Latest education updates from around the world
Apple Vision Pro Knockoffs Are Already Here
Apple has always been a trendsetter, with hopeful competitors copying everything from the company’s iconic marketing campaigns to its unique industrial design language. Still, we didn’t expect to see a knock-off of Vision Pro so soon.
Hall-walkers at CES 2024 this week noticed a headset that looks awfully familiar. If you thought Apple was hocking their latest and greatest down on the expo floor with the rest of the unwashed masses though, you’d be sadly mistaken.
This isn’t what you think it is #CES2024 pic.twitter.com/CdJ2bl6baX
— Cas and Chary XR (@CasandChary) January 10, 2024
The above was snapped […]
‘Rec Room’ to Roll Out Full-body Avatars in March
Prominent VR social app Rec Room is getting full-body avatars soon, which will let users choose to either stick with the standard floating bean-body type, or go all-in with a fully-appendaged avatar.
The studio says in a blogpost that it’s bringing its new full-body avatars to the platform as a beta feature by March 2024.
It’s not set to entirely replace the old standard avatars, but rather act as a new body type you can choose in the customization menu. The studio says the new full-body avatars will be “fully compatible with all your existing outfit items.”
New Research: 16 Writing Interventions That Work
Digital tools and computer-assisted instruction are among the writing instruction strategies that work in middle and high school, according to a new study
Vive XR Elite Gets Face-tracking Add-on with Eye & Mouth Sensing
HTC today announced the launch of a new Full Face Tracker accessory for Vive XR Elite. The device attaches to headset to capture eye and mouth movements which developers can use for a variety of purposes.
HTC says the Face-tracking add-on for Vive XR Elite is available staring today, priced at $200. The device attaches magnetically to the XR Elite and connects via USB-C. It adds two cameras for eye-tracking and one camera for mouth-tracking.
According to HTC, eye-tracking is captured at 120Hz while mouth-tracking is captured at 60Hz. The mouth-tracking camera is thoughtfully placed on a […]
Apple’s First Vision Pro Ad Turns to Pop-culture to Make Goggles Cool
Apple is turning on the hype machine for Vision Pro, its first mixed reality headset which is set to release early next month for $3,500. Apple’s marketing department is undeniably one of the world’s strongest, but it’s attempting one of the most difficult feats with the headset’s first real advert: to make wearing goggles cool.
Modern headsets are lighter and more compact that ever—the shoebox form-factor of old has mostly gone away thanks to the inclusion of pancake optics and overall closer integration of custom parts—but there’s still inherent societal friction involved with wearing the XR kit of today. […]
Xreal Announces Air 2 Ultra AR Glasses Ahead of Apple Vision Pro Release
China-based XR company Xreal (previously Nreal) announced its newest pair of glasses at CES 2024, marking the company’s return to augmented reality right as Apple is prepping its $3,500 Vision Pro for its upcoming launch.
Called Air 2 Ultra, the device is the first in the company’s most recent suite of glasses to incorporate inside-out tracking since the introduction of its consumer Nreal Light glasses in 2021.
Unlike its more recent Air 2 and Air 2 Pro, Air 2 Ultra are ‘true’ AR glasses in that they include cameras mounted on the face of the device.
StoryJumper: How To Use It To Teach
StoryJumper is a story creation tool that lets kids write, animate and publish their own stories.
Best Memo Apps for Android
Traditionally, a memo, or memorandum, was a written document used for internal communication within organizations, conveying information, reminders, or instructions in a concise format. However, with the advent of digital technology, the memo has transcended its paper-based origins. Today’s digital memo encompasses a broader range of functionalities, including the ability to capture, store, and organize information quickly and efficiently on various devices.
Memo apps for Android have revolutionized how we record and recall information, ideas, and tasks in our daily lives. These apps offer a blend of traditional memo-writing with advanced features like multimedia integration, cloud synchronization, and […]
Best Note Taking Apps for Android
When it comes to organizing our thoughts, jotting down quick reminders, or capturing those spur-of-the-moment ideas, having a reliable note-taking app is essential. For Android users, the question often arises: Does Android have a native note app similar to Apple’s iOS? The answer is a resounding yes, and it comes in the form of Google Keep. This powerful, all-free app is a standout choice for Android users, offering a range of features to capture and organize your thoughts efficiently.
But why stop at just one option? Android’s versatility is reflected in the wealth of note-taking apps available on […]
Sony Reveals Standalone MR Headset with “4K” OLED Displays and Unique Controllers
Today at CES Sony revealed a new standalone MR headset equipped with “4K” OLED displays. The headset is yet-unnamed, but the company says it’s aimed at creatives building 3D content and will launch this year.
Sony’s unnamed standalone MR headset is based on Qualcomm’s XR2+ Gen 2 processor and is said to include 1.3-inch “4K” OLED microdisplays. It isn’t clear at this time if Sony means 16MP (4,000 × 4,000) per-eye, or something else, but considering that XR2+ Gen 2 can purportedly power two displays up to 18.5MP (4,100 × 4,100) each, it may indeed be the case. We’ve […]
Here is How to Insert a Page Break in Google Docs
In the dynamic world of document creation and formatting, understanding the subtle yet impactful differences between page breaks and section breaks is crucial for educators and researchers alike. Whether you’re crafting a detailed lesson plan, compiling a comprehensive research paper, or preparing any form of educational material, the way you structure your document can significantly influence its clarity and effectiveness.
In this post, we’ll delve into the nuances of page breaks and section breaks, exploring how each can be used to enhance your document’s readability and organization. We will also learn how to insert a page break […]
Wi-Fi 7 Launches Promising “near-zero” Latency for Wireless VR
The Wi-Fi Alliance announced today that Wi-Fi 7 Certified products are ready to hit the market. The latest version of the Wi-Fi standard promises the possibility of “near-zero” latency for real-time applications like wireless VR streaming.
The Wi-Fi Alliance (the organization that maintains and develops the Wi-Fi standard) announced today that applicable products can officially be “Wi-Fi 7 Certified” and be sold as such.
The Wi-Fi 7 (AKA 802.11.be) spec delivers the usual improvements you’d expect, like improved speed and transmission, but the Alliance also calls out latency improvements for wireless VR use-cases like using Steam Link on […]
Can Schools Offer Work Life Balance?
Can schools offer work life balance? It would take a serious commitment and not just lip service.
The post Can Schools Offer Work Life Balance? appeared first on Teacher Tech with Alice Keeler.
Apple Announces Vision Pro Release & Pre-order Dates
Apple has announced an earlier-than-expected Vision Pro release date, right at the start of CES.
As we talked about in our 2023 retrospective, Apple Vision Pro was certainly the most talked about story of the year. And now we’ve learned that Apple is sticking true to its word of the headsets release in “early 2024.”
Apple today announced the Vision Pro release date will be February 2nd, and affirmed the eye-popping price of $3,500. However these dates are only for the U.S.; release dates in other countries have not been announced. In the U.S. the headset will be available both […]
Apple Reveals Alternate Headstrap That Will Ship With Vision Pro
Alongside the release date announcement of Vision Pro, Apple revealed a new headstrap that will ship with Vision Pro, alongside the originally revealed one.
Apple today revealed a new headstrap for Vision Pro which it’s calling the ‘Dual Loop’. Compared to the wide and cozy-looking headstrap that was originally shown with the headset, the Dual Loop looks more like a traditional VR headset strap, including a top strap.
Dual Loop Band | Image courtesy Apple
The new Dual Loop strap has a less wide rear strap that hangs a little lower under the back of the head, and replaces the […]
Panasonic VR Startup Shiftall Announces ‘superlight’ PC VR Headset, New Full Body Trackers
Panasonic subsidiary Shiftall announced it’s releasing a new version of its MeganeX PC VR headset along with the next generation of its HaritoraX wireless body trackers.
The company calls its next SteamVR headset ‘MeganeX superlight’, which is said to be around 50% lighter than the original MeganeX headset.
In contrast to the original, the new MeganeX superlight also appears to be a cheaper, easier to produce version of the device, which previously included onboard optical tracking in addition to a mountable SteamVR tracking module.
The ‘superlight’ version is said to include the same display specs: dual 2,560 × 2,560 […]
5 Key Policy Considerations for Regulating AI in Classrooms
When crafting AI-use policies for an education institution, consider these key issues
4 Lessons From California’s Teaching with AI Guidance
California is one of the first states to comprehensively address AI in the classroom. Here are some of the state’s lessons.
Best Chrome Drawing Apps
Today, I want to dive into the world of Chrome drawing apps. These tools are not just for artists; they’re versatile, engaging, and can be used across various educational contexts. From annotating web pages to creating detailed diagrams, these apps bring a new dimension to digital learning.
Whether you’re a teacher looking to spice up your lesson plans, a student aiming to add creativity to your projects, or just someone who enjoys doodling, these Chrome drawing apps offer something for everyone. Let’s explore together the features, benefits, and educational potentials of these tools.
Related: Best Free Drawing […]
Learn to Read Apps for Android
In today’s digital age, learning to read has transcended the traditional boundaries of printed books and classroom settings. As a former teacher, I have always been fascinated by how technology can enhance learning, especially in the crucial stage of literacy development in children. In this post, I want to share with you some of the most effective and engaging learn to read apps for Android devices.
Each app brings a unique approach to literacy, catering to the diverse needs and learning styles of young readers. From interactive storybooks to personalized reading adventures, these apps are not just […]
Top Chrome Extensions to Enhance Your Reading Experience
As an educator and a researcher, I understand the importance of a focused and comfortable reading environment, especially when navigating the vast sea of information available online. That’s why I’m excited to share with you a handpicked selection of Chrome extensions designed to elevate your online reading experience.
These tools are not just about removing distractions like ads and flash animations; they’re about transforming your web pages into havens of clarity and ease. Whether you’re delving into lengthy research articles, multi-page educational resources, or simply enjoying a good read, these extensions ensure a seamless, eye-strain-free journey through […]
TinyTap App Review
TinyTap is a dynamic educational app designed for toddlers and preschoolers, aiming to transform screen time into an enriching learning experience. With a user base of over 20 million parents globally, it’s recognized as the leading learning app in 48 countries, particularly for kids aged 2-7.
TinyTap’s vast library of over 200,000 interactive learning games, created by teachers, therapists, and educators, covers a broad range of subjects and skills. Additionally, it offers ad-free, kid-friendly navigation, a gamified learning plan, offline playability, and a parent’s dashboard for progress tracking.
The following are some of the pros and cons of […]
CamScanner App Review
In today’s post, I am sharing with you my thoughts about this interesting app called CamScanner. If you are not already familiar with it, CamScanner app allows you to digitize various forms of content from documents to PDFs. The tool is seems to be revolutionizing the way we handle documents.
CamScanner App Features
CamScanner offers a wide range of features that are absolutely amazing, I am saying this from my own experience using the app. CamScanner enables you to turn your mobile device into a scanner which is a game-changer for educators, researchers, and students alike.
The […]
Here Is How to Take a Picture on a Chromebook
Chromebooks, as you probably know, are not just for browsing and typing up notes. They are also versatile tools for taking photos, recording videos, creating tutorials, and many more. Chromebooks are like having a mini photo/video studio right at your fingertips!
In today’s post, I am walking you through a step by step guide on how you can use Chromebook’s built-in camera to take photos and videos. The process is straightforward and easy. Read on to learn more!
Related: Best Snipping Tools for Chromebook
How to Take A Picture on a Chromebook
Here’s a simple guide on how to […]
Best Snipping Tools for Chromebook
Capturing screenshots and screen recordings on a Chromebook is a straightforward process that can be incredibly useful for educators, students, and anyone looking to share screen content. If you are looking for Chromebook snipping tools, you are in the right place.
But before we talk about these snipping tools, you need to know that as a Chromebook user you have two options to capture screenshots (and record videos): there is the built-in functionality and there are third party Chromebook snipping tools.
Let us first discuss Chromebook’s built-in snipping functionality!