Knowing Your 'Peeps'

How much do you know about the creative educators who use educational 3D these days? 

Recently, we mined the ranks of ISTE’s 3D Network (formerly known as “SIG3D”) for some interesting analytical data about their membership ranks, data you will be keenly interested in. These data are important, because they inform you about your peers, your customers—your “peeps.”

2014 data is not yet available and it must be noted that 3D Network membership now exceeds 1800 members. Still, based on 2013 data, the largest membership of the 3D Network consists of K-12 teachers, followed by technology specialists (building-level technology leaders), technology directors, and higher education faculty. If you combine the principals and assistant principals into a single category, this demographic is better represented than higher education faculty.

This is a very instructive chart. Interest in 3D is very much grassroots, strongly at the classroom and building level. Leaders, not so much. Not yet, at least. Except technology directors are starting to show interest. That’s good to know. Still—any way you look at it—the 3D Network membership spans a big arena. Overall, it represents a huge canvas to draw on, a large tent of educators. That’s good.

ISTE SIG3D Webinar

A uniquely informative webinar on the topic of 
3D and vision health in the classroom,

sponsored by ISTE SIG3D

“The Eyes Have It” features three expert speakers, a unique backchannel topic, and a vibrant question and answer session.  If you want to learn more about 3D in education, 3D in Vision, and how vision health intersects with a child’s ability to learn, you won’t want to miss this powerful educational experience. Join us at the contemporary crossroads of health and educational technology.

When:            Tuesday, January 21

Time:              8:oo p.m. ET /  7:00 p.m. CT /  6:00 p.m. MT /  5:00 p.m. PT

Length:          1 hour (30 minutes of presentation followed by Q&A)

Register:        Register for this event at this SIG3D webinar registration link

Webinar Presenters

Dr. Jeri Schneebeck, O.D., F,C.O.V.D.,

Dr. Schneebeck received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology from the University of Colorado in Boulder and her professional degree from Pacific University College of Optometry.  Dr. Schneebeck is a fellow of the College of Optometrists in Vision Development, the organization certifying optometrists specializing in the area of vision therapy.  She recently achieved the title of Diplomate, American Board of Optometry. She has received the Distinguished Service Award from the Colorado Optometric Association for her service to the profession of optometry.  She was coauthor of the published article:   “Doctor, Ergonomic Thyself”, Journal of Behavioral Optometry, Volume 15, 2004, Number 4, coauthored with Rebecca Hutchins, O.D.  Dr. Schneebeck provides consulting and screening services for area schools and frequently speaks to parent, teacher, and professional groups on vision-related subjects.  Dr. Schneebeck operates the Highline Vision Center , in Aurora (CO), specializing in the use of modern 3D technology in the diagnosis and treatment of visual disorders.

Dr. Jacinta Yeung, O.D., M.Ed in Visual Function in Learning

Dr. Yeung started her undergraduate studies at the University of Alberta in her hometown of Edmonton, Canada. She received her Bachelors of Visual Sciences and Doctor of Optometry Degree from Pacific University, Forest Grove, OR. In conjunction with her optometry degree, Dr. Yeung achieved a Masters in Education in Visual Function in Learning (M.Ed/VFL) from the College of Education at Pacific University. This degree was designed to extend an optometrist's knowledge in how vision is related to reading and learning, and allow optometrists to consult with teachers regarding students with learning related vision problems. Dr. Yeung was awarded the Tole Greenstein Award for clinical excellence in binocular vision and pediatrics. She also received the BSK Chapter Award for Exceptional Research in 2013. 

Len Scrogan, Digital Learning Architect, University of Colorado-Denver

A former teacher, principal, and technology director for the Boulder Valley Schools, Len was named Outstanding Technology Administrator in the state of Colorado in 2009. Len is currently a Digital Learning Architect and author of Digital Shapeshifter, a book on creative visual teaching and learning. Len is a professor at  the University of Colorado-Denver and also a blogger, TEDx speaker, and recognized ed-tech author and speaker. He is a co-author of the American Optometric Association’s seminal report on 3D in the classroom, See Well, Learn Well. Len serves as the online community manager for LinkedIn’s Stereo 3D Media and Technology online community of 8,000 members. Recently, he served as a national judge for the Technology & Learning 2013 software awards and is currently a software reviewer for Technology & Learning magazine. Len is also a board member for the new ISTE SIG3D interest group and a member of the COSN Emerging Technologies Committee.

3D@ISTE 2013 (2)

Of course, not all 3D at ISTE (see last week’s post), was in the exhibit hall. There were four sessions dedicated to 3D in the conference proceedings. 

The first was an open house booth for SIG3D, the newly formed ISTE special interest group dedicated to all things 3D. I was there helping out, and it was slammed with interested educators. 

The second session was a poster session offered by SIG3D president, Nancye Blair-Black. This session was also well attended and buzzing with activity. Nancye does that to folks! 

The third session involved the initial kick-off meeting of the new SIG3D. I will write more about this event later, but it was well attended. 

The last session was a poster session dedicated to 3D printing. It was not well attended, but that made perfect sense. There were zero 3D printing companies exhibiting at this conference. ISTE is not the strongest conference for 3D printing aficionados—that’s the hallmark of technology education conferences. For an explanation, see my recent Future-Talk 3D posts (3D in Tech Ed 1 and 3D in Tech Ed 2) explaining the difference between the “technology education” and the “educational technology” marketplace.

No doubt one of the best years ever. 

SIG 3D All Call

Attention all providers and integrators 

of 3D hardware, software, design, peripherals, or training! 

Two special opportunities are available at the upcoming ISTE SIG3D Gathering in San Antonio Tuesday, 6/25, 5-6:15 p.m. (This is the official SIG 3D meeting, which will incorporate a variety of activities: getting acquainted, overview, teacher poster sessions*, and breakout sessions by interests.) Here are the opportunities:

1. We will have a table that can display any literature you want put in the hands of SIG3D members.  (All literature must be hand delivered to the table before the meeting begins.)
2. If you are interested in providing any type of door prize to attendees, we will provide you with a very public thank you and great visibility at this event. Just let Len know of your intent asap via email.

SIG3D Goes Supernova

In my recent post, Whither eS3D, I made the following prediction:

“The new SIG 3D formed by ISTE will double its membership and establish a growing foothold in educational technology.”

At last year’s interest meeting we saw approximately 47+ folks in attendance, mostly educators and a few manufacturers. My prediction was that SIG3D membership would grow to nearly 100 members this year. Then I reported in a very recent post that SIG3D membership has clearly exceeded expectations by exploding to more than 571 members as of April 1^st.

Yet the good news is not over. Are you sitting down? As of June 1st, SIG3D membership has gone supernova, and is now boasting more than 1,064 members! 

Deadline Extended

On a second note, the deadline for submitting a presentation for the ISTE Inaugural SIG3D Gathering has been extended to this Wednesday, June 12. The details, provided by SIG3D Chair Nancye Blair, have been reproduced below for your convenience. Please consider throwing your hat in the ring.

Are you an innovator, successfully using stereoscopic 3D technologies in education?  If so, we would love to showcase you in a 3D Learning Station at our SIG3D Gathering! The Inaugural SIG3D Gathering will take place at the ISTE 2013 Conference on Tuesday, June 25 from 5:00 - 6:15 PM at the SACC Social Butterfly & Newbie Lounge, West Reg.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore the 3D Learning Stations for a portion of the time during that event.  Learning Station Presenters will need to arrive by 4:30 PM to set up their station.  Possible topics include: 3D learning projects and activities, student-created 3D media, teaching with stereoscopic 3D content, technical suggestions for IT management, lessons enhanced with 3D technologies, or other creative ideas! The Submissions deadline has been extended through midnight, June 12th. You may submit to present with THIS FORM. 

Thank you for your support of SIG3D and your commitment to innovation in education.  We can't wait to see you in San Antonio!

**Attention SIG3D Corporate Members: We would like to feature as many stereoscopic 3D technologies as possible.  If you would like to support this event, please consider encouraging an educator who uses your product to submit as a Learning Station Presenter for our SIG3D Gathering.

SIG3D Update

In a recent post, I announced that the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) took a landmark step in the arena of educational 3D by establishing a new Special Interest Group. Today’s post provides a timely update as the new ISTE SIG3D springs into action.

Big Growth for SIG3D

In my recent post, Whither eS3D, I made the following prediction:

“The new SIG 3D formed by ISTE will double its membership and

establish a growing foothold in educational technology.”

At last year’s first interest meeting we saw approximately 47+ interested partners in attendance, mostly educators and a few manufacturers. My prediction was that SIG3D membership would grow to nearly 100 members this year. How is SIG3D doing so far? Nancye Black, the chair of the SIG3D group reports that membership has exploded to over 571 members as of April 1^st.  And it’s still growing. This level of membership growth clearly exceeds all expectations.

All ISTE members are welcome to join SIG3D.  Corporate organizations are also welcome to join ISTE and then sign up for SIG3D. (Many 3D firms already pay for ISTE sponsorship and membership, so it’s simply a matter of joining the SIG3D group.) The SIG3D Website can be found at: http://www.iste.org/connect/special-interest-groups/sig3d

Newsletter Submittals Requested

SIG3D plans to provide a quarterly newsletter as a new SIG. If you have success stories, school stories, district rollouts, or new product announcements (as long as they are educationally driven), please forward your news items to iste.sig3d@gmail.com.

ISTE SIG3D Events

Two ISTE SIG3D membership events are now scheduled for this June in San Antonio at the ISTE Conference. We hope to see you there!

o    SIG Open House -- Sunday, 6/23, 3-5 PM

This is an open house for all ISTE members to investigate various SIGs. ISTE SIG3D members are invited to visit the SIG3D booth and mix with each other and potential new members.

o    SIG3D Gathering -- Tuesday, 6/25, 5-6:15 PM

This is the official SIG 3D meeting, which will incorporate a variety of activities: getting acquainted, overview, teacher poster sessions*, and breakout sessions by interests.

I will post precise meeting locations here, as soon as they are confirmed. 

*Please note that SIG3D is soliciting teacher poster presentations (on stereo 3D or 3D printing) to be conducted in the meeting during a 15-20 minute rotation period. Vendors are encouraged to sponsor talented classroom teachers or professors to attend and present at this event. Only educators may present, however. Submit your proposals or questions here.

SIG3D

In breaking news, the International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) reached a new milestone in its support for educational 3D.  A recent proposal to establish an official new Special Interest Group focused on stereoscopic 3D has been officially accepted and SIG3D has been launched internationally.

The details related to this exciting development are concisely cited in an article I recently wrote for Display Central.

Although the above article link covers most of the details you would need to know, let me add several important points here in this brief post:

First, ISTE SIG3D signifies an international level of recognition that 3D has had an impact—and it is here to stay, mature, and evolve in the education arena.

Second, this new ISTE SIG serves educators under “a big tent.” It reaches out to K-20+ folks, researchers, educators who use stereo content, even and educators who focus on student-created content. It also stretches its stakes out to include  manufacturers, content providers, and 3D innovators.

Last, this means that an all-hands-on-deck meeting will take place sometime during the ISTE national conference being held this late June in San Antonio. Please join us there.  Dates, times, and locations will be announced this spring.