Star Wars Day, also known as May 4th, is quickly approaching and this year I can't help but think about how some of the technology depicted in movies and TV shows has become commonplace in classrooms and teaching. . (If when I'm not thinking about the Roman Empire.I often think of Star Wars).
tech & Learning has already written a guide for Star Wars Teaching Tips for May 4th, but here I'm going to focus on how many of us (myself included) are increasingly incorporating Star Wars-style technology into the classroom. In many cases, this technology would once have seemed extraordinary, but now it seems commonplace.
Hopefully this article reminds you how interesting some of the teaching tools we have today are. May technology be with you!
1. These are the droids you are looking for
Over the past two years, generative ai has become, for better or worse, a part of every classroom. When I'm not trying to avoid students presentation of ai generated articlesI often marvel at how spectacular technology is. ChatGPT and other similar chatbots may lack the personality and apparent sentience of C-3P0, but they can at least speak in words instead of beeps like R2-D2 and BB-8.
While this technology has drawbacks, ai also has the potential to really help students learn. In other words, the force is undeniably strong with generative ai, let's just hope it doesn't succumb to the dark side.
Oh, and speaking of droids and robotsThese devices are now common in classrooms around the world and provide hands-on STEM learning opportunities and potential SEL support that I could only have dreamed of when I was a child.
2. Holograms
Modern hologram technology is not as advanced as the recording of Princess Leia's hologram in Star Wars: A New Hope, but it's getting better and better. Current hologram systems are being used by select universities and K12 schools. to deliver experiences that allow speakers to beam into rooms they are not in or pre-record presentations, all with a lifelike presence that goes far beyond Zoom or a standard recording.
You may not have access to this technology yet, but talking about how it works and its limitations can be a great lesson on the subject of Star Wars. As a holographic recording of Princess Leia would say: “Help your students (insert your name here), you are their only hope.”
3. Video conference
This technology went from cool and new to downright despised in just a few months in the spring and summer of 2020. But as frustrating as Zoom and other video conferencing meetings can be, the ability to communicate via video over great distances is not something that I can overcome. make fun. When Emperor Palpatine makes his first appearance on screen The Empire Strikes Back It is through video call. And as with many of your video calls, the connection is a bit spotty.
The term “Zoom classes” may still give many teachers PTSD, but don't forget about this technology. It's a great way to attract guest speakers and connect with students who can't be physically present. And now that we are on the other side of the pandemic, teachers can resurrect this technology to strong and truly futuristic effect; just try to think more about this resurrection than the writers of The Rise of Skywalker he did to Emperor Palpatine in that movie. (Seriously, how did that enable a major study, presumably with adult employees?)
4. Phones and tablets are more powerful than lightsabers
The phones and gadgets that most students have these days not only come fully equipped to make the lightsaber whir and whir, but they are also a vital piece of technology that can help guide young Jedi. in training your educational journey. If the pen is truly mightier than the sword, then smartphones and other internet devices are more powerful than lightsabers.
We often do not use these devices or try to limit student use, which can be a mistake. Sure, these can be misused or a distraction, but imagine if a teacher in 1977, the year the first Star Wars movie was released, was told that students would one day have devices that could instantly provide them with summaries of almost everything. human knowledge. How would this teacher use these devices? They certainly wouldn't ban them and would be excited about their educational potential.
So put these real-life lightsabers to good use. And yes, I'm fully aware that Star Trek tricorders are a better comparison point for smartphones, but how many Star Trek-themed vacations are there? Oh wait, There are multiple Star Trek-themed holidays. …
Anyway, live a long time and… isI mean, May the Force (or the 4) be with you!
