Exploring the Future of Storytelling and Learning
The MIT Open Learning recently hosted a symposium titled “VR, Sound and Cinema: Implications for Storytelling and Learning,” which brought together a panel of experts to debate the potential of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in shaping the longer term of storytelling and learning.
Introduction to the Symposium
The event featured a panel of college and industry experts in VR/AR, cinema, and storytelling, including Sanjay Sarma, Fox Harrell, Shekhar Kapur, Susan Rogers, Mark Mangini, and Edgar Choueiri. These experts showcased the ability of VR and AR tools and their potential impact on learning, highlighting the most recent developments and advancements in the sector.
The Power of Virtual Reality
Fox Harrell, a professor of digital media and artificial intelligence at MIT, discussed the impact of virtual realities on learning and engagement. He screened a preview of Karim Ben Khelifa’s “The Enemy,” a groundbreaking virtual reality experience that permits participants to embody a soldier avatar and interact with enemy soldiers. The goal of this experience is to create empathy between supposed enemies by highlighting their shared hopes, dreams, and nightmares.
Empathy and Understanding through VR
Harrell believes that this technology could be a powerful teaching tool, particularly in war zones and with child soldiers. By allowing participants to experience different perspectives and emotions, VR can foster empathy and understanding, resulting in a more compassionate and peaceful world.
Storytelling within the Age of Technology
Film director and producer Shekhar Kapur spoke concerning the art of storytelling within the age of infinite technological resources. He pondered why people are inclined to watch the identical movie time and again, suggesting that it’s because stories allow us to reflect on ourselves and the way we have modified, even when the movie content stays the identical. Kapur argued that stories have all the time been virtual, as they’re filtered through every person’s subjective and shifting perspective.
The Evolution of Storytelling
Kapur emphasized that technology has all the time dictated the storytelling format, and that the three-act narrative might want to change into more flexible, user-centric, and open-ended as VR becomes more commonplace. He encouraged storytellers to be driven by their desires and to explore recent ways of telling stories which are more immersive and interactive.
The Intersection of Technology and Reality
Susan Rogers, a professor of music production and engineering at Berklee College of Music, discussed how technology is influencing our every day lives. She noted that our behavior is becoming further faraway from reality as technology imitates reality more closely. Rogers questioned what would occur to VR once it becomes indistinguishable from reality, and whether scientists can appreciate virtual reality as a type of truth.
The Blurring of Lines between Reality and Virtual Reality
Rogers’ assessment highlighted the strain between reality and virtual reality, and the necessity to re-examine our understanding of truth and reality within the age of advanced technology. As VR and AR proceed to evolve, it’s essential to think about the implications of those technologies on our perceptions of the world and ourselves.
The Role of Sound in Storytelling and Learning
Following the panel, Mark Mangini and Edgar Choueiri led in-depth talks on the importance of sound in enhancing learning and storytelling. Mangini emphasized the necessity for sound designers to embrace artistry and narrative of their work, while Choueiri demonstrated the visceral nature of 3-D sound using a special interactive presentation.
The Power of 3-D Sound
Choueiri’s presentation showcased the potential of 3-D sound to create immersive and interesting experiences. By measuring and targeting a person’s head-related transfer function (HRTF), Choueiri was in a position to project 3-D sound on to a volunteer, highlighting the emotional and spatial elements of sound.
Conclusion
The symposium “VR, Sound and Cinema: Implications for Storytelling and Learning” highlighted the exciting potential of VR and AR in shaping the longer term of storytelling and learning. As these technologies proceed to evolve, it’s essential to think about their implications on our understanding of reality, truth, and empathy. By exploring the intersection of science, media, and learning, we will unlock recent possibilities for creative expression, education, and private growth. The MIT Open Learning event sparked necessary discussions and debates, and it’s clear that the longer term of storytelling and learning will probably be shaped by the modern and immersive technologies of VR and AR.
