3-D in the Classroom
September 22, 2011, 3-D User Experience Technical Summit, Hollywood–Chris Haws, psychologist, filmmaker, and advisor to 3D@Home and the American Optometric Association talked about the movement of 3-D content into the classroom.
The US is starting to address the changing landscape and recognize that 3-D content is more immersive than 2-D. The National Academy of Science is working on creating 3-D materials for educators. The potential for 3-D in the classroom is growing, to help improve media and scientific literacy. Another benefit of immersive content is classes are easier to control.
Recent background research has resulted in some guidelines for teachers. The work from the ST 5 group at 3D@Home (the human factors group) and experts from the American Optometric Association have led to protocols and tests for diagnostics, therapy and vision issue determination for school children. In addition, a full 30 page pamphlet is available from 3deyehealth.org or the 3d@Home.org websites describing the beneficial effects and current lack of known problems with 3-D content for students.
In addition to educational and entertainment benefits, 3-D can provide other health practitioners insights into other biological problems. 3-D content can also serve as a screening tool for other vision problems that can adversely affect students. Kids with vision problems can slip through the system with refractive errors, astigmatism, and eye tracking and coordination malfunctions that make it hard for the child to see and grasp materials. These problems lead to lower interest and lack of attention, which can cause early drop out of school and misbehavior issues.
