ROUNDTABLE REVIEW
the other side, you have to balance this with the weight of the technology required for such a classroom experiment. Regarding our hybrid model, we think such a balance between the presence effect and the weight of the technology is positive. “Are we going to the virtual reality headset experiment? Not for now. I firmly believe that classroom technology can support and create classroom experiences and the presence effect. However, the weight and the complexity of such technologies must not get in the way of the teaching relationship. If VR headsets are going to be easier and more natural to use, then why not? But right now, I don’t see it happening.” Turki Al Masaeid, director of the Academic Support Centre, Abu Dhabi School of Management (ADSM) “Recently ADSM signed a memorandum with one of the virtual reality pioneer companies. This will help us start implementing the use of virtual reality in our classrooms next semester. “Since 2019, we have started to depend a lot on technologies such as smartboards and different types of platforms and laptop software; we’re also reaching our students using Instagram and Snapchat. We use all these technologies and social platforms to better engage with them. “In addition, we are trying to improve the teaching and learning environment with virtual reality. For example, students can reach out to an industry and get a new experience with different companies through its use. “One example is our new Artificial Intelligence Management Institute (AIMI), which will build connections with industry and provide technology‑based solutions in priority areas such as healthcare, energy management and cybersecurity. Delivered through virtual reality and other similar technologies, these solutions will equip our students with appropriate tools for decision making in a global context.”
that the virtual classroom is the base level now and schools have begun experiments that go further. At this point, for instance, we are experimenting with virtual reality headsets to create immersive experiences. We’re also trying a few things on the admissions side. “For instance, we have a large portfolio of programmes and we are examining how virtual guides can help students make their choices. We also have chatbots with AI capability on our websites to help various stakeholders navigate our content effectively. “We definitely see the move towards asynchronous delivery – either complementary to the in-person education offering, or as the primary design component of education. “To facilitate creation of this content we have invested in studios or rooms where faculty can record content. We see the development of these capabilities to be vital.” “I think that virtual classrooms will be something more for the future because virtual reality goggles will be better developed in 10 years. Today, there is so much technology that has been developed already, but I think it’s too big and too heavy and you have to pay too much money [for items such as goggles]. “Another problem is you need really fast internet. In Austria or Germany, we have many regions that are not in cities and in the countryside the internet is very slow. You can’t use this technology if you don’t have fast internet. I think we will see how it develops over the next five or six years.” Detlev Kran, senior manager education management/quality management, KMU Akademie & Management AG Kevin Johnson, MBA director, HEC Montréal “Teaching is a relationship, so on one side you need to feel and experience the effect of a presence from wherever you may be and, on
CROSS-BORDER COMMUNICATION WITH BARCO Barco enables academic staff to teach across borders and innovate based on pedagogical goals. The solution delivers a front row experience while instructors make an impact on the entire audience, monitor participants and offer support whenever necessary. Learners can enjoy quality interaction, in-depth collaboration and varied content such as videos, polls, quizzes and enhanced breakout rooms. Additionally, user analytics help adjust methods, optimise classes and enhance learning outcomes – and all of this in a fully virtual or hybrid teaching environment.
If VR headsets are going to be easier to use, then why not?
| 25 Ambition | DECEMBER 2022/JANUARY 2023 | 25
Made with FlippingBook - Share PDF online