During a conference in Rome I was watching an interesting presentation. International team presented their prototype of a platform for creating an immersive, 3D tutor that was learning young children in schools. It is still in very early stage where they need special rooms and equipment but first lessons looked very good. Children were fascinated with their own alien and the fact that they could interact with him.
It is still hard to say how it will evolve but we can try to think about near future of this platform:
1. what do you think about ideas like that?
2. would you like to implement such ideas in schools?
3. If you could decide about the direction of such system, how would you direct it?
http://www.thinkmind.org/index.php?view=article&articleid=achi_2018_5_30_20166
1. what do you think about ideas like that?
ReplyDeleteThe idea itself seems interesting but there are few things that bothers me. Firstly is this just a recording played like a movie? If it so, for me it does not make any sense, since the most important thing is interaction with current situation happening, and especially in early stage for children what is important in my opinion is to be present, show physically how to do things. Secondly it seems to be better used at homes than in schools because you can use it whenever you want and wherever you want.
2. would you like to implement such ideas in schools?
Such idea would be great for higher education. I think that we are wasting so much time on transportation and even if we will be at university, there is always so many problems with schedules. With such videos we can play them at any time, especially when it comes to lectures that are simply teacher’s monologue. But I think that at school when where are other problems like children’s behaviour and more need of individual attention it is not a good idea.
3. If you could decide about the direction of such system, how would you direct it?
As I told you above for higher education, to remove schools as buildings and offer education at home. Of course we have e-learning, but such 3D tutors would be much more valuable than just reading the text. If there was opportunity to interact we would be able to study in particular university from any part of the world without being physically present in one place.
No it is not a movie. What sense would it make? :)
DeleteThere is a full interaction, the Alien is generated as an immersive, 3D creature, and behind the scene there is a human that is his voice. There is full interaction.
I'm not sure that removing school is the purpose and I don't think that it is a good idea. Interaction with real people is very important despite age
1. What do you think about ideas like that?
ReplyDeleteThis idea seems to be very attractive. Not only for children but also for education as a domain. Didactics can get a very interesting and modern tool. I see great potential in this if it is properly developed.
2. Would you like to implement such ideas in schools?
I’m not sure… On the one hand it sounds great – a very immersive tool, on the other hand it certainly will not replace traditional classes with a teacher. Perhaps it will work where traditional education is insufficient or problematic.
3. If you could decide about the direction of such system, how would you direct it?
I think that the improvement of present 3D Tutor is a good way. The “Next Steps” from the presented article suggest one interesting step which I would improve a bit: let's use the experience of teachers and the analysis of their daily work. It may be very helpful.
You've mentioned very important fact in point 2. I think it should not replace traditional classes BUT it should be an extra factor that helps in learning new things. We need to remember that nowadays kids are born with smartphones and internet in hands, so for them such technologies are something obvious and we need to adapt to that. We can not forget about it
Delete1. what do you think about ideas like that?
ReplyDeleteI have to say that...I'm not for this idea. School is not only learning. Kids spend more and more time with smartphones in hand. In school it would be better when teacher will talking with every kids. I know that the whole knowledge of the world is on the internet, but knowledge isn't as important as interpersonal skills. I don't want to educate kids for "emotional disabled person" which can't talk with other person and feel better to send him/her sms.
2. would you like to implement such ideas in schools?
As I said in answer 1, I think that it could bring bad result. That would be really good for one or two lesson per week, but no more.
3. If you could decide about the direction of such system, how would you direct it?
I think that good direction is entertainment.
I understand your point of view but remember that this is not another approach with smartphone in hand. It is similar to what we remember as movie in class or going to cinema for interesting and educating movie, but the difference is that it is a lesson with virtual Tudor. Your idea with limiting might be very good approach. Time will show
DeleteChildren really like devices with which they can interact. These devices are treated as somethingbetween a person and an object. If these devices are well designed, they can make a significant contribution to the development of education. However, we must be careful to build communication interfaces at the human machine level so as not to bring up young peopleaccustomed only to issuing orders.
ReplyDeleteI agree. Such technology also is related with some risk. For example in USA students have problems with using paper encyclopedia.
Delete1. what do you think about ideas like that?
ReplyDeleteSounds cool. I think that this can be really interesting addition to normal classes. For example you are learning about ancient Rome and your tutor is Cesar.
2. would you like to implement such ideas in schools?
Maybe not by myself, but somebody can implement this kind of idea.
3. If you could decide about the direction of such system, how would you direct it?
I would love to see more interactive school presentation, maybe something related with cinema or with computer games.
Couldn't agree more with point 3
Delete1. what do you think about ideas like that?
ReplyDeleteThe idea itself seems to be very interesting. Introducing additional stimuli during learning can stimulate creativity and facilitate remembering.
2. would you like to implement such ideas in schools?
Of course, if used properly. They cannot completely replace the teaching we know today, but be an addition that will make you interested and learn the subject from a different perspective. However, I think it's hard to introduce such novelties, probably we all know the multimedia whiteboards hanging in classrooms that have never been started.
3. If you could decide about the direction of such system, how would you direct it?
Definitely the use of such systems in education but also in entertainment such as games or films.
I agree with you. It should never replace standard lessons in 100%, we need those interaction between people in our school. Secondly the problem of adoption. Hard to say "no" for problem with adoption of new technologies in Poland. It was always a disaster
DeleteHi, David,
ReplyDeletethanks for important topic.
By now, I am against such ideas. I have 2 daughters in “0” class and son in 4th class and I can see the trials to introduce software educational tools to the teaching process. Children are fascinated using this, but for me this is too early to go in this direction. They should learn reading and hand writing first of all, later can go on with such ideas.
So, I’d like to implement something like that in the schools, but in older classes, for teenagers, who have some basic traditional education behind them. Let’s bear in our minds cases of IT addictions, teenage depressions very often happening lately.
This is also the way I’d like to direct this. Otherwise we’ll wake up in strange world full of strange people, educated improperly. This is not like I am definitely against such ideas, I simply can see children fascination, they focus on gadgets, not the knowledge. We lose normal ways of motivation, it shouldn’t look like cheating kids to achieve their attention and will of gaining education. Right?
Best,
Marta
Firs of all I agree that it is hard topic to say "yes" or "now". I myself have a boy that in about 4 years will go to school and I think about it a lot. I cannot agree with the risk that in future we will have a bunch of people improperly educated. Why? Because this is already happening. Our education mostly is on a low level. We need to find new approach, maybe this will be helpful, maybe not, we need to look
DeleteIt was very hard for me to figure out what they were actually doing there. Is this because the topic itself is so difficult, or maybe it has something to do with the style of the article? And if so, was this intentional? I will leave this question open.
ReplyDelete1. what do you think about ideas like that?
It's very strongly concentrated on 'student engagement', and in my opinion, too much so. We should avoid inciting disengagement among the children, but entertaining them may also be counterproductive.
2. would you like to implement such ideas in schools?
I'm not yet convinced to suport this idea. Why would children know better how to be taught?
3. If you could decide about the direction of such system, how would you direct it?
I would retire this idea. If we need "3D Tutors" then they should be left to creative professionals with parental control over the final effect. We don't write children's books and nursery rhymes by conducting a survey among children, asking what their favourite book should be like. The same is true when using a different medium, like 3D imagery. I don't like the work of Disney Company, but it demonstrably resonates with a lot of children. And it wasn't done by the children themselves.
Developing children's creativity is nevertheless an important task of the didactic process. But the first works of creation, on which the kids hone their skills, are not concerned with modifying the teaching process itself.
"I'm not yet convinced to suport this idea. Why would children know better how to be taught?" there is a lot of research that proves that if we give possibility of deciding than kids are learning better.
DeleteThis is an insanely interesting topic for me. In my opinion the theme of virtual reality has unlimited potential. and unfortunately is not as developed as it could have been.
ReplyDelete1. what do you think about ideas like that?
I think it's amazing. In my opinion, the most important thing for children in schools is that they are interested. And with the help of virtual reality, it will be more interesting for children to learn something. Do you want the child to learn something - do it for him a game
2. would you like to implement such ideas in schools?
Yes, I wrote about this in my first reply. I think this will help children learn more information. But I also think that the impact of virtual reality on the child - not studied
3. If you could decide about the direction of such system, how would you direct it?
The scope of education, the use of virtual reality to help children learn different subjects that can be visualized
I'm glad that you like the article :)
Delete1. It could be very good for students, but right now artifical tutor couldn’t cope with the real conversation.
ReplyDelete2. Like I said for now artifical tutor just dosen’t seem to work in real interactions. But they can be used as a video tutorials and additionally as a test systems like it was used in e-learning (for example Coursera) with some extras like simple interactions.
3. I like the idea of the whole school exislting in theVirtual Reality like it was presented in the novel Ready Player One - but with real teachers and students as avatars - in virtual classrooms - who are annonymous for each other. That could solve so many problems in schools. Like it was said in the book, teachers can be teachers not babysiters. From the other hand this also could eliminate sych inconveniences as unfair treatment in school, performanced by tutors, and situations where kids have worse start in education because of the place where they live.
It is a bit real conversation, remember that in background there is teacher that is making the whole interaction possible. Secondly this is just a early phase so the question is how it will evolve
Delete1. what do you think about ideas like that?
ReplyDeleteSuch an idea is very good. The most important advantage of e-learning is that, at any time, we can repeat any word or task. learning from such platforms is more efficient. The introduction of a Vr additive will increase realism. I will learn more from the platform than from the lecture.
2. would you like to implement such ideas in schools?
Of course, this would be particularly useful in the case of mathematical and technical sciences. Such a solution is particularly important where understanding the issue requires understanding by means of examples.
3. If you could decide about the direction of such system, how would you direct it?
I have no idea how to manage this issue.
This is not e-learning as we understand it know. This project has different purpous.
Delete1. what do you think about ideas like that?
ReplyDeleteCertainly that would be fun to approach that kind of mirror for psyche. I just can't imagine tons of different approaches a child could unconsciously take to program (in a way) this poor alien. "That was why s/he was trying to communicate with
scientists: s/he needed their help to know how to transform
her/himself to be like humans." -this part bothers me the most as it may lead to teaching how to IMITATE instead of CREATIVE approach to social relationships. (Instead of 'behave like others' -> 'check what happens')
2. would you like to implement such ideas in schools?
Yeah. But mostly I would expand the good-old part of allowing children to gather as much from the real world as possible instead of locking them in boxes and exposing to artificially designed algorithms.
3. If you could decide about the direction of such system, how would you direct it?
I would implement a certain aspect of curiosity in the alien to help reflect the information given by a child in as many ways as possible to give children a reliable data validation game.
Thank you for this comment. Very interesting point of view
Delete1. what do you think about ideas like that?
ReplyDeleteThe idea seems interesting. This thing about teaching an alien what is to be a human reminded me of "make a sandwich algorithm" activity, that is also very engaging. I'm afraid that the best part of the project is this what was described in article - that is the designing of alien entity by kids. The later interaction might turn out to be bland.
2. would you like to implement such ideas in schools?
Me - personally? I'm lacking proper attitude I guess. But such interdisciplinary events, executed by proper persons - yes.
3. If you could decide about the direction of such system, how would you direct it?
I'd stay away from "enhancing ability to use language", end explore idea of separating content to teach from teaching methodology.
It surely has some benefits. For example, it solves a problem of a 'having luck to be meet the great teacher at school and not someone who should choose different profession" - we could create a perfect teacher and every child would be taught by him.
ReplyDeleteOn the other hand, children proably need a contact with a real adult in their education process so I wouldn't vote for replacing all teachers with such it. Maybe such solution could be used in a home tutoring.
1. What do you think about ideas like that?
ReplyDeleteI think it is a great idea and an attempt to reform the outdated system of children's education. Any idea that encourages children to learn and explore the world is worth attention. I hope that it was about interacting with children and not just about recreating the film, which is no innovation.
2. Would you like to implement such ideas in schools?
Of course, not as a form of replacing normal contact with the teacher but as an aid in making the lesson more attractive.
The second way to use this approach is home study for disabled or sick children.
3. If you could decide about the direction of such a system, how would you direct it?
I think it would be worth developing this system in the field of entertainment, computer games, interactive films.
1. what do you think about ideas like that?
ReplyDeleteI think it's a great idea. Classes at school can be more interesting and promote better acquisition of knowledge.
2. would you like to implement such ideas in schools?
Yes, I would like. It would certainly affect the attractiveness of classes and raise the level of students knowledge.
3. If you could decide about the direction of such system, how would you direct it?
It's difficult to answer this question. I think that I would create other models of historical figures so that the children could talk to them.
1. what do you think about ideas like that?
ReplyDeleteI think it’s an interesting idea, but not in the long run. What children need is an inspiration and life guidance, not a prettier version of a teacher.
2. would you like to implement such ideas in schools?
No, because it’s just a waste of time, money and effort. The point is that even now school books have less of an actual content and more colorful illustrations than before. The whole culture of learning had changed in the generation. What we need is to give young people a feeling, that better education directly leads to a better life. We should add more content, not improve the packaging.
3. If you could decide about the direction of such system, how would you direct it?
c. Well, if I was forced to, I’d leave that for after school activities, that don’t require much of an attention.
1) what do you think about ideas like that?
ReplyDeleteCool idea, I think so. But have we already grown up (as parents) for such modern solutions? We have to think about this.
2) would you like to implement such ideas in schools?
I do not know. Good question. I think that wherever children and young people can not be educated in a traditional way, the system will succeed.
3) If you could decide about the direction of such system, how would you direct it?
I do not know, I did not think about it. I think I would go into early school education where traditional education is hindered, for example, the forests of Canada or Africa?
What do you think about ideas like that?
ReplyDeleteI think it is a great idea. However, it should be supplementary to the traditional ones. Teachers will become the trainers of artificial intelligence. Nonetheless, there are plenty of events which cannot be handled by such a tutor.
Would you like to implement such ideas in schools?
As I have mentioned - supplementary. I would like to know what is the (positive) impact of such solution on the students. I think this could be quite beneficial.
If you could decide about the direction of such system, how would you direct it?
Unfortunately, I have no specific ideas because I am not really interested in this topic to tell or decide which direction should be considered. I think that teachers know the main problems associated with this activity and they should know how to shape such solution.
ReplyDelete1. what do you think about ideas like that? Various online universities are trying to introduce virtual and augmented reality into their classes. It could be useful, however, it is still far from being considered as an important tool.
2. would you like to implement such ideas in schools?
Probably, but I would start with the small experimental batch and find out. At least as long as it costs that much and ages so fast.
3. If you could decide about the direction of such system, how would you direct it?
I would expand it or combine VR and AR into one system, make it smaller and cheaper. This can lead to a game changer and completely new learning system.
1. what do you think about ideas like that?
ReplyDeleteIt's really interesting! Perhaps it could be useful for countries where education costs much, it could help; or in parts of some countries where the amount of teachers is really low. It could help!
2. would you like to implement such ideas in schools?
I would like to see it in a future in some schools, of course.
3. If you could decide about the direction of such system, how would you direct it?
Perhaps it could be useful for students training, for example, this kind of 3D tutor could teach how to code or something, without the necessity of real presence at the university. or something similar.
1. what do you think about ideas like that?
ReplyDeleteI think that this is a very interesting idea, especially when it comes to providing education to people living outside the cities, and I don't mean suburbs, I mean people living in the wilds or in very small urban areas. Such persons have limited access to education, so such a tutor would be a great solution for them.
2. would you like to implement such ideas in schools?
As I stated above, this is a very good idea, especially for students with limited access to education due to their residence, home location.
3. If you could decide about the direction of such system, how would you direct it?
I would aim at primary and secondary school distance learning.