Immersive Technologies in Higher Education: What’s Next?
Oral Presentation Time: 1400-1500
Venue: Fanling Room, Lower Level I
Presenter(s)
– Mr Jungjin PARK, PhD student, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
– Professor Larry LI, Associate Head & Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Abstract
Immersive technologies come in various forms and names, such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and recently spatial computing. While higher education has always been at the forefront of experimenting with such technologies in the classroom, the ubiquity of smartphones and tablets – capable of creating robust AR experiences – has made it possible for wider adoption in recent years. In this presentation, we highlight lessons learned from a pilot project that leveraged AR to enhance aerospace laboratory training at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, and how this effort is being expanded across multiple disciplines such as pulmonary physiotherapy and forensic pathology. In particular, we share our vision to combine AR and large language models (LLMs) to design truly immersive learning experiences that can be effectively deployed into classrooms. When combined, the two technologies mutually benefit and supplement their respective advantages and limitations, thereby overcoming many of the current challenges faced by educators when deploying either on their own.