I have always wondered how to create the QR code, and it was nice to see it was so easy and fast to create! I used the QR Monkey site, and I decided to create my QR code to show the virtual field trip I explored. I chose the virtual field trip Swim with Sharks in 360 Degrees. I decided to look at this one because I was able to try something that I’m not sure I would be able to do in person. In theory, swimming with sharks sounds amazing and thrilling. In reality, I think I would be too nervous to actually try it. It was cool to see them up close and learn the different facts about various species of sharks. I liked that you could move and see more of the area to get the full picture that you were there. I also viewed a few other virtual field trips, and some of them had sounds of birds or divers that gave you even more of a feeling that you were there.
Layered Reality
The layered reality aspect is new to me. I have heard of virtual reality, and seen some of the equipment before. Other than that, I really did not know much about virtual reality. I enjoyed watching the videos and readings this week, and learning amazing things about it. There is so much potential for using layered reality in education. One of the first things I thought about was how students could see the world without having to travel to the destination. When learning about different places, it can be powerful to show students what it looks like, but also how it feels to be there. Students learn better when they learn through experience and this would provide the immersive experience that is “unparalleled in teaching. Students are ‘transported’ out of the classroom and their imagination is allowed to flourish” (Immersion VR, n.d.). I also think it would engage students better because it is such a memorable experience.
Telepresence is also another bit of technology that has the potential to change education. The double robot allows students to attend school and interact with their peers without being physically present. The video about Jasmine showed how important technology can be to help her feel included when her condition does not allow her to attend school (Double Robotics, 2015). This technology could make a huge difference for students wanting to attend school. In addition, it has the potential to open doors to explore other places without having to be there physically.
References
Double Robotics. (2015, June 17). Case study: Sebasticook Valley Middle School + Double Robotics. [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aln1V0rtCkE
Immersion VR. (n.d.). VR for education. https://immersionvr.co.uk/about-360vr/vr-for-education/
Underwater Earth. (2010). Swim with sharks in 360 degrees. Google Arts and Culture. https://artsandculture.google.com/story/UgWhOjcfakN4ww
So swimming with sharks is a hard pass for me! I had a hard time even looking at your field trip, lol. Whales, dolphins, turtles, rays – sign me up but sharks terrify me. I kept looking at the scene and thinking, “boy those fish are brave!”
I HAVE to check out this field trip! Shark Week has always been a family tradition for us, and I would love to experience this. I couldn’t believe how these virtual field trips gave you the feeling of being right there. Great post!
I will swim with sharks any day… in a VR room only!! Not in real life! I am so afraid of that when I swim in the ocean but it doesn’t stop me! It is pretty cool technology though – you’re able to go places you may not feel comfortable going otherwise. For whatever reason it may be, VR is an option to escape to different places and to travel the world. It really can be educational and doesn’t have to be violent video games. I which the video gaming industry would re-think their games and change things around for the positive!