15 Examples of the Use of Mixed Reality in Education
Posted on March 30, 2023 4 minutes 846 words
Table of contents
- 1. Virtual Field Trips: Google Expeditions
- 2. Medical Training: Microsoft HoloLens and HoloAnatomy
- 3. Language Learning: MondlyAR
- 4. STEM Education: Elements 4D
- 5. Collaborative Learning: Spatial
- 6. Special Education: Brain Power’s Empowered Brain
- 7. Interactive Storytelling: Wonderbook
- 8. Art and Design Education: Tilt Brush by Google
- 9. Historical Reenactments: TimeLooper
- 10. Environmental Education: WWF Free Rivers
- 11. Physical Education: HoloFit
- 12. Astronomy and Space Exploration: Titans of Space
- 13. Career Exploration: VIVE Sync
- 14. Teacher Training and Professional Development: Mursion
- 15. Assessments and Feedback: QuiverVision
- Conclusion
Mixed Reality (MR), an innovative technology that combines elements of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), is revolutionizing education by providing immersive and interactive learning experiences. In this blog post, we explore 15 real-world examples of MR being used to enhance teaching and learning across various disciplines.
1. Virtual Field Trips: Google Expeditions
Google Expeditions allows educators to take students on virtual field trips to historical sites, museums, and natural wonders. Using MR headsets, students can explore places like the Great Barrier Reef, the International Space Station, or ancient Rome, all from the comfort of their classrooms.
2. Medical Training: Microsoft HoloLens and HoloAnatomy
Microsoft’s HoloLens has been employed in medical education by institutions like Case Western Reserve University, which developed the HoloAnatomy app. Students can explore interactive 3D models of the human body, dissect virtual cadavers, and practice surgical procedures in a safe and controlled environment.
3. Language Learning: MondlyAR
MondlyAR is an app that uses MR to facilitate language learning. Students can engage in interactive conversations with virtual characters and interact with digital objects labeled in the target language. This immersive approach to learning helps students build vocabulary and improve their conversational skills.
4. STEM Education: Elements 4D
Elements 4D is an MR application designed to help students understand complex scientific concepts by visualizing chemical reactions in 3D. Using physical blocks representing elements, students can combine them to create virtual compounds and observe the resulting chemical reactions.
5. Collaborative Learning: Spatial
Spatial is an MR platform that enables students to work together in shared virtual spaces. Using avatars and interactive 3D models, students can collaborate on projects, solve problems, and engage in discussions, regardless of their geographical location.
6. Special Education: Brain Power’s Empowered Brain
Empowered Brain, developed by Brain Power, is an MR tool that supports students with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The system uses Google Glass to provide students with personalized, interactive, and immersive experiences that help them develop social and cognitive skills.
7. Interactive Storytelling: Wonderbook
Wonderbook, a collaboration between Sony and J.K. Rowling, brings literature to life by immersing students in interactive narratives. Using MR technology, students can explore settings, meet characters, and participate in the story, fostering a deeper engagement with the material.
8. Art and Design Education: Tilt Brush by Google
Tilt Brush is a VR painting application that allows art students to create 3D artworks in a virtual environment. This immersive tool offers endless possibilities for experimentation with various media and techniques, helping students develop their creative skills.
9. Historical Reenactments: TimeLooper
TimeLooper is an MR app that transports students back in time by recreating historical events. Through immersive experiences, students can witness events like the signing of the Declaration of Independence, the construction of the Great Wall of China, or the Battle of Waterloo.
10. Environmental Education: WWF Free Rivers
WWF Free Rivers is an MR app developed by the World Wildlife Fund that raises environmental awareness by simulating the effects of climate change and pollution on ecosystems. Students can interact with virtual landscapes, learning about the importance of conservation efforts and sustainable practices.
11. Physical Education: HoloFit
HoloFit is an MR fitness platform that enhances physical education by introducing gamification, tracking student progress, and simulating various sports and activities. Students can compete in virtual races, explore different environments, and engage in personalized workouts.
12. Astronomy and Space Exploration: Titans of Space
Titans of Space is an MR app that enables students to explore the universe by taking them on a guided tour of the solar system and beyond. The app provides an immersive and interactive experience, allowing students to observe celestial bodies, learn about space missions, and witness astronomical phenomena up close.
13. Career Exploration: VIVE Sync
VIVE Sync is an MR platform that offers immersive career exploration experiences. Students can simulate real-life job environments, such as a bustling newsroom or a high-tech laboratory, and participate in hands-on training experiences. This exposure helps them make informed decisions about their future career paths.
14. Teacher Training and Professional Development: Mursion
Mursion is an MR platform that supports teacher training by providing immersive simulations of classroom scenarios. Using AI-driven avatars, educators can practice their teaching strategies, classroom management skills, and develop empathy for diverse student populations in a safe and controlled environment.
15. Assessments and Feedback: QuiverVision
QuiverVision is an MR app that offers new ways to assess student learning through interactive quizzes and real-time feedback. By combining traditional paper-based assessments with MR technology, students can engage with educational content in a more interactive and enjoyable way, ultimately improving retention and understanding.
Conclusion
Mixed Reality is transforming education by offering a wide range of immersive and interactive learning experiences across various disciplines. As MR technology continues to evolve, its applications in education will only expand, providing students and educators with unparalleled opportunities to explore, collaborate, and grow. The examples mentioned in this blog post are just the tip of the iceberg, and we can expect many more innovations in the years to come.
