To Whom It May Concern: Issue #29 of web3🤝education
Hello educator and web3 frens,
I've been reflecting deeply while preparing my presentation for the upcoming "Web3 & the Evolution of Education Unconference" with the Ed3DAO. I've been considering use cases, mental models, equity, access, relevance, scams, and so much more.
Web3 is a complex topic. There is a number of viewpoints about what it is and what it will (or won't) be. As an educator, I need to use a critical lens to dissect the various options in order to identify what is the relevant information.
That's where this newsletter comes in. I have a passion for sharing resources that add value to your job as an educator. I use my experience working with students and teachers to curate the information that you need.
This week I touch on some topics that are on the bleeding edge of concern in many educator circles. The dangers of AI, using NFTs to incentivize learning, teens in the metaverse, and VR education solutions. I am grateful that we have the opportunity to jump into the conversations early so we can help to shape the implementation of these technologies in our classrooms.
All of these articles are things that I am considering as I craft my presentation about "the key components of web3 that will transform society and education and the future-ready skills that are essential for engaging with this transformation."
I look forward to a special "Web3 & the Evolution of Education Unconference" issue next week. But for now please enjoy this week's resources on:
🤖 Like it or not AI is here, this article will help you understand who is driving its adoption
🎟 Story about how a classroom is using NFTs to increase student engagement
📃 Read a major report about GenZ and the future of learning in the metaverse
🧑🎓 This company outlines how VR can be used in your K-12 classroom
Why is Everyone Talking About Generative A.I.? — www.nytimes.com
As the title of this New York Times article states, AI is definitely having its "coming out moment." It's for good reason. The technology has reached an inflection point where there are free and easy-to-use tools for image and text generation.
It is important to understand where these tools come from, who is designing them, and how it all fits into innovations in technology. One quote stands out, "You can’t put the genie back in the bottle, but you can at least have everyone look at the genie.”
Using NFTs for Positive Reinforcement — www.govtech.com
As educators, we are very aware of the dangers of positive reinforcement models. Many of us have at least a passing familiarity with Alfie Kohn's book Punished By Rewards.
So the idea of using NFTs to encourage participation by students will probably be met with eye rolls and sighs. But before we all "poo-poo" the idea, it is important to understand why and how it's being used. Keep an open mind and learn about this example in the Dallas school system.
Report on Gen Z and the Future of Learning in the Metaverse — www.fenews.co.uk
Here is a thorough report about the metaverse from the Federation of Awarding Bodies out of the UK. You can read some background on the report here.
What makes this particular report interesting is it focuses on how Gen Z will be interacting with this technology. The forward to the report uses this famous Abraham Lincoln quote, "The philosophy of the school room in one generation will be the philosophy of government in the next." Learn more about what those schoolroom philosophies will be in the future.
VR and the Way Students Learn — www.victoryxr.com
In reading through "Gen Z & The Future of Learning in The Metaverse" this company was particularly interesting. They have built out a number of VR learning environments and objects. These are ready to use and accessible through their website with a monthly subscription.
I haven't tried any of the learning tools yet, but just viewing some of their sample videos, like this cadaver lab, gets me excited. I never thought I'd get excited about a cadaver lab, but the advancements in this technology are worthy of our attention.
Thank you for stopping by for another issue of my web3🤝education newsletter. You can subscribe to the newsletter here or if you’re on LinkedIn go check out a version of this newsletter on my LinkedIn page and give me a follow.
Link to all my work by checking out my website.