The first thing I found interesting
was that I have lived long enough to be able to compare what it was like in an
older technology world versus what it's like now in the rapidly changing
2010's. I can reflect on how the methods of instruction changing nowadays, have
evolved from when I was taught in the 1990,s. We turned pretty good, so we
can’t deny the ultimate need of the adult learner to see purpose in what they
are doing. An end goal to energize their work ethic. Students will always do
well if correctly motivated to take charge of their learning. Who's to say
changing the way we do things is better? This technology is ripe for
application to current systems. “In our more than 100 years of building
critical human infrastructure, we have seen a lot of technology advancements,
and AR has a compelling value proposition in our industry right now. We are
looking at AR applications that provide individual operators with data they
need to perform specific construction and maintenance tasks remotely.”
(Krunkel, Soechtig, Miniman & Stauch, 2016) I am concerned that
modern technology is not better for society overall. Certainly, students
nowadays are attracted to more entertaining projects and things that grab their
attention better. This modern technology should be attractive to the student
population. I agree It is pretty cool. The WOW factor is huge. For now. Does it
reduce the amount of instructors that we need in the future? Students will be
able to study theory online before they even come to the welding school. I instruct
weld theory now. "Technology has infused every aspect of society to
essentially change the thought process in learning" (Merrrian &
Bierema, 2014, p. 191) This will create staff changes eventually. The high-tech
nature of this equipment brings maintenance and repair with it. As someone who
works in an 80 power source welding shop can agree, reliability becomes an
issue around students. Units would require regular servicing and repair. I
could see that assistant rolls maybe necessary in concert with instructor
education. The students then may benefit from having additional help as they
work through simulation style class study. I will continue to be involved
with the direction of change of my trade overall.
References also in Resource section:
Merriam, S. B., & Bierema, L. L. (2014). Adult learning:
Linking Theory and Practice. San Francisco: John Wiley & Sons.
Krunkel, N., Soechtig, S., Miniman, J., & Stauch, C. (2016) Augmented and virtual reality go to work: Seeing business through a different lens. Deloitte MCS Limited. Retrieved from https://www2.deloitte.com/content/dam/Deloitte/uk/Documents/technology/deloitte-uk-tech-trends-2016-augmented-and-virtual-reality.pdf