Author: Darshan Shah

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Three-dimensional or 3D learning has become the buzzword of 2023. But what exactly is it, and how does it help academicians and trainers? In this article, we explore in-depth the world of three-dimensional learning. What is 3D learning?  Three-dimensional learning is a state-of-the-art learning methodology that harnesses the power of 3D science and technology to empower learners to be future-ready. Three-dimensional learning focuses on making STEM courses more understandable, realistic, and practical. This learning technique is often most-effective with K 12 learners. Types of 3D Learning  Science and Engineering Practices (SEP) When teaching science, a text-based, lecture-style method doesn’t help students actively engage with the concepts they’re learning about. Science and engineering practices focus on introducing students to the techniques and tools that scientists, researchers, doctors, and engineers use in their jobs in real-life. These techniques/tools could include modeling, hypothesis testing, simulations, evaluations, and scientific explanations. By adopting these authentic practices, students are encouraged to develop the critical skills they will need as future science or engineering professionals. Crosscutting Concepts (CCC) The different disciplines in STEM don’t work in isolation. Cross-disciplinary concepts exist (for example, speed, weight, motion, etc., are important for math, biology, and engineering alike). Crosscutting concepts introduce students to look at the world as an interconnected web, where relationships like energy-matter, cause-effect, scale-proportion-quantity, stability-change, structure-function, etc., play an integral role in the world. The concepts they learn in one STEM subject will be translated into other STEM subjects to help them think from the lens of interconnectedness across disciplines. Disciplinary Core Ideas (DCI)  DCIs refer to theoretical content knowledge. In three-dimensional learning, learners are introduced to important concepts in various subjects, such as earth sciences, life sciences, space sciences, physical sciences, and engineering & technology. DCIs not only support SEPs and CCCs but also allow students to be introduced to concepts that cannot be practically implemented in the classroom. Benefits of 3D Learning Three-dimensional learning can be incredibly advantageous to learners.  Makes Science Accessible to All Types of Learners  Every student has a different learning style. The great feature of three-dimensional learning is that it supports all three learning styles – visual, auditory, and kinesthetic. This can greatly improve learner understanding, classroom engagement, and knowledge retention rates. Additionally, testing and evaluation can be personalized to suit students’ strengths while working on their weaknesses. Creates Employability Skills  Together, SEP, CCC, and DCI give learners a holistic education that moves beyond rote learning and focuses on developing employability skills. Using the same techniques, methods, and tools used by real engineers, researchers, and other STEM professionals, learners can get exposure to authentic job experiences. This will allow them to hone necessary physical or intellectual skills, which will prepare them for the future job market. Fosters Communication, Collaboration, and Teamwork STEM, as an industry, thrives on teamwork. The mindset and personality needed to be a good team player can be developed in K-12 students through 3D learning. As part of three-dimensional classes, students will need to work in teams to complete puzzles, build models and answer questions/hypotheses. They will need to be great communicators, willing to work through interpersonal issues and combine their strengths to find a solution. Allows Students to Engage with The Most Current Technology and Research  Gone are the days of outdated textbooks. With 3D learning, students become privy to current research and cutting-edge technology. Students can now use e-learning platforms to access content that otherwise they may not be able to, from interviews with experts to virtual prototypes to live technology demonstrations. They critically engage with concepts/disciplines that interest them and learn where they can make a real-world impact after schooling. Makes Learning Fun  At its core, three-dimensional learning is a very engaging method of sharing knowledge with students of all ages. STEM concepts can be dry and boring for many students. Many brilliant minds may be discouraged from pursuing STEM because of how it is taught. Three-dimensional learning offers teachers, trainers, and content creators very engaging and enjoyable ways of creating a learning environment. How to Implement Three-Dimensional Learning Implementing three-dimensional learning doesn’t need to be confusing or difficult. Here is how you can incorporate three-dimensional learning into your school curriculum and pedagogy. Use the NGSS Performance Expectations As Your Guide  The Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) has released a set of guidelines for SEPs, CCCs, and DCIs. Academicians only need to follow these guidelines when creating lesson plans and setting-up learning spaces for their students. Include a Mix of Specimens and Simulations in Your Teaching  Objects or live specimens are one cornerstone of three-dimensional learning, while simulated STEM activities are another. Reducing dependency on conventional text/lecture-based learning is necessary. Museums and galleries often allow schools to procure specimens temporarily. Software like Hurix allows you to create lively and realistic simulations through its AR/VR capabilities. Together, these can create a wonderful blended learning experience. Allow Active Brainstorming and Questioning by Students  The idea behind three-dimensional learning is to help students critically engage with STEM concepts. Rather than showing the way, academicians can allow students to control the direction in which learning occurs. Through trial and error, they can learn concepts such as cause-effect, stability-change, etc., and learn how to use science/engineering technology to address the problems they encounter during class. Be Flexible About how You Bring the Three Dimensions of 3D Learning to Students While three-dimensional learning is most-effective when its three dimensions are integrated, sometimes, this approach may not work for certain concepts. When necessary, consider splitting the SEPs, CCCs, and DCIs into multiple separate classes and help students through the material. Flexibility is the core element that makes three-dimensional learning successful. Implementation Challenges  When implementing three-dimensional learning, academicians may face the following challenges. School’s resistance to adopting new-age learning pedagogy. Socio-cultural, economic, and demographic challenges that make adoption difficult. No training for academicians to implement three-dimensional learning. Limited finances to acquire learning materials. Restricted or no access to relevant software/platform. Get Ready for The Education Revolution with Hurix  Technology like AI, AR, and VR is getting more powerful than ever. Coupled with mobile phone