Ed3 Weekly Issue #61: More Than Meets the Eye
The application of VR, web3, and AI continues to evolve
Hello web3 and education friends,
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Embracing diverse voices is crucial to our growth and understanding. As the curator of this newsletter, I can acknowledge that there is always room for improvement in amplifying viewpoints, developments, and information from resources representing a rich tapestry of identities.
Recently, I had a powerful realization when I stumbled upon two resources highlighting groundbreaking work taking place right here in the place I hold dear: Hawaiʻi. It made me pause and reflect on my quest for intriguing advancements in web3 worldwide—what local innovations might I be overlooking?
In this edition, we have gathered a collection of articles that not only showcase the exciting endeavors unfolding in my home state but also present perspectives from a global innovator in AI and web3, as well as voices from students themselves.
Come delve into these valuable resources. Each offers unique insights and stories that will broaden your perspective.
Let's celebrate the fascinating developments happening both close to home and across the globe as we explore the following featured resources:
🌋 LAVA Lab in Hawaiʻi announces a collaboration to harness the power of Indigenous voices in exploring AI
🥽 A Hawaiʻi museum shares about an immersive learning experience that delves into Hawaiian history.
🏫 Dubai unveils its visionary initiative to establish an AI and web3 campus for learning
🧑🎓 Gain insights from student perspectives on AI and its impact on their learning experiences.
Improving AI Through Indigenous Knowledge
Image from LAVA Lab
It brings me immense joy to lead this week's issue with two resources from my home of Hawaiʻi. While we may not have a significant presence in the field of emerging technology, recent news about The University of Hawaiʻi being part of an international group of researchers and Indigenous practitioners awarded funding may help change this.
This project is described as “Indigenous-led” and involves 37 co-investigators and collaborators from eight universities and 12 Indigenous community-based organizations across Canada, the United States, and New Zealand. Their aim is to support Indigenous knowledge keepers in bringing novel perspectives to the transformation of AI. Although I am not Kānaka Maoli, as a Hawaiʻi-based and raised educator with a deep passion and appreciation for indigenous knowledge, this is incredibly significant news.
Storytelling of Hawaiian Aliʻi
Photo: Kauaʻi Museum www.kauaimuseum.org/xr
The second example serves as proof that there is more happening in our own backyard than we might realize. Personally, I have developed a deeper interest in the work being done on AR/VR to amplify BIPOC voices, especially after discovering the Kinfolk app (refer to Issue #59 for more information). This exhibition at the Kauaʻi Museum is another example of the application of these voices.
I must acknowledge my own blind spots when it comes to this technology due to my limited experiences. However, this project has sparked my imagination regarding additional immersive applications, particularly in relation to Hawaiian history. The remarkable works of the late painter Herb Kane have always fascinated me, and I can envision entire immersive experiences based on each of his masterpieces. I am genuinely excited to see where this journey leads.
Dubai Leads the Way on AI and Metaverse Innovation
Image from Metaverse Newswire
Dubai continues to lead the way in building around AI, the metaverse, and futures studies. This recent announcement is further evidence of their commitment to being a global leader in these areas. The Middle East, Africa, and South Asia are emerging centers for technology, and Dubai is well-positioned to take advantage of this over the next decade.
Although it is focusing on the financial component, they are committed to creating a global ecosystem for AI and Web 3.0. According to this article, the Global Financial Centres Index rankings classify Dubai as the leader in the Middle East in this area. Globally, they are ranked 22nd, between Tokyo and Geneva. I will continue to watch for Dubai as a leader in the area of AI and web3, and it will be interesting to see how this impacts the educational offerings available in this area.
More Student Voices on AI
Image from iStock/Getty
I have continued to search for student-centered voices on AI to include in this newsletter. I'm happy to share that Education Week included this article in their recent coverage of AI in schools. The students' responses vary from “unreliable” to “meh” to “inspirational.”
This was a small sample size, and who knows how the students' reactions were solicited or what level of AI training they had. Regardless, I appreciated their attempt to include more student voices in discussing this topic. Much of what we read is teacher and/or admin-centered. I look forward to more input from how young people are using and reacting to this technology.
Thank you for stopping by for another issue of my web3🤝education newsletter. 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 blog or give me a follow on Twitter.