Gaming technology is pushing computer and graphics technologies and creative minds have begun to put the processing power to use outside of traditional gaming. It’s called Immersive reality and it is firmly on it’s way. Trouble is it currently takes a boat load of technology to make it work. When it works well, it works convincingly! Check this jaw-dropping video out if you haven’t seen what can be done with a few well-placed PlayStations and projectors.
Trouble is, it’s difficult to pull off. Of far greater utility and easier to create, hence closer to becoming a reality, is Augmented Reality. I firmly believe that will constitute the “next big thing” from tech giants Google, Qualcomm, Intel and others. The overlaying of relevant information over what is being viewed through a smartphone or glasses will likely become social and learning tool as pitched here by Google in regards to their product Google Glass, due out next year.
In spite of some dangers that the technology may pose: addiction to being “jacked-in,” dependency on always-on information and a consequent loss of critical thinking skills and some possible social issues, this technology will take learning to the next level. For this 20% project, I’m interested in finding some easy-to-use augmented reality software (app) to create either a virtual science field trip, museum tour with augmented paintings or other information-based learning experience.
In a wildly different direction, another skill I’d like to personally learn is Chinese Calligraphy. I speak Mandarin Chinese fairly well, but my reading and writing is way below par. I’d like to take advantage of web-based learning to learn proper technique, benefit from the relaxation that it brings, and also provide a path towards learning more characters.
Of the two, calligraphy is probably more doable in the short term, unless I can find some really easy-to-implement augmented reality.
I love the idea of Chinese Calligraphy. Similar to Nour's choice of crocheting, there is something lovely and classical about learning to do something with your hands. I would definitely recommend this choice. What an interesting skill.
ReplyDeleteChinese calligraphy may be a nice project to start. It sounds very relaxing and interesting!
ReplyDeleteI'm interested in your augmented reality idea, because as an aspiring history educator, I think it would be very beneficial to be able to take students on these types of field trips to museums or other sites of important historical significance.
ReplyDeleteChinese Calligraphy sounds like a great idea and very doable especially since you already have a background in Mandarin.
ReplyDeleteCalligraphy would give you an easier end product, but you've mentioned Google glass before in class and sound really excited about it--go for the augmented reality! :)
ReplyDeleteJeff,
ReplyDeleteFor this particular course and given the time frame, I would probably suggest learning the Chinese calligraphy. Both of your ideas sound incredibly interesting, I would just hate for you to get caught up in a snag while creating your Augmented Reality museum tour or whatnot. I suggest watching the movie "Hero" or at least google/YouTube the calligraphy scene, it's quite amazing and inspiring. Best of luck