Informing my Understanding of the Benefits and Usefulness of Innovative Technologies for Learning

Introduction

I have been exploring innovative technologies and transformative learning experiences. I have realized that there are a multitude of benefits and usefulness associated with integrating cutting-edge tools into the framework of education. In this blog post, I am going to discuss the innovative experiences I have had while developing a learning plan for educators using the Oculus 2 virtual reality headset (O2VR). First, I will describe these experiences through the lens of universal design for learning (UDL) and Intersectionality. Next, I will talk about the feedback and suggestions for improvement to the learning plan. Then, I will briefly identify the research that I used to inform my learning experience plan. Lastly, I will provide a link to the full learning experience to illustrate what the learner will do with the innovative tool.

My experience – through the lens of UDL and Intersectionality

The learning plan experience that I designed can be critically viewed through the lens of UDL and Intersectionality. My plan uses the innovative technology of VR headset to help educators redesign their current academic teaching and learning structures. Since VR relies more on the sense of sight and hearing, those who may have mobility limitations will be able to receive a full academic lesson without the need for special accommodations. This highlights a significant part of the universal design for learning system (UDL).

In terms of the Intersectionality metaphor, my plan significantly reduces (or nearly eliminates) the chance that multiple forms of discrimination will converge on an individual all at the same time. For example, if there is a learner who has mobility limitations, and special need for a one-to-one learning environment, my innovative technology usage plan can accommodate them. I also provided feedback to my peers. This allowed me to see what it felt like to be included in the development of innovative technology creation and implementation.

Peer Review of my innovative learning experience

My innovative learning experience was reviewed by a few of my colleagues and the information I received was very helpful to the final development of my plan. There were suggestions that assisted me in the development of a questionnaire for documenting pre and post learner experiences. There was also information received that helped me develop a more extensive step-by-step procedure.

The research

The peer review prompted me to do some research. The first article that I found of interest was on the integration of virtual reality in the instructive educational process. Outlining a process that will help educators transform their traditional teaching habits into something that utilizes innovative technologies necessarily required additional information. I wanted to make sure that using a VR headset to provide educational instruction to learners was something that professionals in the field were currently focusing on. In today’s educational landscape, interaction with technology happens with young learners, so infusing them with various motivations during academics is paramount (Cramariuc, G. 2021).  “Moreover, VR technology allows efficient multitasking with multiple virtual screens, eliminating the need for cumbersome physical setups” ( Rana, M. 2023).

With the symbiosis of education and innovative technologies, I wondered what hurdles educators faced in their willingness to integrate VR as a main platform for the delivery of their academic lessons. If being willing was not an issue, then the possibility of not being able to display proficiency in using innovative technology may be the culprit.

The immersive experience

The O2VR headset provides the educator with a VR space to create an immersive experience for the learner. The video linked in this blog post will provide you with an informational view of some things that you may want to take note of to avoid failure. In addition, there is a glimpse of my questionnaire that is part of the educational plan to train teachers in the effective usage of the O2VR headset as an innovative technology to use in the classroom. If you experience dizziness, watch the non-VR video here.

Conclusion

            When it comes to providing educators with a tool that allows them to transform their teaching process, the Oculus 2 virtual reality headset accomplishes the task. The development of an effective plan to help educators use the innovative learning tool required several steps. The discussion of the experience, along with the peer review was significant to the final outcome. As a result, we can now embrace the transformative power of innovative technology with an immersive experience that may propel education into new dimensions.

Sources

Image. Wavebreak3 Young female Caucasian teacher with African American elementary students wearing VR glasses in class. Retrieved from Stock.adobe.com

Cramariuc, G., & Dan, M.-A. (2021). Integration of Virtual Reality in the Instructive-Educational Process in Primary Education. Romanian Journal for Multidimensional Education / Revista Românească Pentru Educaţie Multidimensională, 13, 38–61. https://doi-org.proxy2.cl.msu.edu/10.18662/rrem/13.1Sup1/384

Rana, M., Norbisrath, U., Vainikko, E., & Rossi, B. (2023). Transforming Affordable Virtual Reality Headsets into Effective Learning Environments. 2023 International Conference on Intelligent Metaverse Technologies & Applications (IMETA), Intelligent Metaverse Technologies & Applications (IMETA), 2023 International Conference On, 1–8. https://doi-org.proxy2.cl.msu.edu/10.1109/iMETA59369.2023.10294604