Ed3 Weekly Issue #111: No Surprises
Stay informed on web3 developments in education with resources on blockchain, metaverse, and AI
Hello Ed3 Community, welcome back to Ed3 Weekly! This week's resources explore a wide range of topics in the space of web3 and education.
To start off, we're witnessing a shift towards more secure and verifiable ways of recognizing learning, with the release of 1EdTech's Open Badges 3.0 standard. This new standard not only enhances security but also empowers learners by giving them true ownership of their digital credentials, creating a portable and trustworthy representation of their skills and achievements.
There’s also an investigation of immersive learning by Anthony White, with tools like Marzipano offering educators the ability to transport their students to far-off lands, historical sites, and even simulated scientific laboratories. These 360° media viewers are breaking down the walls of the traditional classroom, fostering deeper engagement and understanding through interactive experiences.
Some of these fascinating technology tools do come with some caution. As we embrace these exciting developments, we must also grapple with the ethical implications of rapidly advancing AI. The launch of ChatGPT Edu brings the power of personalized AI tutoring to universities, but it also raises important questions about data privacy and algorithmic bias. Louis Rosenberg's thought-provoking article on the potential for AI manipulation reminds us that these tools, while powerful, are not without their risks.
In every issue, we take deep looks into the potential of Web3 technologies to transform education. We balance this exploration by addressing the challenges and ethical considerations that come with them.
We'll explore how blockchain can create more equitable and transparent systems for recognizing learning, how immersive technologies can enhance student engagement and understanding, and how we can harness the power of AI while mitigating its potential risks.
Let's embrace the possibilities while remaining mindful of the responsibilities that come with shaping the future of learning.
📰 Featured Articles:
Check out the resources linked below to delve deeper into the topics covered in this issue. Each resource is categorized by crypto, blockchain, and AI.
⛓️ Blockchain News
New Open Badges 3.0 Standard Provides Enhanced Security and Mobility
1EdTech's Open Badges 3.0 standard for digital credentials is now publicly available, marking a major advancement in recognizing lifelong learning with enhanced security, learner ownership, and interoperability.
🌐 Metaverse News
Using Marzipano: A 360° Media Viewer for Classrooms
Marzipano is a free, user-friendly, and versatile 360° media viewer that empowers educators to create immersive learning experiences like virtual field trips, interactive science labs, and engaging history lessons.
🤖 AI News
New ChatGPT Version Aiming at Higher Ed
OpenAI has unveiled ChatGPT Edu, a new version of ChatGPT designed for universities, addressing privacy concerns and offering personalized AI tools for various educational applications.
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🤿 Weekly Deepdive
Agents of manipulation (the real AI risk)
Rosenberg/Midjourney
This article by AI and XR researcher Louis Rosenberg discusses the rapid advancement of AI conversational agents. While promising increased convenience and personalized assistance these agents raise concerns about data privacy, manipulation, and the need for regulation to ensure ethical and responsible use in education and beyond. The integration of AI in education, such as AI-driven tools like ChatGPT, presents both opportunities and challenges for educators and learners.
While AI can personalize learning experiences and streamline workflows, it also raises concerns about data privacy, security, and the potential for misuse. As we stand on the cusp of this technological revolution, it is crucial for educators to be prepared to navigate the complexities and ethical considerations surrounding AI in order to effectively leverage its potential for enhancing learning experiences and empowering students.
Thank you for stopping by for another issue of my newsletter on emerging technology in education. If you’re on LinkedIn you can check out a version of this newsletter on my LinkedIn page and give me a follow. You can also link to all my work by checking out my website or give me a follow on the X platform.