While BETT has recently concluded, the groundwork is just now being laid for the June-July ISTE 2015 educational technology conference, with the fireworks taking place in Philadelphia this year. Last year, this conference was enjoyed by more than 16,800 attendees. (It is known as the largest ed-tech soirée in the US.)
Last year’s conference evidenced a solid 3D presence in education (21 presentations plus 14 3D-related vendors), and this year’s program suggests the same positive trending. Interested 3D-related manufacturers may want to pay notice. Inside sources reveal that the ISTE 2015 conference will offer 23 3D related sessions: five in the arena of designing in 3D, including game design; five focusing on stereo 3D; four on visualization using rendered 3D; and nine sessions on 3D printing (3D printing gets the numbers edge this year, for the first time.) A sampling of the many featured session titles includes:
- Learn 3D Modeling in One Hour
- Promising Technologies, Creativity & Teaching: Ten Solutions to Take Away
- 3D Network Showcase: Designing, Visualizing and Making in 3D
- Virtual Reality in the Classroom: Simulations using the Oculus Rift
- C-R-A-Z-Y New 3D Resources
- Creating 3D virtual living spaces to promote sustainable development
- Depth-defying Learning: Exploring the Top Ten 3D Developments
- Teach 3D Game Design in One Week
- 3D Print Your Classroom
ISTE’s recently formed special interest group or personal learning network (PLN) – the 3D Network – will also continue its educational advocacy for all things 3D at the conference. Now pushing 2,500 members, this educator’s advocacy group is expected to raise the decibel level of 3D in education by again hosting its popular membership open house, offering an annual meet-and-greet demonstration event, and sponsoring a first-time panel presentation at the conference. The 3D Network is again expected to grow in numbers dramatically. (The organisation is already one of the fastest growing PLNs in ISTE.)
No doubt, many 3D-related exhibitors will also make their presence known on the ISTE 2015 expo floor this year – newcomers and the familiar folks alike. Companies wishing to have a presence at the 3D Network meet-and-greet demonstration event – in person or with literature – should contact this author sooner rather than later. – Len Scrogan
