Why, not 'wow'

While the familiar 3D nomenclature begins to fade, and the equally 3D “virtual reality” meme slowly takes its place, some things stay the same. And something needs to be said.  3D—whether in its printed, video, or virtual reality incarnation—merits consideration for its educational value proposition, not its “wow” factor. In other words, what matters is the potential for improved learning with 3D technologies, not merely the pizzazz of 3D visualization, design or printed objects. Remember, as relates to learning, the Why always trumps the Wow.

3D Shufti: Freebies

‘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 four posts and the current post—taking a 3D shufti—a speedy reconnoiter of some happenings in the area of educational 3D.

Free Software Downloads for Educators and Students

Autodesk is now providing a full range of 3D production software to the educational community free of charge. Check it out for yourself here. 

The LinkedIn 3D Surge

‘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 this and next week's posts—taking a 3D shufti—a speedy reconnoiter of some happenings in the area of educational 3D.

Many of you know that I am the online community manager for the Stereoscopic 3d Media and Technology group on LinkedIn. By the way, we renamed the special interest group in order to keep up with the 3D VR movement. It is now the LinkedIn Stereoscopic 3d and VR Media and Technology group.

I’ve noticed an interesting development over the last four or five months, a definite wave. We’ve seen a sudden surge of 3D, VR, and production professionals joining our ranks at the clip of a dozen a week, after a two-year lull. Lots of new faces. New companies. New VR content divisions. It makes you wonder. Why are folks are starting to creep in after such a long absence? A spate of new startups? Companies showing interest in ramping up content for the coming VR tsunami? Something is up, not sure what. Take a look. Join us!

A Face in the Crowd

‘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 three posts—taking a 3D shufti—a speedy reconnoiter of some happenings in the area of educational 3D.

In search of autostereoscopic 3D, while recently passing through Vegas I stopped to see the famous face-above-the-bar autostereoscopic display at the SLS Hotel and Casino. I was underwhelmed, because the negative parallax was minimal. It was too ‘safe.’ It reminded me that folks who want to reach the education market with 3D or VR had better be forewarned. Students strongly prefer negative parallax. If the learning resource doesn’t penetrate deeply into audience space, you won’t sell it very well. I suppose it’s good enough for the imbibed in Vegas.