3D Competition

‘Shufti’ is an Arabic word meaning ‘look!’ It was brought back to Britain after the Second World War by returning soldiers who learned the word from Arab peddlers. Its meaning now suggests taking a quick look around. That’s the purpose of the previous and the next four posts—taking a 3D shufti—a speedy reconnoiter of some happenings in the area of educational 3D.

Competition Announced for Educators

Five talented educators will win a free trip to SketchUp’s 3D basecamp in June of 2016, in Steamboat Springs, Colorado! 

The prize includes:

• Roundtrip airfare and transportation to 3D Basecamp from the U.S. or Canada 
• Free admission to 3D Basecamp and lodging at the event (June 13th - 15th)

How to enter: SketchUp want to see examples of how you teach using SketchUp. Examples may include; class videos or photos, lesson documentation, SketchUp templates, student worksheets, student presentations, pretty much anything else that can be digitized.  Entries are accepted until March 31st, 2016. Learn more about the competition here.

3D Shufti: NEO3DO

‘Shufti’ is an Arabic word meaning ‘look!’ It was brought back to Britain after the Second World War by returning soldiers who learned the word from Arab peddlers. Its meaning now suggests taking a quick look around. That’s the purpose of the next five posts—taking a 3D shufti—a speedy reconnoiter of some happenings in the area of educational 3D.

NEO3DO Set to Release Next-gen Product

While travelling to Las Vegas to compete in the Senior Games (competitive volleyball) in St. George, I paused to meet with David Briggs, co-founder of NEO3DO, the autostereoscopic tablet manufacturer. He offered some news about their next-gen NEO tablet. “What will differentiate this product”, I asked? Briggs responded: “The speed of the processor, megapixels of the camera, and the screen resolution will all be greatly improved.” “Both 7” and 8” autostereoscopic android tablets are on the table for us”, he added.

He also mentioned that their strategy was involved “pushing the why over the sizzle and wow” in promoting 3D. NEO3DO plans to lead with a strong content posture with the new release. “With higher computational ability and graphics processing, we expect our next gen device to be more amenable to 3D educational and game content.” He noted: “Tons of VR content will work with 3d tablets. We are also making inroads in the medical market (medical displays), and we are planning to support stereo vision acuity testing and therapy.” He also mentioned the use of “stereo cameras on drones controlled from the new tablet.” Learning from the content mistakes of others in the autostereoscopic market, he mentioned that: “The NEO3DO Next Gen will be loaded with content, films, and educational resources.”

According to Briggs, the numbers look good. “We are working with higher numbers of pre-ordered units and have garnered considerable interest from some of the production houses.”

I own a NEO3DO, and let me say--it is a tool that impresses educators--so this is very good news.

3D and Early Literacy Research

Is there really a direct connection between a child’s ability to read and the ability to see in stereo (natural binocular vision). Yes there is! See this recent study (click on the PDF) for some advanced medical insight:

   Click here

3D Vision and Early Readers

Reading. What does it take to be successful? Part of the answer is physiological. For the early learner, how well vision works is vital. Children’s eyes must be able to track, focus, and team (work together). Successful reading requires our eyes to track a line and focus on a word or letter—and our eyes must do those things together, or team. Healthy vision deeply influences a child’s achievement in reading, learning, success in sports, and future career choices.

Enter modern day virtual reality. Virtual reality experiences are a hot-button technology these days. But is this immersive technology safe for our eyes? Of course, the answer is yes. But there’s a deeper story here. 3D virtual reality experiences also require our eyes to track, focus, and team. Sound familiar? Those are the same capabilities required for successful early reading, as described above.

I am writing this from Austin, Texas, while presenting here at the SXSWedu conference. Our presentation involves how 3D and VR technologies are being used to screen for and improve early childhood vision. And to screen for potential reading inhibitors. Bet you didn’t know there was a direct connection. Now you do!