• General Info

    • The Big Idea

      Welcome to Tech Tips! Tech Tips was created as a space for instructors to find new ideas for incorporating technologies into the classrooms. Please read the below information before you begin. Additionally, find the Forum section so that you can share your experience with other instructors.

      Technology is a fun and exciting way to change some of your classroom curriculum. However, before jumping into it, it's important to note the difference between a technology-centered and a learner-centered approach. Richard Mayer, one of my favorite Multimedia theorists, explains important differences between following a technology-centered approach as opposed to a learner-centered approach.

      A technology-centered approach involves asking which technology would be best for presenting information (Mayer, 2009). For example, if I have a camera and an ipad, I will decide to use one or both devices to enhance my curriculum. 

      A learner-centered approach involves asking whether a given technology enhances human cognition (2009). For example, if you choose to play a video while also playing a radio behind it, it probably won't enhance student cognition because the audio with the radio and the video will clash. 

      The main takeaway from this short post is to question why you are going to use a given technology. You should not use the given technology if your answer is consistent with the mindset of a technology-centered approach. Instead, you should question how that technology might enhance student cognition? 

      Thanks for taking the time to read this! 

      Source: Mayer, R. Multimedia Learning. Santa Barbara: Cambridge University Press, 2009. Print.

       
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Topic 19

  • This topic

    Topic 19

    • The Big Idea

      Virtual Reality (VR) is a technology that places you in a virtual world. For example, the new Samsung commercial shows an ostrich wearing a VR headset and being visually placed into a virtual world where it has the ability to fly.  .

      Recently, I bought a $15 Google cardboard kit which connects to a cellphone. This was a cheaper option than purchasing the Samsung gear. Now, using apps on my phone, I am able to go into different VR worlds such as museums, trails, and the human brain.  

      Consider the possibilities with your curriculum! 

       

    • How To:

      Here is an idea for use:  

      Think about the areas where you curriculum lends itself to visual examples. Now think about visual examples that are difficult to bring into class. This is where VR can be helpful. For example, I found an app called InMind VR. This app, when used with your VR kit, shows you inside the human brain. 

      How does it work?

      • Buy a VR Headset, the one from Google was found here.
      • Download a few VR apps that fit your curriculum 
      • Insert your cell phone into the headset.
      • Have fun in your VR world! 

      Suggestions for VR Educational Apps:

       https://unimersiv.com/the-best-educational-vr-apps-for-the-google-cardboard-36/

      http://k12computer.weebly.com/google-cardboard.html

       

       

    • Resources

      Visit the VR cardboard here. 

       
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