Abstract

The core drive of technology-enhanced learning (TEL) research is to leverage emerging technologies to improve educational practices both in academic and industrial domains. New opportunities in this research field emerge with the release of advanced mixed reality technologies like the Microsoft HoloLens or software libraries like ARCore and ARKit. Mixed reality defines a spectrum between the real world and a purely virtual world, the virtual reality (VR). Intermediate forms are augmented reality (AR) and augmented virtuality (AV). In AR, some virtual contents are added to the real environment, whereas AV adds the view of the real world to a computer-generated environment. The increase in practicability and the decrease in the prices of VR glasses, open up a time of wearable computing and access to new use cases for education. Mixed reality provides benefits for learning with 3D content. Current research about mixed reality learning explores the benefits and integration methods that mixed reality can deliver for education. This includes utilizing the ability to convey information with depth perception, add virtual guidance and connect practical activities with theoretical information using virtual overlays.

This DETEL module includes an introduction to the research field of learning with Mixed and Augmented Reality technologies. We will look at the challenges and the opportunities of these technologies for learning, focusing on both the best practices and on the unexplored area. From the technical background, we will give an overview of tools and libraries for creating mixed reality applications. From the pedagogical background, we will discuss educational theories that are applied with these technologies. We will give an overview of evaluation methods and tools that are used in the field. We will conclude by sharing various international research communities, events, and publication venues in the intersection of Mixed Reality and learning.

Learning outcomes

After the course, participant PhD students will…

1. Know what mixed reality is
2. Understand the benefits and opportunities for using mixed reality in learning applications
3. Be aware of the current research challenges and opportunities
4. Be familiar with tools and libraries for creating mixed reality learning applications
5. Understand how learning theories can be applied with mixed reality technologies
6. Know the most common and useful mixed reality evaluation techniques and questionnaires
7. Be aware of several international research communities in mixed reality and learning

Course platform

All DETEL webinars are supplied with additional materials in mini-courses on the open Tech4comp platform. Please enroll in the webinar’s Moodle course.

How to join

The link to join the webinar will be sent to all registered participants. The registration will remain open for the duration of the webinar series (until 2 July 2021). Register now!