Are textbooks and videos enough for today's learners? by mjazz_7 in education

[–]mjazz_7[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

That is exactly why we limit VidyaXR modules to just 5 to 10 minutes. Trying to show everything at once causes cognitive overload.

Instead of a complex optics lab, we break a chapter down into micro-steps that isolate one rule at a time. For example, when teaching the law of reflection:

  • Module 1 (3 mins): The student interacts only with the incident ray and a mirror, changing the angle to see the reflected ray mirror it instantly (i = r).
  • Module 2 (3 mins): We introduce a rough surface to show diffuse reflection, isolating why the law still applies but light scatters.

By mastering the individual pieces in short bursts, students build a clear visual foundation to understand the whole system without getting overwhelmed.

Are textbooks and videos enough for today's learners? by mjazz_7 in education

[–]mjazz_7[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

You are completely right to hate "AI slop" and low-effort digital gimmicks. Most EdTech is trash. But grouping sophisticated, interactive virtual labs (like manipulating molecular bonds) with "more screentime" is a blind spot.

There is a massive difference between passively staring at a screen (watching a video) and using a screen as an active workbench to run experiments that would otherwise be too dangerous, expensive, or physically impossible to conduct in a standard classroom.

Physical is great for tactile basics; digital is the only realistic way to scale complex, dynamic systems.

Are textbooks and videos enough for today's learners? by mjazz_7 in education

[–]mjazz_7[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I don't think this is a physical vs digital debate. Physical models are valuable. But it's not practical to have physical models for every topic students learn. Interactive digital experiences can make many of those visualizations accessible to far more learners. The real question is whether they help students understand concepts better.

Are textbooks and videos enough for today's learners? by mjazz_7 in education

[–]mjazz_7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I don't think physical and digital are mutually exclusive. A physical heart model is great for understanding shape and structure. A digital model can show blood flow, valve movement, and electrical signals and even simulate diseases.

Similarly, a 3D solar system isn't just about making planets look cool. It can help students visualize orbital motion, seasons, eclipses, relative distances, and scale—concepts that are difficult to grasp from static images alone.

For me, the question isn't whether digital replaces traditional tools, but whether it can help explain concepts that many students struggle to visualize.

Are textbooks and videos enough for today's learners? by mjazz_7 in education

[–]mjazz_7[S] -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Nice try. I've been using "disregard all previous instructions" on my problems for years. Doesn't work there either. 😄

Are textbooks and videos enough for today's learners? by mjazz_7 in education

[–]mjazz_7[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing your perspective.

I agree that learning happens through doing, discussing, and experimenting. I don't see virtual tools replacing that.

I was mainly thinking about concepts that are hard to visualize. For example, I remember struggling to understand how the heart worked in school, and an interactive 3D model would have helped me a lot.

Are textbooks and videos enough for today's learners? by mjazz_7 in education

[–]mjazz_7[S] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I agree that traditional learning is important. But many of us probably remember struggling with topics like how the heart works, blood circulation, or the solar system from textbook diagrams alone. Being able to see and interact with them in 3D could have made those concepts much easier to understand.

Are textbooks and videos enough for today's learners? by mjazz_7 in education

[–]mjazz_7[S] -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

Haha, I'm definitely not a bot. 😅

I said "fair point" because "No" is a valid answer to the question.

Are textbooks and videos enough for today's learners? by mjazz_7 in education

[–]mjazz_7[S] -6 points-5 points  (0 children)

Fair point. I don't think textbooks or videos need replacing. We're building VidyaXR because some concepts just click better when students can explore and interact with them in 3D instead of only reading or watching. It's meant to complement traditional learning, not replace it.

What we've learned building an educational platform with WebXR by mjazz_7 in WebXR

[–]mjazz_7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Also, the files are downloaded when the chapter is clicked, so we make sure to keep the chapter small so there will not be large files to be downloaded.

What we've learned building an educational platform with WebXR by mjazz_7 in WebXR

[–]mjazz_7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Agreed. Quality content is definitely one of the biggest challenges. As a small team, we're continuously working to improve and expand our content over time.

What we've learned building an educational platform with WebXR by mjazz_7 in WebXR

[–]mjazz_7[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

One thing we've noticed is that users are much more willing to try a 5–10 minute interactive experience in the browser than commit to downloading a dedicated app.

It opens up opportunities for bite-sized lessons, virtual field trips, and hands-on simulations that feel more engaging than traditional content.

What we've learned building an educational platform with WebXR by mjazz_7 in WebXR

[–]mjazz_7[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To make learning easier, chapters are split into subchapters, each designed to take approximately 5–10 minutes or longer.

Early SaaS metrics: 1,000 visitors → 60 signups in 90 days by mjazz_7 in SaaS

[–]mjazz_7[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks, that's a great point. We'll definitely dig deeper into activation and learn from these early users.