Educators' Interests, Prior Knowledge, and Questions Regarding Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality, and 3-D Printing

• In Event: The Impact of Advanced Technology on Student Learning: 3-D Printing, Virtual Reality, and Augmented Reality

Abstract

Innovative new technologies, such as augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and 3D printers, provide new affordances for education. While these technologies have been shown to positively impact learning, they are not yet widely adopted in schools. This study explores what educators want to know, what they already know, and why they want to learn about these tools. This paper presents data from 159 educators who completed a pre-course survey before engaging in an open online course to learn about these three technologies. Findings reveal significant variance in educators’ prior knowledge, interests, and motivations. This paper yields new insights that can support the design of professional learning experiences for educators and potentially increase the use of these tools in education.

Authors

• Torrey Trust, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

• Nathaniel Woodruff, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

• Matthew James Checrallah, University of Massachusetts - Amherst

• Jeromie Whalen, University of Massachusetts - Amherst