[3D Roundabout]
Clearly, one of the challenges we face in increasing the footprint of 3D is educating the public. For example, did you know:
• 53% of parents surveyed* believe 3D viewing is harmful to a child’s vision or eyes?
• Nintendo warns in their health and safety information that children below the age of six should not use 3D technology?
• Neither of the above concerns have a foundation in fact, based on past and current research?
…
Concluding thoughts
This report carries both consequence and a very hopeful message. It carries consequence in conveying the message that vision matters—in learning and in life. It is hopeful in that the underlying vision problems identified with the help of a 3D experience can in most cases be successfully addressed through vision therapy or corrective lenses. And this is especially true when children are diagnosed early enough to intervene.
Now it’s up to us in terms of how to use this insight. On a personal level, I go out of my way to help parents, moviegoers, or 3D complainers find their way to a comfortable 3D experience or to a long overdue visit to their optometrist. On a professional level, I use this information to help educators as well as sales, technology, and engineering professionals to overcome unwelcome hurdles, dispel stubborn myths, and create learning solutions that make a difference for learning.
I also imagine that there is a way to not to use this information. We shouldn’t admonish adults “you need your eyes checked, dummy!” “Something’s wrong with you, don’t you know the research?” Instead, we may find it wiser to slip them the study, or subtly mention the hopeful and affirmative message of the AOA’s research. Similarly, we don’t embarrass students in front of the class with the notion that something is wrong. Rather, we carefully apply the 3D viewing guidelines, and if problems persist, a teacher quietly persuades students to talk with their parents about visiting their optometrist.
With children, however, the stakes are higher. Nothing less than long-term success or failure in learning is at stake. For that reason, don’t let the message of this report wither over time. Vision is important and 3D vision really matters.
Previously a teacher and principal, Len also served as the Director of Instructional Technology and Library Media for the Boulder Valley School District in Boulder, CO. He now works as a Digital Learning Architect engaging in innovative projects in the area of 3D, visual teaching and learning, online and blended learning, and technology leadership. Len serves as an active adjunct professor for the University of Colorado-Denver and Lesley University (Cambridge), teaching in their Masters’ degree programs. Most recently, Len has been speaking about 3D in education at national conferences, and is the author of the Future-Talk 3D blog and numerous technology books.
See the full article here: http://3droundabout.com/2011/12/5686/the-eyes-have-it-3d-and-vision-health.html