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511 PRESENTATION
IP6 Sustainablity
Paula Zubkowski
Merge 
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511 PRESENTATION

IP6 SustainablityPaula Zubkowski

Merge

The Tool: Merge

Why: This is an Immersive tool that provides teachers with the opportunity to use 3D digital models to build an authentic learning experience for students. I chose this to evaluate as I have wanted to promote more 3D applications within my District.My Goal: Is to find an engaging way for teachers and students to build 3D models that will assist in their learning and understanding of concepts. This tool would reflect the T-GEM cycle providing virtual simulations of concepts taught in class (Khan, 2010).

Merge Product Details

When exploring the Merge Cube, I was surprised with how the costs were hidden. It was difficult to understand what was needed to access this product. As I continued to navigate the Merge site https://mergeedu.com/ I found it not inclusive to all users. It was protected by password access that a teacher/individual would need to pay for their membership. This was the USD pricing I was able to locate. When I emailed the company I recieved these Canadian rates. Hello, The Classroom license (which allows for 30 simultaneous users) is CAD$1,480.00 per year. The Schoolwide license (which allows for unlimited access for all students and teachers from a campus) is CAD$3,710.00 per year. These prices still don't truly depict the cost to use this tool. Here is a list of items needed to access the Merge Cube in the classroom:Merge Cube: $24.99 (Amazon.ca)Apps needed: Merge Explorer and Merge Object Viewer (limited content)Tablet: 10th generation iPad $599.00 (Amazon.ca) Tablet Cover: $17.99 (Amazon.ca)Membership for content: $1480.00 for 30 students/ $3710.00 for a schoolCospaces membership (creation add on) : $246.12 for 30 students ($6.00 USD per student) https://support.mergeedu.com/hc/en-us/articles/9895900652813-Free-vs-Paid-Content-in-Merge-EDU

- It provide an immersive experience that cannot be replicated in the classroom without using augmented reality.- Pre-made content is available with the pro version.- There is an add-on with Cospaces that allows students to design and create their own augmented reality to simulate science, storytelling, and other curriculum connections. - Merge Cube aligns with spatial and temporal learning in an interactive way recreating more authentic learning opportunities. (Akçair et al., 2016). - Supports engagement utilizing "investigation skills, critical thinking, problem-solving and communicating through interdependent collaborative exercises" (Akçair et al., 2016, p. 2).

- Merge Cube requires many additional supports in order for the product to be accessible for teachers and students.- The cost of using Merge Cube is extensive and not affordable for many public schools. This product requires iPads, pro versions, and addtional digital platforms to enable creation capibilites. - Availabilty for technology use (iPads/tablets) to access the Merge Cube apps/programs.- Students are required to use their emails to log in and a subscription is needed in order to access any content.- Reliable networks are needed in order for students and teachers to access the apps/programs._ Free trials are available but this is not sustainable in a school setting.

Benefits for Teachers

Concerns & Benefits

Concerns for Teachers

The sustainability of technology has become an increasingly important topic, as the consumption and disposal of electronic devices can have significant environmental impacts. When analyzing the sustainability of the Merge program and its associated products, including the Merge Cube and VR headsets, I became reflective on the disuse of these devices and the potential for data collection and storage. One concern about the sustainability of technology is the short lifespan of many devices, as noted by Crawford (2021), who states that "the average smartphone lifespan is a mere 4.7 years" (p. 31). This obsolescence cycle drives the purchase of more devices, increasing profits for companies and incentivizing the use of unsustainable extraction practices. The Merge program and its associated products, including the Merge Cube and VR headsets, are subject to this obsolescence cycle and the potential for unsustainable resource consumption and disposal.In addition to concerns about the sustainability of the physical devices, I also noticed that the Merge program collects and stores data from its site. While the apps associated with the program do consider children's privacy and do not collect data, the site itself recommends that it is not intended for children under 18 years old. This raises questions about the potential for data collection and storage, and the need for transparency and privacy considerations.Despite these concerns, the Merge program has the potential to facilitate authentic learning experiences for users. As Professor Tim Ingold (2013) argues, "making is an ongoing binding together - a kind of weaving - every artifact is like a knot" (p. 31). The Merge program allows for making and building, and could potentially provide a platform for creating authentic learning experiences. However, the program's reliance on technology and the Internet, as well as its potential for data collection and storage, may limit its inclusivity and equity for all learners.

Resource Consumption

The sustainability and potential for data collection and storage in the Merge program raise important considerations for its use and potential impact. While the program has the potential to facilitate authentic learning experiences, its reliance on technology and the Internet, as well as potential limitations on inclusivity and equity, should be carefully considered.The use of technology and the Internet has become integral to many aspects of modern life, including the workplace. Programs like the Merge rely on the integration of technology and access to the Internet in order to function successfully. However, this reliance on the Internet and technology raises questions about the sustainability and effectiveness of such programs, particularly in light of the environmental impact of our reliance on the Internet and digital tools.The Merge program requires the integration of technology and access to the Internet in order to be successful. This reliance on the Internet and technology raises concerns about the sustainability of such programs. As Mills (2020) argues, "our love of the cloud is making a green energy future impossible." The resource consumption and electricity usage of companies like Apple and Google, which are among the largest consumers of electricity, highlight the environmental impact of our reliance on the Internet and digital tools.

Resource Consumption

In addition to concerns about sustainability, the reliance on the Internet for the functioning of programs like Merge also raises questions about their effectiveness. When access to the Internet is necessary for the proper functioning of a program, there is a potential for limitations and disruptions to its use. This is particularly relevant in the workplace, where access to the Internet and digital tools is often taken for granted. However, as I observed while looking around my own workspace, everyone is connected to the network and using various programs to achieve their work goals. This dependence on the Internet and digital tools highlights the potential limitations of programs like Merge, which can only be accessed through the use of a browser like Safari or Google ChromeThe reliance on the Internet and technology for the success of programs like Merge raises important questions about their sustainability and effectiveness. As we continue to embrace the digital age, it is crucial that we consider the environmental impact of our reliance on technology and the potential limitations of programs that require access to the Internet.

In Conclusion

Akçair, M., Akçair, G., Pektas, H.M., & Ocak, M.A. (2016). Augmented reality in science laboratories: The effects of augmented reality on university students’ laboratory skills and attitudes toward science laboratories. Computers in Human Behavior, 57, 334-342. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chb.2015.12.054 Crawford, K. (2021). Atlas of AI. Yale University Press. (Chapter 1: Earth, pp. 23-51).Mills, M. (2020). Our love of the cloud is making a green energy future impossible. TechCrunch.Pohjoisen kulttuuri-instituutti – Institute for Northern Culture. (2013, October 31). Ingold -- Thinking through Making [Video]. https://youtu.be/Ygne72-4zyo.

References

IP6 SustainablityPaula Zubkowski

Merge

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