Immersive Paralell - Backcountry Skiing and WebXR

In a recent video filmed in the beautiful Hautes Pyrenees region of France, I drew an insightful parallel between backcountry skiing and using WebXR for immersive learning experiences.

As an avid skier from a very young age, I've experienced the progression from traditional inbounds skiing to the more immersive world of backcountry skiing and the ski de rando discipline popular in Europe. While inbounds skiing at a resort can start to feel routine, backcountry skiing opened up a whole new realm of possibilities by allowing me to explore uncharted mountain terrain.

I see WebXR in a similar light compared to traditional digital learning tools like learning management systems and education apps. Just like transitioning to backcountry skiing required some new gear but built upon my existing skiing skills, WebXR enables immersive learning experiences that integrate familiar tools like Padlet, EdPuzzle and more into a highly engaging 3D environment.

Much like preparing for a backcountry ski trip by gathering gear, checking weather, and planning the route, teachers can leverage their existing lesson planning skills to craft compelling WebXR experiences. The possibilities for open-world exploration and autonomy are vast, akin to setting off to blaze your own trail through untouched powder slopes.

However, I acknowedge that virtual reality still has some growing to do before reaching broad adoption, unlike the relatively quick ramp-up required for WebXR experiences. In that interim period, WebXR provides a practical bridging solution to bring immersive learning to more students and classrooms today.

I invite you to continue to check out material here on my website and making that transition towards boundless realms of learning, just as I did years ago when I first clicked into my backcountry ski bindings.

To experience this day - you can visit this interactive presentation or watch the video below.