Learning with new innovations
Students in the 21st century learn differently from the past generations. In this century, teachers are no longer the main source of knowledge. This means that the roles of teachers have also changed. Rather, they are facilitators in the classroom, assisting and directing students to think critically as students search for relevant information from various sources.
All Secondary school students in Singapore will own their own personal learning devices to support their home-based learning and to support teachers in facilitating learning in the classrooms.
How has students’ learning changed with advances in technology?
Technology has enabled learning to become more interactive. It can transport students into real-world or simulated locations or simulated environments, and interactively test and record their skills and reactions in a wide range of situations.
VR and AR can be used to invite world-renowned experts into the classroom, and introduce exhibits and examples that might be otherwise too costly, rare, destructive or hazardous to actually bring into the academic environment.
Virtual Reality (VR)
VR refers to a computer-generated simulation in which a person can interact within an artificial three-dimensional environment using electronic devices, such as special goggles with a screen or gloves fitted with sensors.
Virtual Reality has the potential to immerse audiences, capture attention and dramatically reveal and showcase crafts, skills, sciences and systems in very memorable ways. It can transport students into real-world or simulated locations or simulated environments, and interactively test and record their skills and reactions in a wide range of situations.
For example, SuperChem VR is a virtual reality Chemistry laboratory which allows students to interact safely in a lab environment. Perform actual measurements correctly in order to complete tasks. Learn real lab procedures, without having to worry about breaking materials and running out of resources.
Watch this to find out more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UUUL7ToMgwk
Augmented Reality (AR)
AR offers two-dimensional methods of presenting information as compared to the traditional one-dimension. As a result, students can visualise and recall information more easily.
AR can add real value to science-based learning. For example, not everyone can buy a skeleton to learn about the human body or explore specific aspects of its build in more depth. However, everyone with access to an AR-enabled book or application could retrieve such information in 3D format and satisfy their preference for visual learning. It is not just anatomy though, think about visualization of how protons, atoms, neutrons, and electrons work in chemistry and what the applications could be for biology. Some examples of how learning is made more interesting with AR.
Art lessons made alive with AR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SWzurBQ81CM
Learning Biology through AR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fErORRhozYk
Learning Chemistry through AR
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qi3h18wJJiI
What are some other creative ways you can use to learn better?
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