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What immersive technology is being seen in schools today?
As immersive technology improves by leaps and bounds, schools are taking many of those AV tools and putting them to work in education. At first, this technology was largely confined to the classroom, and while there are many new classroom technologies to consider, there’s more going on beyond the classroom. AV solutions can transform libraries and gymnasiums into more immersive, engaging spaces. It’s not just the space, either, as many schools have nascent STEM and career training programs in place, and immersive technology can help those programs perform their roles better.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]What are immersive technologies?
When we’re lost in a compelling movie or competing fiercely in a favorite game, we’re immersed in the activity. Our brains block outside interference and we’re able to focus without distraction. This is the ideal mindset for learning, and immersive technologies encourage this mental state in an educational setting. The goal is to make the learning experience so interesting that students are “lost” in it. Immersive technology is the ultimate in student engagement, and it can be delivered using solutions like:[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_column_text]- Interactive displays
- Audio enhancement
- Wireless sharing
- Interactive activity spaces
- Augmented reality
- Virtual reality
In the classroom, immersive technology empowers teachers and engages students
The classroom is where most of the learning and collaboration happens, and there is a wealth of AV technologies designed for these spaces. Some of them include:Interactive Displays
Interactive displays provide the visual and tactile horsepower needed to create an immersive lesson. With an interactive display, educators have additional tools when delivering lessons. For example, the teacher could start a whiteboarding session and write notes on the display, much like a dry erase board. While whiteboarding, teachers can easily grab media using the display’s built-in browser, bring them into the lesson and annotate over them. Teachers can also use the interactive display to run game-based lessons, encourage collaboration between student teams and take full advantage of the display’s quality audio and video.Audio Enhancement
Audio enhancement boosts the volume and fullness of the teacher’s voice, using a worn microphone that’s tied to speakers installed around the room. It’s simple, effective technology that works in nearly every space for nearly every person. Between audio and video, audio is often the forgotten component of AV, but it’s just as important. Even in standard-sized classrooms, audio quality can fall off quickly for students in the back, reducing their ability to engage in the lesson. Educators also have trouble maintaining their voice if they have to raise it constantly for students to hear them. Masking has only made this more difficult, but audio enhancement ensures teachers are heard without voice straining.Wireless Sharing
Wireless sharing solutions allow teachers and students to present content easily and from their own devices. Wireless sharing is usually managed through a digital display (interactive or not) that’s installed in the classroom. Some displays can connect to dozens of devices at once, so an entire class can present their work efficiently and from their own desks. Educators can also leverage wireless sharing technology to push content over from their own device, which can help with lesson delivery.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In the library, immersive technology opens up distant worlds to students
Outside of the classroom, there’s still plenty of room for immersive technologies. In the library, interactive flat panels can be used with multiple classes at once to deliver a shared presentation. In addition to interactive flat panels in the library, schools are implementing solutions like the following:Augmented Reality
Augmented reality solutions like zSpace use an AR-enabled computing device, a pair of special glasses and a stylus to bring what’s on the screen into reality. While using zSpace, students can manipulate 3D models (many animated) that are projected from the screen into physical space. With full rotational control over the model, students can examine everything from animals to architecture up close.Virtual Reality
Virtual reality is sort of like the opposite of AR technology. With AR, virtual objects are brought into physical reality. With VR, users enter a completely virtual world that they can move around in and interact with. Solutions like zSpace AR and Class VR are two emerging options and are ideal for immersive education. During a VR lesson, students can explore ancient ruins, jump around on Mars or watch a skyscraper being built. During the lesson, teachers maintain full control and can direct students to important points of learning interest.Interactive Activity Spaces
Libraries are typically larger than a standard classroom, which makes them an ideal setting for interactive activity spaces. The Active Floor is one such solution and provides an interactive image for students to engage with. The Active Floor can be used to reinforce lesson material and encourages younger students to get up and move.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]In the gym, immersive technology gets students moving and competing
There’s even AV solutions where you wouldn’t expect them, like the gym. In addition to portable audio enhancement systems, which are designed for outdoor use and activities, there’s also room for solutions like the Lü Interactive. The Lü Interactive transforms a school gymnasium into a high-octane AV experience that combines technology and movement. With the Lü Interactive, coaches can pick from a variety of activities that help students practice exercise form, test their hand-eye coordination, and compete in team-based games. There are several Lü Interactive models available, from mobile systems to systems that include mountable speakers, lights and projectors that can fill up a gym wall with vivid imagery.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]A certified integrator can help add immersive technology to your school
Better immersion means better engagement, and there are now plenty of technologies that can spark this immersion, designed for all kinds of educational spaces. No matter where your school is looking to integrate immersive technologies, a certified AV integrator can plan, design, install, configure and maintain the solution. An AV integrator will also expedite the project’s timeline and minimize costs, so your students can start exploring new frontiers of learning in no time.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Sandy Hill
Sandy Hill, Director of Business Development for Education, is an audio visual integration representative for Data Projections with 10 plus years of experience selling to the K12 market in all areas of Texas. She strives to seek the best audio visual solutions for the education market and enjoys supporting school districts and other organizations within the vertical. She has participated in many of the area technology shows and events as well as TCEA and the Texas K12 CTO Council.