{"id":14232,"date":"2020-02-07T05:00:00","date_gmt":"2020-02-07T10:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/ressource\/exploring-extended-reality-with-an-innovation-kit-for-teachers-at-vanier-college\/"},"modified":"2021-11-16T23:12:54","modified_gmt":"2021-11-17T04:12:54","slug":"exploring-extended-reality-with-an-innovation-kit-for-teachers-at-vanier-college","status":"publish","type":"resource","link":"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/en\/resource\/exploring-extended-reality-with-an-innovation-kit-for-teachers-at-vanier-college\/","title":{"rendered":"Exploring Extended Reality with an Innovation Kit for Teachers at Vanier College"},"content":{"rendered":"<div>On January 29th, 2020, Vanier College held a launch event for their<br \/>\n Teacher\u2019s Innovation and Exploration Kit (TIEK) which allows teachers<br \/>\nto try Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), Virtual Reality (VR)<br \/>\nand other recent technologies to explore their pedagogical potential.<br \/>\nJust prior to the launch, I spoke with Patti Kingsmill, the Pedagogical<br \/>\nCounsellor at Vanier who is spearheading this initiative with financial<br \/>\nsupport through the ministry\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/en\/discovering-technopedagogical-projects-of-colleges-funded-under-the-digital-action-plan\">Digital Action Plan<\/a>. <\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<h2>Q. Could you tell us about the genesis of the TIEK project ?<\/h2>\n<div><strong>Patti Kingsmill (PK)<\/strong>: With the arrival of the Digital Action Plan, the Vanier<br \/>\nadministration was looking at ways to assist teachers with the process<br \/>\nof understanding new technologies through exploring innovative<br \/>\npedagogical strategies and techniques. <\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\nMost CEGEPs are just beginning to explore how XR can be used in teaching<br \/>\n and I have been in touch with a few CEGEPs that have begun this<br \/>\nprocess, including C\u00e9gep Edouard-Montpetit\u2019s <a href=\"http:\/\/moebius.cegepmontpetit.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Espace Moebius<\/a>&nbsp;[in French]. Even though<br \/>\n the technology is rapidly evolving, Vanier decided to invest now so<br \/>\nthat we are prepared for the next generation of tools. The TIEK was<br \/>\nconceived to allow us to look at low-end options (ex. cell phones) and<br \/>\nhigher end options (ex. Oculus) so that we can explore a variety of<br \/>\npossible deployments from the very affordable to those that require more<br \/>\n financial investment.&nbsp;<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"gray-box\">\n\tAccording to Vanier College\u2019s PSI website, the Teacher\u2019s Innovation<br \/>\nExploration Kit features a wide range of software applications and the<br \/>\nfollowing equipment:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>4 Smartphones to power AR and VR apps <\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mergeedu.com\/headset\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">4 Merge Goggles 360 VR<\/a> for use with smartphones <\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/mergeedu.com\/cube\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">4 Merge Cubes<\/a> (an AR object that allows one to manipulate digital objects) <\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oculus.com\/go\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">3 Oculus Go<\/a> headsets <\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oculus.com\/quest\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1 Oculus Quest<\/a> standalone VR headset <\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.oculus.com\/rift-s\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1<br \/>\n Oculus Rift<\/a> VR tethered headset (the most powerful of the 3 Oculus<br \/>\nheadsets, designed to give teachers a sense of what will be possible<br \/>\nonce stand-alone headsets like Go and Quest are more powerful)<\/li>\n<li>1 Dell<br \/>\ngaming computer (for use with the Oculus Rift and for editing audio and<br \/>\n360 video files)<\/li>\n<li>1 iPad for AR <\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/theta360.com\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1 Ricoh Theta 360 camera<\/a> for filming AR and VR content <\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bluedesigns.com\/products\/yeti\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1 Blue Yeti microphone<\/a> for recording audio (e.g., podcasting, audio for AR and VR content, etc.)<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/huehd.com\/products\/hue-hd-camera\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">1 Hue HD USB document camera<\/a> (classroom document camera that can do stop-action filming)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<h2>\n<p>Q. What are your objectives for the project? <\/h2>\n<div><strong>PK<\/strong>:<br \/>\n At this stage we want to expose teachers to the potential of extended<br \/>\nreality and start them on an exploratory journey on which they consider<br \/>\nhow they might incorporate innovations in the classroom with the goal of<br \/>\n increasing student learning and engagement. <\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\nWe would also like teachers to investigate innovative ways to meet our<br \/>\nstudents where they are and so increase attention and focus. We are<br \/>\nhoping these technologies will help us to address these factors in a way<br \/>\n that has not been possible through traditional means of teaching. <\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Our<br \/>\n intention is to create a virtual community of practice at Vanier for<br \/>\nteachers on Microsoft Teams. We also hope to hold workshops, brown bag<br \/>\nlunches, and more events like the TIEK launch where groups of teachers<br \/>\ncan explore the TIEK together with our support (we will hopefully have<br \/>\nstudent volunteers helping us out). For those using the TIEK<br \/>\ntechnologies, we hope to make some connections across the disciplines<br \/>\nand have some cross-pollination. We are also inviting teachers to<br \/>\npropose devices and apps they would like added to the TIEK. The College<br \/>\nwants to continue to invest in its development and we want that<br \/>\ninvestment to be informed by our faculty and staff. <\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"media\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/article.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/article.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Manipulating a Merge cube with a tablet in an augmented reality application (Courtesy: Vanier PSI)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>Q. Who has access to the equipment and how are you managing reservations? <br \/><\/h2>\n<div><strong>PK<\/strong>:<br \/>\n The TIEK launch on January 29th 2020 is taking place in Vanier\u2019s STEM<br \/>\nCentre which is home to the TIEK. We are expecting over 45 teachers and<br \/>\nstaff at the event. We will have students demonstrating to teachers how<br \/>\nthese devices work. The students seem super enthusiastic and we are<br \/>\npretty sure teachers will appreciate seeing how students use these<br \/>\ntechnologies. <\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>We are fortunate to have a<br \/>\ntechnician available 3 days a week to help staff learn how to use the<br \/>\ndevices and apps, and learn about XR creation. Teachers can drop in or<br \/>\nmake appointments to try the TIEK out on those days. For the moment, the<br \/>\n technician is also taking care of the equipment loans, but the library<br \/>\nwill eventually be managing this. <\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\nThe TIEK has a variety of equipment beyond AR\/VR\/XR. We have a YETI<br \/>\nmicrophone so that students and teachers can experiment with making<br \/>\ntheir own podcasts. Teachers and staff now have access to a 360 degree<br \/>\nhigh definition camera and a powerful gaming computer that can handle<br \/>\nthe editing software for 360 videos taken by this camera. We are hoping<br \/>\nthat teachers co-explore these technologies with students. Our upcoming<br \/>\nScience Week in March 2020 will be a chance for the students to try out<br \/>\nthe devices.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<h2>\nQ. Who has used the TIEK or expressed interest? <br \/><\/h2>\n<div><strong>PK<\/strong>:<br \/>\n I have presented to 2 out of 3 faculties and several departments. I<br \/>\nwill continue to give presentations. We&#8217;ve also been advertising it on<br \/>\nour Facebook group and in Vanier&#8217;s weekly Intercom newsletter.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\nAs we know, it is a challenge for teachers to find time to access,<br \/>\nexplore and experiment with new technologies in addition to their<br \/>\nregular duties. Having spoken to several teachers, I perceive that many<br \/>\nare excited about the possibilities that these new tools offer. To give<br \/>\nthem a chance, Vanier will be offering Development Support Opportunities<br \/>\n (release time) in 2020 allow faculty to research how these technologies<br \/>\n can be used in their disciplines and those of their faculty members and<br \/>\n also to give them time to experiment in their classrooms.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>\nTeachers from General Education, the Faculty of Arts and Business and<br \/>\nthe Faculty of Science and Technology have already expressed interest.<br \/>\nOne teacher in Architectural Technology has spent a semester doing<br \/>\nresearch on how these technologies could enhance the teaching of courses<br \/>\n in the program. <\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>With the wealth of apps<br \/>\nfor the arts, science, technologies and social sciences, there is a lot<br \/>\nof potential. For example, VR allows users to go inside of a cell to see how it operates, something that could help biology students to engage with the material and gain a deeper<br \/>\n understanding of it. Entering into an immersive narrative, like <em>Notes on Blindness<\/em>, built around the recordings of a professor chronicling what it was like to slowly go blind, help students develop empathy.<br \/>\n Or perhaps you might like to attend a volcano eruption in Pompeii! All<br \/>\nof these are possible with immersive technologies. <\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div class=\"media\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/artcile1.jpg\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/artcile1.jpg\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>The TIEK launch event on January 29th, 2020 was well attended by teachers and staff (Courtesy: Vanier PSI)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>\n<p>Q. What type of benefits do you perceive you will obtain from the exploration of this technology?<\/h2>\n<div><strong>PK<\/strong>:<br \/>\n We are hoping that this experimentation will inspire teachers and help<br \/>\nthem to develop a vision for the use of innovative technologies that are<br \/>\n available to them. We have removed a barrier to the technology by<br \/>\nmaking it readily available in the college at no cost to the faculty.<br \/>\nWe hope teachers will explore cutting edge technologies and begin<br \/>\ndeveloping sound pedagogical uses for them in the classroom. As an<br \/>\nexample, architectural firms are already using VR as part of their<br \/>\ndesign process. Our challenge is to maximize its pedagogical value and<br \/>\nprepare students for the digital age beyond the classroom.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"media\">\n\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.profweb.ca\/system\/cms\/files\/files\/000\/004\/434\/original\/2020-02-11_09_05_40-Copy_of_20200125_article_TIEK_Vanier_Interview_PKingsmill_rwmoon_-_Google%C2%A0Docs.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/3pkrq8.gif\"><\/a><\/p>\n<p>Some of the technologies included in the TIEK include the Oculus Rift, 3D printers and Merge cuges (Courtesy: Vanier PSI)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<h2>\n<p>Looking forward <br \/><\/h2>\n<div>In the future, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.vaniercollege.qc.ca\/psi\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Pedagogical Support and<br \/>\n Innovation<\/a> service at Vanier will invite teachers and staff to propose<br \/>\ninvestments for larger scale use of these technologies to support<br \/>\nstudent learning. A balance between pedagogical needs, feasibility and<br \/>\ncosts to implement on a larger scale will need to be analysed. Patti<br \/>\nassures me that the final decision will also be influenced by looking at<br \/>\n best practices for pedagogical use, pedagogical merit of the<br \/>\ntechnologies and a thorough literature review. She is currently <a href=\"https:\/\/technoped.netboard.me\/techped\/?tab=75357\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">curating<br \/>\n a list of articles on AR\/VR\/XR.<\/a> <\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>While<br \/>\nVanier continues its exploration, Patti would love to hear about the<br \/>\nexperiences and findings from other colleges who are using XR! <\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>Is your college experimenting with augmented or virtual reality? Please share your experience in the comments area below.<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<div>On January 29th, 2020, Vanier College held a launch event for their<br \/>\n Teacher\u2019s Innovation and Exploration Kit (TIEK) which allows teachers<br \/>\nto try Augmented Reality (AR), Mixed Reality (MR), Virtual Reality (VR)<br \/>\nand other recent technologies to explore their pedagogical potential.<br \/>\nJust prior to the launch, I spoke with Patti Kingsmill, the Pedagogical<br \/>\nCounsellor at Vanier who is spearheading this initiative with financial<br \/>\nsupport through the ministry\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.profweb.ca\/system\/cms\/files\/files\/000\/004\/435\/original\/PAN_Plan_action_VA.pdf\">Digital Action Plan<\/a>. <\/div>\n<div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":325,"featured_media":18442,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","tags":[],"resource_type":[2191],"discipline":[2236],"approach":[],"resource_step":[],"res_caap_type":[],"res_gean_type":[],"resource__gean_step":[],"class_list":["post-14232","resource","type-resource","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","resource_type-article","discipline-multidisciplinary","cf"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource\/14232","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/resource"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/325"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14232"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource\/14232\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/18442"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14232"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14232"},{"taxonomy":"resource_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource_type?post=14232"},{"taxonomy":"discipline","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/discipline?post=14232"},{"taxonomy":"approach","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/approach?post=14232"},{"taxonomy":"resource_step","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource_step?post=14232"},{"taxonomy":"res_caap_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/res_caap_type?post=14232"},{"taxonomy":"res_gean_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/res_gean_type?post=14232"},{"taxonomy":"resource__gean_step","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/eductive.ca\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/resource__gean_step?post=14232"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}