Apple Enters the AR/VR/MR/XR Scene
Author: Samantha Goldman; info@ciddl.org
Hot off the presses is Apple’s announcement of their new AR/VR/XR headset, “Apple Vision Pro Glasses”. Like anything Apple, it is not only aesthetically pleasing but technologically advanced. This is Apple’s first spatial operating system which is said to be intuitive and magical. From the released images, it is apparent that Temple Grandin was right when she said that Apple designs with beauty and simplicity in mind in her newest book, Visual Thinking. But don’t get in line quite yet. The device will not be available to purchase until early next year.
What’s with the Different “R”s?
At times it feels like the various “R”s are used without differentiation. However, they do not mean the same thing. A recent literature review by Mosher, Carreon, Craig, and Ruhter describes the differences. Augmented Reality (AR) is a combination of the physical world and technology. This includes things like QR codes, links, and interactive 3D models. Examples of this include the ArtWalks in Charlotte where you can scan the QR code on the artwork and immerse yourself in the artist’s story and learn more about the art. A great resource for pre-service and in-service teachers interested in integrating AR into their classrooms should check out the article “Augmented Reality: Creating and Implementing Digital Classroom Supports”. Virtual Reality (VR) requires the use of a head-mounted display (such as the Oculus Rift or the newly announced Apple device) and takes the user into a more immersive 3D environment. Examples of how VR is used in education include Project VOISS and this guide to using VR with students with disabilities in the classroom. Mixed Reality (MR) is a combination of AR and VR where users interact with and manipulate both virtual and physical elements. Examples of this include simulators frequently used in teacher-preparation programs. Finally, XR is the general term that encompasses all real and virtual experiences.
Apple’s Announcement and Implications for Special Education
The announcement is new. EdTech researchers both in the field of special education and education as a whole are buzzing with the ways in which this new tech will influence the field, interventions, accessibility, and inclusivity. First of all, the wearable boasts precision eye tracking, which negates the need for controllers. How could this tech revolutionize eye-tracking technology? How could the use of a virtual keyboard or the ability to dictate your thoughts to an immersive wearable change how students interact with the writing process? Imagine a classroom full of Vision Pros. How can this tech be leveraged to personalize learning to provide voice and choice for all students?
Apple’s Announcement and Implications for Teacher Education Programs
And what about the implications for teacher education programs? We already use simulations to prepare teachers and imagine the immersive environments that could be created and experienced using the Vision Pro. How can we leverage eye-tracking in how we prepare teachers for classrooms?
The Conversation Continues
Obviously, it is too early to definitively say how this technology will change special education and teacher preparation. One thing is for sure. It is an exciting time to be a teacher, teacher-educator, and education researcher. Between the new tech that Apple is producing and the advancement in AI, the classroom of today is not the classroom of yesterday and will not be the classroom of tomorrow. We’d love to hear your thoughts on how the Vision Pro will change our field. Head over to our community and share!