Advanced Media

A highly engaging and immersive augmented reality (AR)/virtual reality (VR) experience for all ages, zSpace [zspace.com] technology allows the user the unique ability to move and interact with features inside the display (zSpace, 2021). All student learning styles and readiness levels are supported through the interactive applications, aligning with state standards and cross-curricular content areas with a strong emphasis placed on STEM subject areas. Providing students with AR/VR learning experiences exposes students to a world they may otherwise never have experienced or would be impossible to explore in a classroom setting (Parlier, n.d.). zSpace provides experiences for students to construct knowledge and become computational thinkers and empowered learners in the 21st century classroom (International Society for Technology in Education-Students, 2021). With the tracking eyewear and attached stylus, students can rotate, examine, open, and pick up objects while viewing the display in AR/VR high-definition, tracking and looking around objects in the learning space (zSpace, 2021).

There are several special considerations that must be taken into account when considering zSpace, such as affordability, accessibility, and equipment needs. Although there is not a set price for each zSpace learning station, online estimates suggest the price for one station ranges between $5,000 and $7,000 each (Lacy, 2017). This is a high cost per unit when districts must consider teacher and student accessibility to the technology. Many districts who can secure funding for zSpace create a learning lab to provide for greater accessibility for all classrooms, although still not as accessible as an affordable 1:1 device like a tablet or Chromebook would provide. Each zSpace system comes complete with the hardware and software needed, the main display, 3 types of eyewear (tracked, non-tracked, and clip-on tracked eyewear), and the stylus. Other applications are available to be downloaded from zSpace based on school needs. zSpace continues to develop and add more technology, currently designing AR/VR laptops in addition to their traditional learning lab system. As AR/VR technology becomes more commonplace, systems like zSpace will hopefully become more affordable for K-12 school districts to purchase.