Stephen Lavezzo: A Potential Reality

In today’s Perspective, Stephen Lavezzo wonders about the potential for technology to improve lives.

I just came back from vacation. I walked a snowy field at the base of Half Dome in Yosemite, stayed in a penthouse apartment in New York, and just because, went back in time to a Jurassic Park petting zoo and let a “velocera-something-isaur” sniff my hair. Preposterous? Yes. But I did it, and I was not in any Disney theme park.

For those who are completely comfortable with the term “spatial computer,” the activities I just described are probably routine. They are easy examples of some of the immersive experiences available to those who can shell out some hefty bucks for a so-called “niche” product, that is, according to most, except maybe Mark Zuckerberg, been virtually flying out of stores.

Virtual reality has been around for quite a while. But the concept has now been corralled, and is contained in a relatively small device, that one can slip on and off at will.

Being a teacher for years, my focus has been on finding ways to foster student learning. So as I was visiting these VR worlds in between my awe and giddiness, my thinking went from “This thing can help children learn.” to “This thing could really help people.”

So how about taking this marvelous technology to places where it can do the most good? It could provide amazing therapeutic benefits for children and adults with mobility limitations or chronic illnesses. Those undergoing difficult medical treatments could use it as distraction therapy.

This could help alleviate physical pain, improve mental health, and reduce the stress associated with lengthy hospital stays. People could again find moments of awe and excitement, in a world free of limitation.
As technology continues to evolve, so too does the opportunity to enhance the well-being and quality of life of those most in need. Couldn’t this then be the real reality?

With a Perspective, I’m Stephen Lavezzo.

As of 2023, Stephen officially retired after 29 years as a public school teacher. He currently works as an occasional substitute teacher in San Francisco.