6th Entry: VR in Industry
Greetings all and welcome to my 6th entry focused on the emerging technology of virtual reality. Thus far, we have explored the basics of VR, it importance in today’s society, how classrooms are currently using VR technology, VR costs and capabilities, and my own personal plans on how VR could be introduced throughout school systems. Today, I would like to step outside of the classroom environment and see where VR technology is being used in industry.
Several modern industries rely on VR technology for an array
of purposes ranging from training and education to research and entertainment. I found a great article that covers 21
different industries that are currently using VR tech at:
Reading this article was not only interesting and
informative, but allowed me to gain a better understanding of the importance of
VR exposure in classrooms. With
industrial settings growing their own incorporation of VR, it is imperative
that we, as educators, seek to expose our learners to this technology now. Early exposure and understanding of VR will
enhance the competence levels and marketability of our students upon entry to
the workforce. It is our responsibility
to properly prepare our learners for life after academia, where VR is currently
a growing field. Until next time…
-Donny
Donnie,
ReplyDeleteYet another interesting Blog post. I read a little further down the article and saw the police doing VR training. As you know the Army has the Engagement Skills Trainer, that has all those cool scenarios we dont' let the joes do... just imagine if we had a VR version! "Walking" through the Congo or down the street of Moscow would be intense! I am sure there is something that the Army has but it is definitely not wide spread.
Donny,
ReplyDeleteThis was a very interesting article to read. Like you stated technology will only continue to evolve and we need to evolve with it. The earlier we can be exposed to it and learn the better in my opinion. I could imagine the endless possibilities of teachers having this technology in the classroom and how they can deliver content and material to students but also how it can enhance their personal experiences when using VR. Thanks for sharing
Alex
Donny,
ReplyDeleteLoved reading the articles on the various uses of VR. I truly believe it can be used in the classroom to enhance the learning experience. The most difficult part is getting individuals to understand that it will not replace the actual practice and only will enhance the training effect. I like reading about the many uses because it gives me ideas as to how to bring it to training in every aspect.
I have also suggested since cost is always a part of the decision process, that limited quantities could be purchased and used as a culminating practical exercise. now that I saw that it is being used as a collaborative tool as well is inspiring.
Thanks for the information,
Walt
Donny,
ReplyDeleteI can't agree more with your statement "With industrial settings growing their own incorporation of VR, it is imperative that we, as educators, seek to expose our learners to this technology now." As educational professionals we must follow the trends of our industries. One of the primary roles of our education system is to prepare students for the challenges they'll encounter in the workforce and prepare them to be productive members of society. With VR technology clearly being used in nearly every industry in some fashion, as indicated in the article you shared, it will be imperative that students are exposed to VR and familiar with the technology early in life so they'll be competitive in the workforce. On a different note, I'll be the first to say that I greatly appreciate VR technology in professional sports. As often as I have moved in the military, I can never get as close to the live experience of following my beloved Titans without the continued evolution of VR in professional sports. As I have not been in Tennessee in nearly two decades. Great post.
Anthony
Donnie,
DeleteThis stuff is fascinating and undoubtedly valuable to learners. I have used virtual and augmented reality in experimenting instructional designs for my little one. Have you seen Mandy’s blog on virtual tours of museums? My daughter and I have really enjoyed going through those, especially the Monterey Bay Aquarium. Anyway, what I am getting at is in my limited experience with VR, I find it extremely difficult to create content. Part is my lack of training and expertise, part is cost and time. I recently read an article about school budgets from NPR and the crisis they are having. So as we look to integrate new technologies into the classroom, especially one that right now exists online, is this providing the most bang for the tax payer bucks? I understand that the auto industry can afford to develop and apply VR solutions but money like that does not necessarily exist in the public sector, especially a sector that often sees negative growth.
Mike W.