Latest education updates from around the world
Studio Behind ‘DOOM 3’ VR Port Announces Layoffs
Archiact, the veteran studio known for a host of VR titles, announced it’s laying off a portion of its staff.
The number of staff affected by the layoff hasn’t been confirmed. The studio says however in an X post that it’s currently looking to help transition staff from a number of positions, including animation, art, audio, engineering, game design, IT, narrative, production and QA—implying the layoff is fairly far-reaching.
“It was not a decision we took lightly,” Archiact says in the post, “and we are working with these individuals to offset this difficult transition as much as possible.”
Founded […]
New Qualcomm MR Reference Headset Shows What to Expect From Samsung
Alongside the announcement of the new Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2 chip, Qualcomm also revealed its latest reference headset, a mixed reality device that’s likely the foundation of Samsung’s upcoming headset.
Samsung announced last year that it’s working with both Google and Qualcomm on an XR device. We’ve been around the block once or twice and can tell you how these things usually go down.
Qualcomm is far and away the leading provider of processors powering XR devices today. Part of the reason why is because when the company makes a new XR chip, it makes more than just the […]
Best Free Martin Luther King Jr. Lessons and Activities
These free lessons and activities provide a wide range of approaches to teaching about Martin Luther King Jr.
Characteristics of The 21st Century Classroom
When I embarked on my teaching journey back in 2003, the landscape of the classroom was quite different from what we see today. Reflecting on this evolution, I’m struck by the radical changes that have shaped the educational environment, particularly in this early part of the 21st century.
It’s a transformation that’s been largely driven by the unprecedented pace of technological advancement. As I ponder these changes, I find it both fascinating and essential to articulate the characteristics that now define a modern classroom. These reflections are not just an academic exercise but a practical one, aimed […]
[Industry Direct] Revolutionizing Fitness Apps with Snapdragon Technologies
Industry Direct by Qualcomm
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In the ever-evolving fitness industry, adding Extended Reality (XR) to the mix has opened up some cool new possibilities to get a sweat. From Virtual Reality Zumba classes to gamified Augmented Reality workouts, […]
Characteristics of The 21st Century Learning
Welcome back to our ongoing series on 21st-century education, where we delve into various themes that shape the educational landscape of our time. Drawing from my experience as an EdTech blogger and educator, I’ve been sharing insights and reflections on this dynamic and evolving field. In previous posts, we explored the characteristics of 21st-century teachers and the traits of 21st-century learners. Today, we turn our focus to the characteristics of 21st-century learning itself.
To kick things off, we’ll start with a clear definition of what 21st-century learning entails, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of […]
Studio Behind One of PSVR 2’s Most Popular Multiplayer Games is Shutting Down
First Contact Entertainment, developers behind the tactical team shooter franchise Firewall, is shuttering the studio, citing the “lack of support for VR within the industry.”
Founded in 2016, First Contact has developed two of the PSVR platform’s most visible exclusives: Firewall Zero Hour (2018) and the recently released sequel Firewall Ultra (2023), which landed solely on PSVR 2.
In a Facebook post, the studio says the move to shut down the studio is based on the inability to recoup on development costs. Here’s the full post below:
“After almost 8 years of working with the most amazing team […]
Exploring XR User Interface Interactions in ‘Idea Engine’
Idea Engine allows you to create and share VR and mixed reality experiences. Building such a general-purpose tool requires complex user interfaces. In this Guest Article, developer Brett Jackson shares his approaches to UI interaction.
Guest Article by Brett Jackson
Brett Jackson has been developing VR projects since 2015 and is the director of the new UK-based company X82 Ltd. His previous releases include: Dimensional (PC VR), Breath Tech (PC VR), Jigsaw 360 (PC VR & mobile VR) and 120Hz (SideQuest).
It’s common to present a UI through 2D interactive panels in XR. It’s not an exciting prospect, […]
Qualcomm Announces More Powerful Version of Quest 3’s XR Chip
Qualcomm today announced its latest Snapdragon XR chip, the XR2+ Gen 2, a more capable variant of the chip that powers Quest 3. The company also hints that it will be used in the upcoming Samsung-Google headset.
Qualcomm is at this point the world’s leading provider of mobile processors for XR headsets. The company’s Snapdragon chips power the vast majority of standalone headsets on the market. So any time the company offers a new an improved chip, it’s a good indicator of what capabilities future XR devices will have.
Today Qualcomm announced Snapdragon XR2+ Gen 2. This is an improved […]
4 Ways to Nurture Innovation in the Classroom
Nurturing innovation in the classroom can build engagement and skills that students will use well beyond the classroom
XR Year in Review: The Most Important Stories of 2023 and What They Mean for 2024
Somehow another year has come and gone. 2024 will mark the 13th year that we’ve been following this XR journey here at Road to VR. With an eye on that long-term perspective, it’s once again time to reflect on the biggest stories of the last year and to talk about what’s on the horizon.
Apple Announces Vision Pro
The News
Apple announced is Vision Pro headset in June of 2023 marking the company’s first public step into the XR headset space. Apple also boldly announced the headset’s staggering $3,500 price, despite a launch date set for nearly a […]
Characteristics of The 21st Century Teachers
Welcome back to our insightful series on 21st century education. In this latest installment, we turn our focus back to a topic I last discussed in 2011: the characteristics of 21st-century teachers. It’s astounding to reflect on how much has changed in the intervening years in the world of education and teaching.
The pace of change, driven predominantly by the rapid encroachment of digital and now AI technologies, has accelerated dramatically. Gone are the days when educational progress was measured in decades; today, the landscape shifts almost annually, underscoring the dynamic and evolving nature of teaching in […]
Best TED Talks on Leadership
In this blog post, we’ll explore a curated selection of TED Talks that delve into various facets of leadership. From understanding what motivates us in our work to redefining leadership in everyday contexts, these talks provide a diverse perspective on leadership. They are not just lectures; they are conversations that inspire and challenge our preconceived notions. Whether you’re an aspiring leader, a seasoned executive, or simply someone curious about the dynamics of leadership, these talks offer valuable lessons and thought-provoking ideas.
TED Talks on Leadership
Here are some of the best TED talks on leadership:
1.
SciSummary: How To Use It To Teach
SciSummary is described as ChatGPT with a PhD, offering summaries of science using AI.
Official Pixel Art Add-on for Google Sheets
Install Pixel Art add-on for Google Sheets to enable pixel art in any spreadsheet. This official Add-on was created by Google Developer Expert, Alice Keeler.
The post Official Pixel Art Add-on for Google Sheets appeared first on Teacher Tech with Alice Keeler.
Best Neuroscience TED Talks
As an educator and someone passionate about the intersection of neuroscience and education, I’ve always been fascinated by how understanding our brain can enhance our teaching and learning experiences. TED Talks have been a valuable resource in this journey, offering insights from experts in neuroscience that are not only informative but also incredibly inspiring.
In this post, I’ve curated a selection of the best neuroscience TED Talks, each shedding light on different aspects of our brain’s functioning. From the mysteries of sleep to the power of bilingualism, these talks offer valuable knowledge for educators, parents, and anyone […]
Research-based Benefits of Being Bilingual
Language has always captivated me since childhood. The marvel of communicating through words, both spoken and unspoken, struck me as nothing short of magical. A question that often intrigued me was the origin of language. How did our early ancestors, be they Neanderthals or another race, develop this intricate system of shared conventions and meanings?
This topic, rich in history and analysis, spans centuries and countless volumes. While delving into its depths is a vast undertaking beyond the scope of this brief post, let’s acknowledge the remarkable fact that we’ve evolved complex communicative codes enabling us to […]
Best QR Reader Apps for Android and iPhone
In today’s fast-paced digital world, QR codes have become ubiquitous, offering a quick and efficient way to access information, websites, and other resources. Whether you’re a teacher looking to integrate technology into your classroom, a parent seeking educational resources, or just someone who loves the convenience of quick scanning, having a reliable QR reader app on your smartphone is a must. Android and iPhone users alike have a plethora of options when it comes to QR reader apps, each boasting unique features that cater to different needs.
From apps that excel in speed and efficiency to those […]
How School Leaders Can Address the Inequities of the AI Digital Divide
As AI becomes more integrated into schools, it’s going to be up to school leaders to make sure it is equitable.
6 Ways to Boost Student Agency
Advice for boosting student agency from award-winning educator Dr. Krista Herrera
How to Type Accents in Google Docs
In today’s digitally connected world, where languages blend and intermingle in our daily communications, knowing how to add accented characters to documents has become an essential skill. This is particularly true for educators, linguists, and anyone working with multiple languages.
Google Docs, a widely used platform for creating and sharing documents, offers several ways to incorporate these special characters. Understanding these methods can greatly enhance your writing and communication in languages that use accents.
The first method involves using Google Input Tools, a versatile tool that supports over 90 languages. It’s ideal for those who frequently switch between […]
The 8 Key Digital Literacy Skills for Teachers and Educators
Digital literacy, a dynamic and ever-evolving concept, continuously adapts to encompass new skills and practices emerging alongside technological advancements. This fluid nature of digital literacy is intricately analyzed in “Understanding Digital Literacies: A Practical Introduction” by Jones and Hafner.
Their insightful exploration delves into the essence of being digitally literate amidst the transformative waves of the social media boom and the proliferation of Web 2.0 technologies. In the heart of their compelling narrative, particularly in the opening chapter, lies a fascinating discussion on the diverse digital literacy practices essential for flourishing in our increasingly digital-centric […]
How to Turn off SafeSearch
Turning off SafeSearch on Google is pretty straightforward, both on desktop and mobile devices. This feature is there to filter out explicit content from your search results, but sometimes you might need access to unfiltered information for your research or other purposes.
Turn Off SafeSearch
Here’s how to turn off SafeSearch:
On Desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux, Chromebook)
Open Google Search: Start by visiting Google.com on your preferred web browser.
Access Settings: Look for the “Settings” option, usually found at the bottom-right corner of the Google homepage.
Navigate to Search Settings: Click on “Settings” and then select “Search […]
10 Great Time Management Tools for Teachers
In the fast-paced world of education, time is a precious commodity. As someone deeply immersed in the field, I’ve always been on the lookout for strategies and tools that can help us educators manage our time more effectively. But it’s not just about teachers; anyone interested in boosting their productivity can benefit from these insights.
Today, I want to share with you a curated list of some of the best time management tools, handpicked with teachers in mind. However, before we delve into these tools, it’s essential to talk about a fundamental technique that has the potential to […]
Best iPad Apps for Students
In this post, we’ll delve into a diverse selection of educational iPad apps for students. I have already reviewed and recommend these apps in several posts here in Educators Technology and today I am aggregating them all in a signle list so you can easily access them.
These iPad apps for students are not only educational but also engaging and user-friendly, catering to various learning styles and academic needs. From interactive learning tools to organizational aids, these apps promise to transform the educational experience, making learning a more interactive, enjoyable, and effective process.
Related: Best Animation Apps for […]