In his iconic 2005 Stanford commencement speech, Steve Jobs eloquently spoke about the importance of “connecting the dots” in life, a philosophy that underscores the belief in the interconnectedness of our experiences and learning. Fast forward to today, and we find an unexpected yet profound application of this philosophy in education through technology, particularly with Snapchat’s Lens Studio. This innovative platform is not just about creating fun AR filters; it’s about engaging learners in a dynamic and interactive way, particularly in computer science education. Let’s explore how Lens Studio acts as a learning tool in the classroom, embodying Jobs’ wisdom by connecting seemingly disparate dots for an enriched learning experience.
I recently had the opportunity to share this idea of connecting those dots at OETC 2024. I closed my presentation with acknowledgement that the idea of Snapchat as a learning tool can bring skepticism. After all, it is just another social media platform and all the good and bad that comes along with it. What I ask is that educators consider the dots that can be connected further down the road. Instead of thinking of Snapchat as another social media platform and distractor for the classroom, embrace it as a way to introduce augmented reality (AR) development into the classroom. Technology is changing at a rapid pace – there is no denying that.
The industries that AR is currently being used or will be used is growing. Industries include
- navigation
- education and training
- e-commerce
- gaming
- entertainment
- automotive
Imagine ten years down the road, your learners excelling and excited about their career prospects simply because you brought something different into the classroom and met them where they were at and fanned the flame of curiosity.
How Do We Connect those Dots?
Understanding Lens Studio
Introduction to Lens Studio
Lens Studio stands as a powerful AR development platform, enabling users to create custom Snapchat filters. With features allowing for JavaScript customization and the ability to analyze user demographics and filter usage, it opens up a new realm of possibilities for educators and learners alike.
Educational Potential
Snapchat’s popularity can be leveraged to entice learners towards exploring computer science in a more engaging manner. By encouraging the creation of custom filters, students not only learn but also apply their knowledge in exciting ways. This approach makes the learning of computer science technologies more interesting and accessible.
Target Audience
The platform serves a diverse audience, from computer science instructors looking to reinforce JavaScript programming skills to digital art and marketing instructors aiming to utilize 3D design and analytics in their teaching.
Getting Started with Lens Studio
Platform Overview
Navigating Lens Studio is intuitive, with a user-friendly interface that guides users through creating projects, utilizing an extensive asset library, and integrating 3D objects and animations.
Custom Filter Creation
The platform offers a gentle introduction to JavaScript, enabling the integration of interactive elements into custom filter designs, thus enhancing user engagement.
Analytics and Insights
Understanding user demographics and usage patterns through analytics is crucial. It allows for A/B testing, helping educators refine their filters based on real-world data.
Educational Resources
Lens Studio provides lesson plans, tutorial links, and community support, making it an invaluable resource for educators looking to integrate AR technology into their LearnAR curriculum.
Empowering Educators
Bytes and Bits provides workshops at no charge to educational institutions to train educators or student-facing workshops to provide instruction in how to use Lens Studio. At the end of the workshop students will be able to showcase their work and understand the implementation of skills related to computer science, digital art, and marketing.
Future Opportunities
The relevance of AR development skills in the current job market cannot be overstated. Lens Studio opens up career pathways for students and establishes industry partnerships, ensuring that the skills learned are not just academically beneficial but also professionally valuable.
In conclusion, Steve Jobs’ advice on connecting the dots finds a resonant echo in the use of Snapchat’s Lens Studio as a learning tool. By bridging the gap between technology and education, Lens Studio not only makes learning more engaging but also prepares students for the future, proving that sometimes, the most innovative educational tools come from where we least expect.
Find resources I shared about Snapchat and AWS in the classroom at https://linktr.ee/oetc24
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