4 Reasons 3D is Vital to ISTE 2014, plus SIG3D’s Webinar Video

With ISTE 2013 only just behind us, it’s already time to start thinking about submitting proposals for next year’s conference.  The ISTE 2014 Conference will take place in Atlanta, GA from June 28 to July 1, but the call for participation ends in just a week on October 2nd.

As you consider your submitting for next year’s conference, it has never been more important to consider including 3D technologies.  Why?

1.  The International Society of Technology in Education is an organization that represents the interests and priorities of educational technology leaders.  Each year, the conference program and exhibit hall reveal the both newest and more effective technologies and edtech practices to nearly 20,000 attendees.  In recent years, 3D technologies in design/modeling, 3D printing and stereoscopic 3D have represented the true cutting edge in educational technologies.  Including sessions, demonstrations, and hands-on offerings that allow educators to explore these technologies maintains the ISTE Conference’s reputation as the quintessential home for edtech innovation.

2.  3D technologies and applications are internationally relevant to educational best practices.  Stories, research and case studies of successes in teaching with 3D have emerged from countries across 6 continents, with applications spreading widely across the United States, India, and Europe.  With attendees participating from around the world, the ISTE Conference is the perfect venue for exploring and sharing emerging practices relevant to the global learning community.

3.  Knowledge and skills in emerging technologies lead to success in emerging careers.  With 3D applications exploding in design, technology, engineering and manufacturing industries, exposing our students to learning and creating in three dimensions prepares them for future success in college, careers and life.

4.  Teaching and learning with 3D technologies leads to significant learning benefits.  Research from case studies around the world are demonstrating that teaching with 3D technologies is good for students.  For example, when teaching with stereoscopic 3D video, interactives, and simulations, students demonstrate significant increases in learning gains, retention, abstract concept mastery, and more.  A great overview of these benefits can be found in my Stereoscopic 3D Enhances Learning infographic.

To get a better idea of the ISTE proposal process, ways that 3D relates to edtech’s hottest topics, and how to identify your own area of expertise to share, watch our SIG3D September 2013 Webinar archive video: How to Write a Great Proposal for ISTE 2014… and Why SIG3D Members Should!

And if and when you do submit your 3D technology-related proposal for ISTE 2014, I would love to hear about it.  Please, feel free to share about your ideas and approach in the comments below.  I look forward to connecting with you now and at the ISTE  2014 conference!