As teachers, it’s challenging enough to instruct students as it is, but teaching them with new emerging technologies? You might wonder — with so many responsibilities — who has time to learn how to use these new tools, let alone teach with them? Well, we have the most energetic educator you’ll ever meet who does exactly that.
Today, we have the honor of interviewing Mr. Chang Yuan-Chen, an innovator in education who always has the latest technological gadgets at hand. He is the author of the education blog, The Academy (大學塾), where he reviews the most recent trends in education and technology.
Today, he will discuss the importance of educators learning about new technologies, specifically AR/VR technology, and how teachers can support one another during the learning process.
The Importance of Utilizing Emerging Technologies
Why is it important for educators to be able to teach with new emerging technologies?
Well, from my perspective, teachers must embrace new technologies in the classroom for a number of reasons.
Firstly, with my background in science and computer science, I've seen firsthand how technology can transform complex subjects into something more accessible and engaging for students. It allows us to present information in innovative ways, helping students truly grasp challenging concepts. Furthermore, we live in a rapidly evolving digital world, and it's vital for educators to stay current and relevant by adapting to these changes. By learning new technologies, we can better prepare our students — as well as ourselves — for the future.
Beyond our own classrooms, it's also about supporting our fellow teachers and sharing effective ways to use these tools. We're seeing a significant shift towards student-centered learning, where technology empowers students to be active creators and collaborators, and we need to facilitate this transition. There's a real sense of empowerment that comes with mastering new technologies, and seeing that "aha!" moment in a student's eyes makes it all worthwhile.
Plus, technology opens up exciting new possibilities for learning that we couldn't have imagined before. And thankfully, many of these new tools are becoming increasingly user-friendly, making it easier for everyone to get on board. In short, embracing technology isn't just about keeping up; it's about enhancing teaching, empowering students, and ultimately creating more effective and engaging learning experiences.
Building on that, how can educators begin integrating AV/VR into their own classrooms? What initial steps or advice would you offer to help them get started?
It’s perfectly natural to feel a bit apprehensive when introducing new technologies. My main advice is to start with a playful and experimental mindset. Don't feel pressured to become an expert overnight. Begin by exploring user-friendly applications and resources that align with your existing curriculum. In my blog, I emphasize that we should “learn bravely, keep an open mind, and embrace knowledge generously” (大膽、大量、大方地學).
Many of these tools are designed to be intuitive, and there are often tutorials and online communities that can provide support. Focus on how the technology can enhance your teaching goals and make learning more engaging for your students, rather than getting overwhelmed by the technical details initially. The first few times will for sure be a bit unsmooth, but the more you practice, the better you get at using it. I’d consider starting with simple activities and gradually integrating more complex applications as you become more comfortable.
Enhancing Student Engagement with Emerging Technologies
Mr. Chang, we know that you are a huge fan of AR and VR technologies in education. Could you elaborate on specific ways teachers can utilize these tools to foster deeper student engagement with learning materials? Could you offer some concrete examples?
Absolutely. AR and VR provide immersive and interactive opportunities that can transform the learning experience like we never thought of in our student days. Currently, there are 3D creation tools: the one I use is called Delightex (previously called Cospaces). The idea is sort of like Minecraft and Roblox, except you can build a 3D construct of almost anything. For example, teachers can use Delightex to create little presentations for students to look at, like this example explaining the states of matter. Through this mini presentation where you can flip to a different side of the cube to see a new instructor who will teach you about the states of matter, this gives instructors a new way of presenting information to students. Even elementary students can use it to create presentations for their classes, empowering students to move beyond passive reception of information and actively construct visual representations of concepts they are learning. For example, after reading a story in their language arts class, students could collaborate to create a 3D scene illustrating the narrative. This hands-on approach makes learning more dynamic, memorable, and fun!
Furthermore, tools like the Merge Cube offer exciting possibilities for AR integration in teaching. You can think of it as a 3D QR Code, acting as a physical marker that, when viewed through a device with a camera using a specific app, can overlay digital content on the screen, looking like digital content is present in the real world. Imagine students learning about the human heart; instead of just looking at a static image, they could hold the Merge Cube and see on the screen a 3D model of the heart that they can manipulate and explore. This blending of the physical and digital can significantly enhance understanding and engagement.
Another VR application that I love is the concept of virtual field trips. For events like the upcoming Osaka World Expo, it’s hard to physically fly students to Osaka, but it’s relatively easy for teachers to leverage online resources and bring VR experiences to students through immersive virtual visits. This allows students to explore new environments and ideas, sparking curiosity and making learning more relevant.
The key is to shift the paradigm from the teacher being the sole presenter to empowering students to actively create, explore, and interact with the learning material using these technologies.
The Power of Teacher Support and Collaboration
Integrating new technologies effectively often requires ongoing learning and adaptation. You mentioned the concept of collaborative preparation of teaching materials. How crucial is it for teachers to form support groups or collaborate with one another to learn and implement education technology?
Teacher collaboration and support are absolutely fundamental for successful technology integration in the classroom. The concept of collaborative preparation (共備) underscores the immense value of teachers working together. When teachers form support groups, they create a network for sharing experiences, exchanging ideas, and collectively problem-solving the challenges that may arise when using new technologies. This collaborative environment fosters a sense of community and mutual encouragement, which can significantly ease the process of adopting new approaches to teaching.
Within a school, identifying colleagues who share an interest in exploring educational technology can be the first step in forming these support networks. These informal groups can serve as safe spaces where teachers can ask questions, troubleshoot technical issues, and share their successes and failures without fear of judgment. Schools can also facilitate teachers by creating professional development opportunities that encourage collaboration and peer learning. The Diffusion of Innovation Model highlights how different individuals adopt new technologies at varying paces. Support groups can encourage even hesitant teachers to explore new tools by providing them with peer support and practical guidance. By learning together, teachers can overcome the initial hurdles more effectively and create a more innovative and engaging learning environment for their students. Furthermore, this collaborative approach allows teachers to tailor technology integration strategies to the specific needs and resources of their school.
Global Perspectives and Future Inspiration
You have mentioned your experiences with international exhibitions like the Shanghai World Expo in 2010 and your anticipation for the Osaka World Expo. How do these global events relate to the themes we’ve discussed today?
Attending international exhibitions like the Shanghai World Expo in 2010 provided a valuable glimpse into global trends and innovations, including those in education. These events showcase a wide range of ideas and technologies that can inspire educators to think creatively about their teaching practices. Similarly, I am very interested in the upcoming Osaka World Expo. Observing how different countries envision the future of technology and education can provide valuable insights and potentially spark new ideas for utilizing technologies like AV/VR in the classroom. These global platforms offer a broader perspective on educational advancements and can motivate teachers to continuously learn and adapt.
Our Takeaways
Mr. Chang’s insights remind us that educational technology, when used with purpose, can empower students to become active participants in their own learning. AR and VR aren’t just for games — they are tools that make abstract ideas tangible, bring distant worlds closer, and turn classrooms into spaces for exploration and creation. But just as important as the tools themselves is the community of educators behind them. Teacher collaboration, shared experimentation, and a willingness to learn together are key to making meaningful integration possible. Staying connected to global innovations — like those showcased at world expos — can also inspire fresh perspectives and new approaches to teaching. With the Osaka World Expo on the horizon, we’re excited to continue this conversation with Mr. Chang and explore how international ideas can shape the future of education.
To explore how AVer’s solutions support innovative teaching practices like those Mr. Chang describes, please see our visualizer and distance learning camera product lines.