Learning on Vacation?

My previous post was about AR touchscreens on buses in Barcelona and now we move to how technology can impact Recreational Vehicles. That's right - just stick with me! For this example, we review what a German recreational vehicle manufacturer has projected for the future of RVing with their concept vehicle named Galileo, or as I like to call it the “Glamping Pod”. The company has no spec sheet for this vehicle, so it is truly an ideation of the future. Take a look at this video for a glimpse of what the future holds.

Hymer illustrates how connectivity and the latest technology can create a full ecosystem for a high-tech recreational vehicle. A self-driving RV, with personalized floor plans to accommodate couples or families, along with an amenities package that customizes your trip based on your preferences is an impressive undertaking. Having a cabin that is equipped with the latest smart technologies, including transparent information displays on the windows, a health monitoring station in the bathroom and recipes displayed in the kitchen takes everything to a new level (Weiss, C. 2019, September 25).

What I find most interesting are the display screens and the ability to leverage the AR technology we saw in the tour bus in Barcelona. Now, while people are traveling, not driving, down the interstate, they can ask the vehicle’s AI to display an elevation feature of the mountain range they see in the distance. Displayed on the front window overlaying the mountains would be the names, and height of the majestic peaks they are viewing, with stories of mountain climbers and daring rescues. Or maybe you want the AI to tell you about the geologic formations you are viewing as you drive through Arches National Park. If you want to find the best hike in a National Park for a family with 8-12-year old children, the AI can provide a selection and then chart the course to the trailhead parking lot once it has been approved. Or maybe you could watch a movie that was filmed in the area or learn about the Native American tribe that originally inhabited the area you are driving through. The possibilities are endless!

But what really intrigues me is that you can work, go to school, play video games or watch movies in this vehicle because in 2030 there will be even more advanced wireless network connectivity. Think of the impact on learning outside of school. If you wanted to pack up the family and hit the road, the kids could participate in their classes while sitting in this RV. Students could, not only, keep up with their lessons, but also create and upload their own digital artifacts to demonstrate what they have learned via their travels.

This is where technology erases the boundaries of a classroom or calendar and allows learners to construct their own knowledge in real world and augmented, immersive experiences. For anyone who has taken a long road trip or travelled as the child or parent on a “family vacation” - this concept vehicle is something to dream about for the future.

Watch the full video of this concept Glamping Pod.

Weiss, C. (2019, September 25). Hymer Galileo self-driving camper concept takes travel and leisure to new heights. Retrieved from https://newatlas.com/automotive/hymer-galileo-self-driving-camper-concept/