[Philip Lelyveld comment: this story, which includes a video, concludes that 3D is highly useful in the classroom when integrated into the curriculum.]

[Wired]

…

Texas Instruments, a pioneer in projection products with their DLP technology, initiated an independent study to determine if 3D technology can be effectively used as a learning aid in classrooms. Involving students age 10-13 across 15 schools and 47 teachers throughout europe, the study compared the learning and recall ability of students who were given instruction with traditional 2D visual aids versus 3D.

A summary video demonstrates the technology and summarizes the study’s findings. In one application, students view a 3D model of a cell as they learn about the various cell parts and functions. The study’s leader, Professor Anne Bamford, Director of the International Research Agency, said,

“Across all of the schools involved in the study, 3D shortened the time it took for students to learn concepts, increased their attention spans and resulted in overall deeper thinking from the students. The findings indicate that 3D projection should be considered now and into the future when looking for ways to improve their students learning and engagement.”

…  Serving our children this content may be a great learning aid, but as with all innovative technology, it can’t be a one-size-fits-all approach. 3D needs to be integrated into curriculum in a way that is effective and not pure eye candy. I think there’s room for this to succeed but its going to take the technology vendors, the curriculum developers and students and parents to determine what the right amount of engagement with the new technology works. And to ensure that valid alternatives exist for those which the technology is ineffective for them as a learning aid.

Check out the video below for more information about 3D technology in the classroom and the positive results of this study. Further links to case studies can be found at dlp.com.

Watch the 4 minute video of teacher, student, and parent reactions to 3D in the classroom here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rd0Qo3sXsHY&feature=player_embedded

See the full story here: http://www.wired.com/geekdad/2011/10/is-3d-in-classrooms-just-a-gimmick/