How to integrate AR/VR into your Classroom
24 January 2024 – At the EuroCHRIE conference in Vienna, a captivating presentation titled “The Use of New Technologies in Your Classroom by Using Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality” left a lasting impression on attendees. Speakers Pasi Tuominen, Ralf Burbach, Che Govender, and Daniel King wowed the audience with a demonstration that showcased the potential of these technologies. The success in Vienna prompted the team to bring their project to a broader audience through a recent webinar on January 31st.
Background:
The backdrop for this initiative stems from the profound impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the education industry, altering how it operates and how students engage. Simultaneously, the rapid advancements in technologies such as artificial intelligence, augmented reality, and virtual reality have introduced innovative ways to diversify teaching and learning strategies.
Collaborative Efforts:
EuroCHRIE member schools, including Technological University Dublin, Hotelschool The Hague, Haaga Helia University of Applied Sciences, and the University of the Baleares, joined forces as part of the Erasmus+ project, “Transformative Higher Education through Technological Ability” (THETA). The primary goal of THETA is to equip students and professionals for evolving professions by facilitating immersive real-life learning experiences. The project focuses on aiding teachers and lecturers in overcoming barriers to integrating these technologies into the classroom.
THETA’s Achievements:
As part of the THETA project, the team has developed prototypes of several Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality-enabled learning spaces. These include simulations of hotel and restaurant kitchens, hotel bedrooms, and scenarios to practice handling difficult customers, all within a safe and dynamic virtual environment. To support educators, the project has also created learning materials, empowering them to replicate these experiences at their own pace.
Webinar Highlights:
The recent webinar, featuring a brief presentation followed by an interactive Q&A session, aimed to share insights, lessons learned, and advice based on the team’s experiences. The presenters encourage further queries and discussions, fostering a collaborative environment to promote the use of digital learning spaces in classrooms. For more information, visit their website at https://theta-project.eu. Join the revolution in education and explore the endless possibilities offered by augmented and virtual reality technologies.
