However, sometimes the classroom is
a bit limited in what it can offer in the way of experiences. One way to remedy that shortcoming is to
employ the use of technology hardware like the HoloLens 2. This
Microsoft product looks and fits like a hat with built-in glasses. Billed as a mixed reality (MR)
headset, it allows students to see, move through, and manipulate items in the
virtual space in front of them.
You may have heard of alternate reality or, perhaps, virtual reality. What, then, is mixed reality? Here is a succinct summation from ZDNet.
Watch how using MR and HaloLens 2 can transform the study of anatomy at Case Western Reserve University.
This mixed-reality tool would be a fine example of tech-enabled learning. This type of instruction can follow one of several models. HoloLens 2 aligns well with the Technology Integration Matrix.
That
learning model incorporates different levels and aspects of learning, such as
how active the student is, how collaborative or authentic the learning is, or
whether the technology can assist the student in goal-setting. The model also ranks the technology usage
from an “entry” level to a level called “transformation” wherein the students use
innovative technology to “facility higher-order learning activities that may
not be possible without the use of technology” (Florida Center for Instructional Technology, n.d.). Looking at the intersection of technology
integration and student involvement gives the instructor an idea of how useful
is the technology.
Let's make an example of one lesson. Here you see a short video of a student learning
about parts of a cell.
This activity lets the student explore and really direct her own learning. Therefore, I could confidently label this activity as an “Active” learning style using an “Adaptive” technology application, as you can see by the red star in the matrix below.
How could teachers use this in their classrooms? You would need to obtain MR apps pertinent to your content areas and there is a growing list for you to make a selection. Microsoft has some general information on the MR in Your Classroom webpage. There you could find a frog dissection app like this...
Not a fan of amphibians? Perhaps people are more your speed. There is an app called HoloHuman that lets you see the layers of muscle, bone, digestive organs and more.
For social studies teachers, you can host
the ultimate field trips using the HoloLens 2 and visit both historical lands
and famous monuments.
This technology is worth a look… soon you'll be looking through a headset!
Resources:
Bayern, M. (2019, October 2). Your guide
to mixed reality technology. ZDNet. https://www.zdnet.com/article/your-guide-to-mixed-reality-technology/
HoloGroup, Int. (2018, March 6). Holostudy Biology lesson in HoloLens
[Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wbt107U0OAY
Microsoft. (2020). Mixed Reality for Education. Microsoft
Education. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/education/mixed-reality
Microsoft. (2020). Shop. Microsoft Apps. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/search/shop/apps?q=victoryvr
Microsoft HoloLens [Username]. 2015, July 8. Microsoft HoloLens: Partner Spotlight with Case Western Reserve
University [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SKpKlh1-en0&pp=QAA%3D
The Technology Integration Matrix. (n.d.).
Florida Center for Instructional Technology. Retrieved September 26, 2020, from
https://fcit.usf.edu/matrix/matrix/
Our Instructional Technology Specialist uses Google VR headsets to take students on virtual field trips. I totally want to check out this technology! Your use of the TIM is very nice. I struggled with that evaluation tool, but your use helps me so how it could be applied.
ReplyDeleteAnna this technology is amazing - thanks for sharing. I'm guessing these systems are super expensive. Did you get to see a price tag just out of curiosity? I would think the possibilities for using MR in the classroom would be pretty much endless. Hopefully it be incorporated more and more!
ReplyDeleteAnna,
ReplyDeleteMy district uses Google Expeditions to allow the students to travel all over the world while still being at school. While teaching 2nd grade, the students were able to see the ocean, desert, tropical rainforest, woodland forest, and pond habitat all within the same day. The training to use the sets was surprisingly easy and within a few minutes of guiding the students through the lessons, I felt comfortable with the technology and really enjoyed hearing the "oohhhs" and "awwws" from students as they explored new habitats.
- Melissa Bryan
This is a very informative blog. I am not familiar with Halolens. This is very interesting technology. I can't wait to look into it more. Thank you for sharing your blog. I like the way you used the TIM to break down the lesson for the educators.
ReplyDeleteI have seen VR headsets, and they are so useful in the classroom. Students love them and are really engaged. Thank you for your informative post! Now I know so much more than I did and will better be able make suggestions.
ReplyDelete