Technology and Student Collaboration

Today, technology is often blamed for making people anti-social, as it seems to encourage isolation rather than interaction. Many individuals find themselves preferring to send a quick text message instead of engaging in a more personal phone call, which can convey emotion and nuance. If you stand in a crowd or wait in line, you will likely notice that a significant number of people are engrossed in their phones, seemingly disconnected from the world around them. This behavior has led to concerns that technology is eroding our ability to communicate face-to-face and build meaningful relationships. However, this perspective overlooks the potential for technology to foster connection and collaboration in innovative ways.

But what about technology that can actually improve collaboration?

Mixed reality technology, such as zSpace, offers an immersive experience that not only captivates users but also facilitates collaboration among them. Unlike traditional headset VR, which tends to create a solitary and isolating environment, zSpace encourages students to come together in small groups of two or three. In these groups, they are motivated to inquire about various subjects, take calculated risks, and collaboratively solve complex problems. This approach to student collaboration creates unique opportunities for engaging in academic conversations and discussions, which are not always present in the typical classroom setting. By working together in this way, students can enhance their learning experience and develop critical communication skills.

Collaboration is an invaluable skill that students can carry with them into their future careers, where teamwork and cooperation are often essential. A recent Forbes article about collaboration in the workplace highlights this by stating that “less than one-third of teams are engaged at work, and according to Gallup, a majority of workers believe that their organization’s project performance would improve if their teams worked more collaboratively.” By honing their collaborative skills in the classroom through the use of technologies like zSpace, students can be better prepared for teamwork in their future jobs, where successful collaboration can lead to higher productivity and innovation.

Ebeling Elementary science teacher Alexandra Lang uses zSpace with her students, and she has observed remarkable changes in her students' behavior. She has noticed that some of her less vocal students, who might otherwise remain quiet and reserved, really come out of their shells during collaborative assignments in the zSpace lab. This transformation is significant as it allows every student to contribute their ideas and perspectives, enriching the learning experience for everyone involved. Hear what she has to say about the positive impact of zSpace on her students in the video below.