A great relational summary by PCGS graduate student James Fernandez, (if you are a PCGS student at USF Tampa you can view the full discussion here.)
Dr. T.H. Culhane, in his lecture on digital literacy, systems thinking, and Nexus perspectives, challenges the conventional understanding of communication. In today’s rapidly advancing world, communication is evolving beyond traditional methods, extending into new dimensions. He emphasizes the growing importance of 3D and 5D visualization skills, urging individuals to embrace digital tools that are reshaping how we interact, learn, and solve problems. Culhane argues that the ability to "speak in 3D" is no longer the domain of experts but an essential skill for future generations, critical for addressing complex global challenges in various industries.
As technology advances, the way we convey ideas is shifting. While traditional communication relies on words, Culhane highlights the increasing demand for visual and spatial thinking. He draws attention to the statement "a picture is worth a thousand words," arguing that the future of communication will extend beyond static images to include 3D and even 5D forms of representation. As a middle school Science Teacher, I can attest to this point with loads of both quantifiable and qualitative evidence. Today’s young minds have been rewired by technology and screens to understand the world through images and videos rather than the traditional written word. So much of my classroom instruction used imagery to help students reach learning mastery. Though it feels like it is still a challenge to guide students to understanding.
Dr. Culhane aligns the idea of visual communication with a 2011 article from a German newspaper, which predicted a growing demand for 3D visualization skills across fields such as medicine, architecture, and the automotive industry. The article referenced emphasized the urgent need for professionals to acquire 3D modeling and visualization capabilities, which would become vital for numerous sectors. Examples of this can be found ingrained in our consumer driven civilization. It seems like 3D models are available for online viewing for nearly every item for purchase. Cars, surfboards, appliances, and furniture. I recently purchased a couch and was surprised to find an option to visualize the sofa in my living room and with a click of a button have a virtual experience that likely swayed my purchase decision.
In the Harvard Business Review article "How Augmented Reality Can—and Can’t—Help Your Brand," the focus is on how augmented reality (AR) can enhance customer experiences by creating immersive environments and allowing customers to interact with products in novel ways. However, it also notes the limitations, like the need for AR to align with business goals and its technical constraints.
This relates with the lecture on "speaking 3D" and using immersive technologies like 3D modeling and AR to improve education and systems thinking. Culhane emphasizes digital literacy in 3D visualization, much like AR enhances engagement with content. Both highlight the importance of adopting cutting-edge technologies to bridge communication gaps and enhance user experiences. In both contexts, the goal is to integrate advanced visual tools to convey complex ideas in more interactive, dynamic ways.
Culhane suggests that the ability to create and interpret 3D objects will soon be a crucial form of literacy, comparable to traditional reading and writing. However, despite the increasing need for these skills, barriers to entry still exist. The current education system is often ill-equipped to teach students the necessary skills, and training programs are expensive. A reality that I am all too familiar with as an educator. Perhaps open-source tools and free online tutorials are making these technologies more accessible to everyone.
One of the key solutions Culhane offers to overcome the challenges of 3D literacy is the use of open-source software, like Blender 3D. Blender represents what Culhane refers to as a "Nexus technology"—a tool that merges multiple functionalities, from video editing to interactive environment creation. After downloading the program, I see that there is a learning curve to using this tool, but my interest has peaked.
For Dr. Culhane, Blender is more than just a creative tool; it is a means of fostering systems thinking. By learning how to navigate Blender’s menus and functions, he makes the case that users develop a deeper understanding of how interconnected systems work. This is particularly relevant in fields like sustainable development, where understanding the relationships between energy, water, food, and infrastructure is essential. Culhane suggests that projects involving Blender, such as permaculture landscape designs, allow students to explore real-world challenges in a virtual space, making complex systems more tangible and easier to manipulate.
The lecture also emphasizes the critical role of systems thinking in addressing global challenges, particularly in the context of sustainability. Dr. Culhane believes that digital tools, such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and 3D modeling software, are invaluable for visualizing and solving problems related to the "Nexus" of energy, water, and food. Systems thinking requires an understanding of how different components interact within a larger whole, and visualization tools provide an intuitive way to grasp these dynamics.
In a recent article titled "Digital technologies for biodiversity protection and climate action: Solution or COP out?" from The Conversation highlights how digital technologies such as AI, remote sensing, and big data analytics play a critical role in protecting biodiversity and addressing climate change. The lecture also discusses some of these transformative potential of digital tools in biodiversity conservation. For example, the lecture mentioned the use of satellite imagery for forest monitoring, which allows real-time tracking of deforestation. Similarly, the article discusses how digital platforms can facilitate data collection on species distribution, enabling more informed conservation efforts. In the lecture, it was emphasized that while technology can greatly enhance our ability to monitor and protect ecosystems, its effectiveness ultimately depends on how it is implemented. It is fair to say that while these tools can provide critical insights, the challenge remains in translating data into actionable policies.
Looking ahead, Culhane envisions a future where humans will not only "speak" in 3D but will also develop 5D literacy. This new form of communication would incorporate additional dimensions such as sound, movement, and emotional context. He draws parallels between today’s technology and the fantastical worlds of science fiction, suggesting that the tools we now have at our disposal give us capabilities akin to those of wizards and sorcerers in ancient myths. Our ability to create virtual worlds, simulate real-life processes, and convey complex ideas through interactive media represents a profound shift in how we communicate.
Culhane argues that learning to "speak 5D" will be critical for solving global issues, as it will help break down language, cultural, and spatial barriers. By incorporating multiple sensory elements into our communication, we can foster greater understanding and empathy across different communities. This kind of multimodal communication is especially important for global sustainability efforts, where the goal is to bring together diverse perspectives and expertise to address urgent environmental challenges.
References
Harvard Business Review. (2022). How augmented reality can—and can’t—help your brand. Retrieved from https://hbr.org/2022/03/how-augmented-reality-can-and-cant-help-your-brandLinks to an external site.
Stinson, J., & McLoughlin, L. (2022, December 12). Digital technologies for biodiversity protection and climate action: Solution or COP out? The Conversation. https://theconversation.com/digital-technologies-for-biodiversity-protection-and-climate-action-solution-or-cop-out-196107Links to an external site.
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