will be part of a new age of teachers and multimedia will more than likely play a major role in our classrooms. I plan on using multimedia in my classroom I think that it is a great thing and can only help students learn."

"Overall I think integrating multimedia technology in the classroom is neccessary. In today's world, everything is technology based and it is essential that young students build their knowledge of these skills earlier on in their school career. I will definitely use multimedia in my classroom because it is a great way to change things up a bit and teaches students the neccessary skills to excel in today's society."

Links

• http://fcit.usf.edu/multimedia/overview/overviewb.html