Benefits of Teaching in 3D

To order your copies of this Public Health Report click here.

(Sept. 20, 2011) In collaboration with educators, vision researchers and specialist advisors from across the 3D industry, the American Optometric Association (AOA) has released a comprehensive report for teachers, students and parents that describes and explains the optimal uses of 3D in the classroom, including, how 3D approaches to learning serve as a fulcrum for enhanced teaching and improved assurance of school readiness.

The recent emergence of innovative 3D presentation technologies and 3D content in movie theaters, in the home, in video games and now in the classroom, perhaps surprisingly, provides a unique public health opportunity. The ability to perceive depth in a 3D presentation – known as "stereopsis" – turns out to be a highly sensitive test of a range of vision health indicators. It is much more sensitive than the standard eye chart that has been in use for 150 years, because it requires that both eyes function in a coordinated manner, as they converge, focus and track the 3D image.

If an individual experiences any of the 3Ds of 3D – discomfort, dizziness and lack of depth perception – these signals can serve as an early indicator of some measure of vision impairment. The good news is that, once identified, these conditions generally respond well to treatment. This is particularly true while the vision system is developing during childhood. The report contains practical notes for teachers on the viewing of 3D in the classroom and detailed information on how best to use their observations to advance both learning and vision and eye health.

References are included for further exploration of this fascinating and important topic.