3D Comes to FETC & TCEA

This time of year is a whirlwind for educational technology as FETC and TCEA, two of the nations largest educational technology conferences, run back to back in Orlando, Florida and Austin, Texas.  Here is a recap of some s3D highlights from FETC last week… and a heads up of what’s to come at TCEA.

Despite minimal workshop and session representation for stereoscopic 3D at FETC, there were several 3D technologies featured in the exhibit hall.

• Av Rental Depot from Boca Raton, FL was demonstrating a variety of 3D educational content and clips on their Phillips 23″ 3D Autostereoscopic Monitor.  That’s right — 3D with no glasses!  In addition to this smaller monitor, Phillips is also offering a 42″ and 55″ version.  The price range is still a little high for the typical K-12 classroom, but the high quality of this monitor promises expanding possibilities in the future!
• School Specialty’s exhibit featured the dynamic all-in-one 3D cart from AV Rover. Packed with a 3D laptop, 3D projector, class set of active glasses and a s3D content bundle, the AV Rover provided for educators at the conference a great look into the world of educational stereoscopic 3D.
• Several booths featured 3D-Ready projectors, with Epson showcasing twonew projection offerings for educational 3D: one for active 3D and a pair of projectors for use with passive 3D.
• Of course, the 3D Ladibug document camera was in full swing at the Lumens booth.  In addition to basic demonstrations to visitors during exhibit hall hours, I gave full presentations on our 3D Ladibug elementary pilot with tips and tricks two times a day.  Based on the packed attendance and comments from attendees, the interest in stereoscopic 3D has significantly increased since last year at FETC.  With the cost of implementing 3D with TVs or projectors dropping, more and more schools are considering adding 3D to their classroom technology.
• Finally, a special mention for Stratasys, who had their classroom friendly 3D printer and printed samples available in the exhibit hall.  Expanding students abilities to dream and design in 3D, such printers can be a great addition to the hands-on 3D classroom.

Haven’t gotten enough 3D?  Good!  Today, starts the TCEA conference in Texas.  Last year, we saw a lot more educational s3D represented than at other conferences and I am very excited to check out what the exhibitors have in store this year!

Plus, Len Scrogan, 3D expert and fellow leadership team member for ISTE’s SIG3D, will be presenting on When 3D Comes to School later this afternoon, 3:30-6:30 PM, TX time.  If you are already in Austin, definitely try to check it out!