The education
appears to be constrained to ‘flat’, 2D experiences, such as books and screens.
According to educationalist, Edgar Dale, we retain around 10% of what we read,
compared with 90% of what we experience ourselves. The promise of virtual (VR)
and augmented reality (AR) has yet to break the conformity of ‘flat learning’,
however, but, according to Dave Chavez, CTO of ZSpace, that’s all set to change
with the development of what the company says is the world’s first AR/VR
laptop.
The idea
to place the ZSpace system in the classroom, however, was not the original
drive for the company. Instead, the initial goal was to create a “comfortable”
3D display. Previously, 3D systems used Cathode Raid Tubes (CRTs) and shutter
glasses comprising active electronics. The CRT contained an electron ‘gun’
which modulated, accelerated and deflected the electron beam that emanated from
it onto a phosphorescent screen. The electronics in the glasses had polarisers
that opened and closed, cutting the light off completely in one eye and then
the other.
With
AR/VR dipping in and out of the limelight, Chavez did admit that initially, it
concerned him it was “just a fad”. However, after developing ZSpace he says his
worries have disappeared. “We have created something really special,” he says.
Despite not being able to reveal specifics of this joint project, Chavez did
hint at the notion of a 3D web browser. “We’re heading into a world where
screens won’t be flat, where the web won’t be flat,” he says, “and we are going
to be a big part of that.” Although we are yet to see definitive studies
detailing the benefits and results of long term use of VR/AR in education, most
research concludes that engagement and user reactions has been positive.
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