Eton to utilize 3D to improve learning

MANILA, Philippines - This June, parents and students alike can look forward to a more exciting and quality learning as the first 3D school in the country was launched recently.

Instead of using regular textbooks, Eton International School, branded as the school of the future, will now let its students learn their subjects — from cellular biotechnology to global geography to ancient history and even intergalactic astrophysics — through 3D viewing.

Using 3D goggles, students from pre-school to high school are guaranteed to achieve an immersive learning experience by simply watching colorful 3D animated movies and 3D interactive supported by games and puzzles.

Eton International School president Jacqueline Marzan-Tolentino said the 3D approach to learning can serve as a fulcrum or center for enhanced teaching and improved assurance of school readiness.

Joie Perilla, e-learning head of the Product Presentation Group of Microdata Systems and Management Inc., a partner of Eton in the 3D classroom endeavor, said the use of 3D technology increases educational effectiveness and helps in visualizing complex topics.

The newly acquired 3D technology software delivers the world’s best 3D animated content for K12 science and mathematics education, with an average of 400 animations per subject.

It covers educational resources such as videos, simulations, interactive quizzes, images, Web links, innovative virtual laboratories, and high-definition stereoscopic movies.

Eton cited studies showing that the educational benefits of presenting teaching materials in 3D are promising, generating a significant improvement in comprehension and retention over the more traditional non-3D style of presentation.

Even pioneering schools of 3D technology had said a 3D classroom brings fun and excitement to learning, makes lessons more engaging and several abstract subjects more tangible for students.

Moreover, they said 3D technology improves grades and cultivates mastery of lessons, thus shortening the period of teaching.

One research study also showed that the lessons usually taught in three grading periods were taught in one grading period using 3D technology and a 35 percent increase in test scores was even noticed.

In the United States, the American Optometric Association underscored an essential fact that the ability to perceive depth in a 3D presentation turns out to be a highly sensitive tool for a range of vision health indicators, much more sensitive than the standard eye chart that has been in use for the last 150 years.

“3D in the classroom is proving to be an exciting new tool in the educator’s arsenal. With technology as our springboard, learning is more fun at Eton — textbooks come alive and retention becomes better. If your kids love to explore science, use math in real life situations or want to become future doctors, engineers, scientists, animators or businessmen, Eton is the place to be,” Tolentino said.

Eton, a part of a global network of more than 100 schools using the “Dunn and Dunn Learning Styles,” is engaged in K12 education.

Tolentino said learning in Eton is more continuous, relevant and adaptive as classrooms are outfitted with the latest interactive technology.

Tolentino, however, stressed that although the school is high-tech, the climate remains homey, with diverse community members building congenial relationships on green and spacious school grounds.