Introducing students to multiple curricula can be a daunting task, especially from a single teacher's perspective. While new technologies can help, the sheer amount of them being integrated into the classroom can be a bit overwhelming.
Makerspaces have taken this into consideration and, even with the proliferation of ai, have placed greater emphasis on interdisciplinary, project-based learning, says Tim Needles, educator and author of The Power of STEAM: How to Incorporate Art into Your STEM Curriculum.
“We’re in a moment where everyone is talking about ai. It’s certainly been the dominant topic of conversation,” Needles says. “But the other thing about ai is that because it can handle some of the things we typically do in classrooms, it puts a greater emphasis on some of the project-based learning tasks. It puts a greater emphasis on creativity.”
Using augmented reality to enhance creative learning
The use of immersive technology (augmented and virtual reality) continues to grow in schools. Needles is no stranger to using augmented reality formats to highlight the wonder and excitement associated with hands-on learning.
“We’re working a lot with augmented reality and virtual reality,” she says. “Fusion cubes are great because they’re tactile. It’s a nice blend of the physical world and the digital world, where students can manipulate things with their hands and understand them better. Then we can move on to things like creating augmented reality posters so you can decorate your classroom with some of the learning you do with students.”
Augmented reality offers a unique way to give students a way to interact with their environment. But how does virtual reality work in the classroom in a similar way?
“One of the things that has been really effective in working with students from different backgrounds is having a connecting tool like a virtual reality headset,” says Needles. “We’re currently using Oculus and working a lot with NASA on virtual experiences, like taking a virtual trip to the International Space Station. Or students can explore the Anne Frank House if they want.”
The positive impact that these forms of education can have on students
While augmented reality and virtual reality are great tools on their own, Needles says their cross-curricular use is key.
“One of the most effective ways to use some of these tools is not just on their own, but also by linking them to other types of curricula,” he says. “Because I am passionate about science, technology, engineering and math, I like to work with faculty from different departments, and I also add global learning with a couple of global programs to serve students from multiple countries.”
Offering connectivity to students around the world can help people from different backgrounds find common ground when it comes to education. But are students engaged?
“I think engagement is one of the main reasons it’s so successful,” Needles says. “Students are much more engaged. It’s great to see a class full of fully engaged students because that’s always the goal.”
The importance of digital literacy
Introducing new tools into the classroom is a wonderful way to get students more engaged in the educational process, but how do educators approach the ever-increasing task of teaching students how to interact with the technology and tools they use?
“This is something I’ve been discussing with a lot of colleagues right now,” Needles says. “We’re piloting a new program that specifically teaches literacy through a company called Digital Responsibility. It’s a microcourse that students take when they enter high school. You could strengthen students’ understanding of digital literacy by talking about it in individual classes, but courses are a good way to create a general starting point. Since ai is so powerful and important, addressing digital literacy, media literacy, and ethics is important.”
Students have many digital outlets when it comes to education and entertainment, but some educators make it a priority to encourage students to use their tools and programs responsibly and ethically.
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