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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

The Reality of Virtual Reality

Early flight simulato
Virtual reality (VR) has advanced dramatically since the days of flight simulators used by the military.  VR is currently available in three different types: by placing a helmet over your head to experience a 3-d reality, BOOM - binocular omni-oriented monitor, and a VR theater that the user moves through.   







Below is my tetrad on virtual reality.

Looking at a technology through the lens of McLuhan’s tetrad lens allows me to understand where a technology came from and where it was headed. By understanding this one technology it allows you to see how it fits into the history of other technologies like it. New technologies are created because there is a need for them. By looking at technologies through the tetrad lens it becomes more apparent what the technology needs of society are.

By understanding this four areas of McLuhan’s tetrad then it can aid in technology decisions in the future. If the technology does not make another technology obsolete then it may not be a wise technology to invest in. If a technology does not enhance a technology already available, then it may not be wise to invest in. If the technology does not enhance old ideas, then it may not be wise to invest in. Lastly, if it does not set the stage for future technology, then it may not be a wise investment.

Enjoy ~SJ
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3 comments:

  1. AnonymousMarch 31, 2011 at 9:59 AM

    A cluster springs forth when we consider your obsolescence. Another technology that completely replaces field training is simulators. Is a simulator just one variation of virtual reality? It was hard for me to be creative on the "reverses" part of the tetrad because I feel like we've seen so much of what is possible in movies...

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  2. UnknownApril 2, 2011 at 6:44 PM

    Even with all the touting over virtual reality, I always find it interesting how often educators think of its application to behaviorist education. I think it exemplifies the truth that technology is never beyond the polarity of human needs or imagination. I think the general-purpose flight simulator by Jay Forrester bears this out. The project was not about time travel or moon exploration but flight simulation. It had a practical purpose, which was behaviorist I might add.

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  3. AnonymousApril 3, 2011 at 11:39 AM

    Sarah,

    Also, this is your chance to talk to the world about your thinking on the application of the tetrad model to these technologies and then get feedback from your peers and other global readers.

    How could you use the pictures you've included in the graphic to illustrate each of the elements of the tetrad? In other word, could you move the pictures into the cubes as an illustration? Also, on my screen the graphic is melting into the right column. Try resizing so it fits in the middle column. You can also try changing themes to provide a wider area for the posts.

    Dr. Toledo

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