We’re excited to bring you another fascinating episode of the Filament Games Podcast, recorded live at SXSW EDU 2024! In this installment, we sit down with Julie Willcott, Education Products Manager at zSpace, to explore the cutting-edge world of virtual reality in education.
via Tenor
Julie brings a unique perspective to the world of educational technology. With a background as a high school science teacher in Maine, she now works at the intersection of VR hardware and software development. Her role at zSpace involves collaborating with engineers to create innovative educational experiences using virtual reality technology.
During the conversation, Julie shares insights on:
- The evolution of VR technology in education, including zSpace’s move away from special glasses to screen-based 3D experiences
- How VR and simulations are becoming more widely accepted in classrooms
- The importance of creating intuitive interfaces for both students and teachers
- The concept of DICE (Dangerous, Impossible, Counterintuitive, or Expensive) as a framework for determining when to use VR in education
The episode also touches on the vibrant creative economy in Austin, as observed during SXSW EDU, the growing interest in game design and development among students, and the need for a more integrated approach to teaching computer science across various disciplines. Julie shares her thoughts on the rapid adoption of AI in education and the challenges educators face in implementing these new technologies. She emphasizes the importance of developing students’ skills in evaluating information and understanding the underlying mechanisms of AI.
Tune in to the full episode below on your preferred platform: Soundcloud, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or Stitcher.
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Interested in exploring how virtual reality can enhance your educational programs? Reach out to us today, and let’s start a conversation about your project!