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Virtual Reality is in the middle of the process Farman describes using the kaleidoscope and Iphone as examples. This relatively new electronic equipment creates a three-dimensional computer simulation of an environment that can feel real to participants. If this technology was being assessed by the standards Farman used to evaluate kaleidoscopes and Iphones, VR would be beginning its introduction into common culture. Much like the other technologies, critics could fear that people will become too engrossed in the virtual world and forget their real world responsibilities. Some may even argue that the lack of inhibition within a virtual world could have dangerous implications for real life behavior. The article tended to only address the negative feedback surrounding the introduction of new technology into society. When thinking about VR through this lens, I thought it would be interesting to take it a step further and see how the new technology could contribute to society.
In 2015, a member of Google’s virtual reality design team, Alex Faaborg, gave a Ted talk about what must be considered when designing this equipment and its possible implications. Faaborg focused primarily on art and education. I was particularly interested in the implications VR has for education. Google’s goal when producing this technology was to allow children to see and experience what they are studying. For example, after reading Romeo and Juliet they could take a virtual class trip to Verona. This form of virtual experiential learning could help instill students with curiosity and help them enjoy learning. The Ted Talk made me wonder if this could be taken a step further. Could VR be produced at a low enough cost and used to provide underserved students in developing countries with academic lessons?
Posted from Intro to Digital Studies by Kat