Passionate teachers speak of that light bulb moment – when a student “gets it” and all the sacrifice of being a teacher become entirely worth it. To create more of these magical moments, teachers are looking to technology for help.

One technology showing great potential has been 3D – here we take a closer look at just how.

3D Classes a Hit
Last year, BBC News reported on the inspiring benefits of 3D use in schools in the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Turkey, and Sweden, including:

Higher Test Scores – 86% of students in 3D classrooms improved in test results compared to 52% of children in traditional classes
Better Focus and Attention – 92% of the class paid attention during 3D lessons compared to 46% in the traditional learning environment
Increased Student Participation – The level of questioning by students increased especially shy students that don’t normally engage in class

So Why Are So Few Schools Actually Using 3D?
Until now though, few schools have actually been utilizing 3D due to the high investment required like fancy projectors and expensive, battery-operated glasses.

Problems with older 3D technology have involved the use of mechanical glasses with shutters alternately blocking and unblocking the view of the left and right eyes to create a 3D effect. With this shuttering effect, however, have been complaints about comfort, as well as health concerns like eye fatigue and dizziness.

3D Made Practical

With existing 3D, viewers are required to wear expensive, heavy, battery operated glasses usually weighing 36g or more. If a student drops his glasses, guess what? The school is out around USD $80 for a single pair.

A different issue in implementing 3D has been how to show a 3D image viewable to an entire class of students.

Older 3D technology has an extremely limited viewing angle –that means if a viewer tilts her head or moves to the side, the shutters go black and the 3D image is lost. Thus, in a class full of students sitting around a room, the only option has been to invest in an expensive 3D projector or ask students to crowd around a display.
In contrast, today’s TVs have a wide viewing angle of 180° with no degradation or loss of picture. Wherever a student is sitting, there’s no worry that he won’t be able to see.

A Bright Future Ahead
It’s clear that the young students of today represent the future of tomorrow and 3D will lend a helping hand.

03. Jan. 2013