CoSpaces is a program that allows users to create their own virtual reality (VR). Students can use CoSpaces to create their own virtual world with 3D modelling tools and explore all aspects of their own imagination.
CoSpaces can be used to design and build historical settings allowing students to further explore necessary content from the syllabus such as ecosystems, space and historical time periods in Geography (NESA, 2015) and History (NESA, 2012). Students enhance scientific enquiry, observation and data analysis skills. VR allows for an immersive experience aligning with the NSW K-10 syllabus for Creative Arts (NESA, 2006).
The VR world I created shows the variety of animals, characters and settings students can include when exploring the technology themselves. These can be adapted to all subjects such as animals to show ecosystems, backgrounds for different seasons, vehicles when learning about different world cities and rocket ships for learning about space and our galaxy. The program also allows for coding to be used to allow for the characters to move and interact, a useful skill to learn in today’s society full of emerging technologies (Bower et al., 2014).
CoSpsces can be used in a collaborative nature where students combine ideas to create a virtual story. Students create a narrative, in English that includes characters, sets, props, movements and actions. Students then use CoSpaces to bring their story to virtual reality. This is a creative way to demonstrate the NSW K-10 syllabus for English which requires the use of multimodal texts and digital technologies in communication and storytelling (NESA, 2019). It also aligns with constructivist pedagogy, as students construct meaning through collaborative storytelling experiences.
CoSpaces can be used to visualize abstract math concepts in 3D, such as geometry, measurement and data analysis. Students can manipulate objects, explore spatial relationships and solve problems in a concrete and tangible way, promoting conceptual understanding.
CoSpaces can be used for students to design and prototype objects, buildings or inventions. The 3D modelling tools to create and test their designs, applying feedback from peers and teachers to continue the development process. This aligns with the NSW K-10 syllabus for Technology and Applied Studies, which emphasizes the use of design processes and technologies in solving real-world problems (NESA, 2017). Students are here demonstrating problem-solving by designing models using critical thinking. The constructivist pedagogy is evident as students engage in hands-on learning and learn the design process, from Piagets 1967 constructivism theory (Wadsworth, 1996).
Limitations with CoSpaces include the difficulty of initial use. Teachers must be well-trained to be able to allow students to use such technology. Extensive training must be undergone to ensure teachers are able to answer questions of difficulty for students of any technological ability. The technology associated with the program proves to be costly and not accessible to all schools of varying socio-economic levels.
References
Bower, M., Howe, C., McCredie, N., Robinson, A., & Grover, D. (2014). Augmented reality in education – cases, places and potentials. Educational Media International, 51(1), 1-15. https://doi.org/10.1080/09523987.2014.889400
NSW Education Standards Authority. (2015). Geography K–10 NSW education standards. Nsw.edu.au. https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/learning-areas/hsie/geography-k-10
NSW Education Standards Authority. (2015). Creative Arts K–6 NSW education standards. Nsw.edu.au. https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/learning-areas/creative-arts/creative-arts-k-6-syllabus
NSW Education Standard Authority. (2012). History K - 10 Syllabus. Nsw.edu.au https://educationstandards.nsw.edu.au/wps/portal/nesa/k-10/learning-areas/hsie/history-k-10
Wadsworth, Barry J. (1996). Piaget's theory of cognitive and affective development : foundations of constructivism. White Plains, N.Y. :Longman Publishers USA, 1996
Hi Amanda,
Really great blog post, I enjoyed reading it! Your explanation of CoSpaces is well-discussed and thorough. I think this is a great tool to use in the classroom as it incorporates creativity. I really liked that you discussed the NSW K-10 syllabus for Technology, how it emphasizes design processes and technologies, and how they can be great for solving real-world problems.
The videos you have included in your post demonstrate a really great way students can use CoSpaces by using the different features offered. Great work addressing the limitation that the classroom teacher needs to be well-trained using the application, it is very important!
Overall, great blog!
Madeline Hulme
12/04/23
Hi Amanda, this is such a great blog post. I really enjoyed reading it. CoSpaces looks like a great platform for teachers to incorporate into their classes. You have provided a well thought out and comprehensive understanding of VR and its use in the classroom. I really like how you have suggested a subject area and provided examples of what students can create using the technology - this is really helpful. The videos you have imbedded are great as it showcases the different elements students can create on the platform. Additionally, you have provided great limitations to using this technology, an important insight for teachers looking to incorporate this into their classes. Well done this was an amazing post. Looking…
Hi Amanda,
Your description of CoSpaces as a learning tool was comprehensive and provided a great understanding of how it works and it's capabilities; well done. The video example also gave a good sense of how it can be used.
I would have loved for you to elaborate on how it fosters creativity in the classroom and it's relation to constructivist pedagogy and some further visual examples so I can see the variety of environments it has the ability to simulate.
Overall, great work!
Harrison Britton (6.4.23)
(47098538)