Learning in Three Dimensions: Report on the EDUCAUSE/HP Campus of the Future Project

Published:
Briefs, Case Studies, Papers, Reports
Author(s) and Contributors:
Author(s): Jeffrey Pomerantz
Source(s) and Collection(s):
Sources(s): EDUCAUSE Research EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative (ELI) Collection(s): Research Hub Research Report
ParentTopics:
3D Printing Accessibility Active Learning Collaborations and Partnerships Extended Reality (XR) Games and Learning Instructional Design IT Professional Services Research Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)

Learning in Three Dimensions. Multicolored 3D blocks. One has an image on the side of a person wearing VR headset. One has an image on the side of a computer monitor.

Reports and Supporting Materials

Overview

The HP/EDUCAUSE Campus of the Future project explored the efforts of eleven colleges and universities to investigate the ways that augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and 3D scanning and printing technologies can benefit teaching, learning, and research.

This is the one of the broadest, most diverse studies to date of the integration of 3D technologies into higher education, in terms of sample size, learning environments, academic disciplines, and number of users. In this study, researchers explored the ability of extended reality technologies to enhance the educational experience, including participation in collaborative simulations of real world challenges; exploration of historical sites; audio simulations to improve the ease of hearing aid adjustments; and using AR overlays to increase understanding and capacity in participatory activities.

In collaboration with HP, select institutions were given AR, VR, and 3D printing and scanning technologies, which were utilized in myriad ways to create immersive and innovative learning experiences for students during the 2017-18 academic year. Through this research, EDUCAUSE researchers determined that 3D technologies are best used for experiential learning approaches that augment real-world examples, increasing access to subject matter, concepts, or locations that would otherwise be cost or logistically-prohibitive.   

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