In the 90s TV show, the Magic School Bus, Ms. Frizzle would take her class to impossible places, like the inside of your blood vessels or far reaches of the galaxy with the help of a magic bus. School today doesn’t seem quite as interesting, engaging, or fun as the animated series. Is it possible for teachers to recreate this experience in their classroom?
The technology needed to create an immersive learning experience that nearly replicates that of the magic school bus exists today. Tools such as virtual reality, and augmented reality are finally at the consumer level, and can be leveraged in classroom environments to teach incredible things. The only barrier to entry is getting someone who knows how to drive the bus.
Using modern learning theories and extended reality technologies, this paper proposes a practical hands-on approach to building a group of teachers, instructors, and educators that are confident in their ability to bring immersive experiences to their students. Simply putting the tools in the hands of instructors and saying “go” won’t result in a magical experience. Instructors must be taught how best to use these new tools and teaching methods to reach their desired learning outcomes.
The model, based on andragogy, is a simple four-step process. While this model can be applied to a wide variety of topics, it was specifically developed with new technology in mind. The model is rooted in the desired learning outcome. From there it feeds into each of the four steps: 1) Motivation, 2) Connection, 3) Medium, and 4) Assessment. By guiding teachers, instructors and educators through this model using the latest immersive technology – ranging from the phone in your pocket to the newest VR headset – we give them the key to the magic school bus and teach them how to drive.