Virtual

__**http://www.google.com/educators/spectrum.html**__
 * __1. Using Virtual 3D Environments with students with ASD__**


 * "The above URL goes to a page that includes a video that may or may not be blocked in your districts. If it is please try to watch it at home. It demonstrates how educators are starting to use 3D technology like the free Google Sketch-Up with students with autism. I'm sharing this to point out that virtual instructional and 3D virtual environments/worlds are not fads. This is a major shift in technology; especially the emphasis on visual spatial skills. As young children grow up playing with Wiis and Webkinz and such their brains are being wired developmentally in ways we don't understand. Could be good, could be bad, but it is happening.**


 * Wading into this visual spatial "pool" will not be easy for some of us. It's not how we developed. But as the video above demonstrates we have some students who may not be able to draw a floor plan of their classroom on paper but can create complex buildings in a virtual 3D environment. We need to start to get a handle on this.**


 * In your "Exploring New Territories" booklet you will find 4 pages (18-21) on virtual instruction, 3D games, and 3D worlds. If you have not read those pages please do so. The booklet is a sort of road map on directions we are going next year. And if you look at the booklet as a network road map and think there are things missing; please don't lose those ideas. We need that input next year to update the booklet." David

__2. Second Life for Educators__ __http://www.thejournal.com/articles/23777/__

**__**3. Augmented Reality Technology**__ http://www.paec.org/fdlrstech/video/ar%2002/ http://ge.ecomagination.com/smartgrid/#/augmented_reality http://www.toyota.co.uk/cgi-bin/toyota/bv/frame_start.jsp?id=iQ_reality
 * Above is a link to a video demonstration I made of augmented reality technology. The links below are additional resources."**
 * David**