The Holographic Lecture Theatre

In a previous article covering the use of holography in teaching and education (see The Holographic Classroom, HN June 2023), we followed the technology’s early applications in representing 3D objects to its integration into mixed reality. In this article, we delve deeper into one particular application, AI holographic avatars in the lecture theatre.

Building on the advancements in holographic technology, Loughborough University has become the first university in the UK to incorporate Proto holoportation technology to enhance the educational experience of its students.

The device enables live beaming from anywhere in the world for real-time, interactive learning experiences – expanding options for teaching and research while reducing its carbon impact.

Using Proto, Loughborough is now able to live-beam guest speakers from global universities and industry into lectures to give talks and answer students’ questions, just as if they were in the room together. This gives students and staff access to professionals who they may otherwise not have the chance to engage with.

In addition, the technology will be used for presenting 3D digital objects for closer inspection – for instance for engineering, architecture, design and sports science classes – where they can be rotated and studied in detail. Similarly, students will be able to showcase their own outputs – such as product designs or fashion shows – to broader audiences.

The unit will also be used to present pre-recorded messages and talks from industry partners and distinguished alumni, and using Proto’s industry first AI hologram avatar capability, to provide interactive guidance and information for prospective students, their parents and guardians during events such as university open days.

Prof Vikki Locke and Prof Gary Burnett (© Christopher Thomond/The Guardian).

 

 

‘This new technology will enhance the learning experiences of our students, enabling us to offer more interaction with external guests, particularly those based overseas,’ Prof Rachel Thomson, the University’s Pro Vice-Chancellor for Education and Student Experience said. ‘We look forward to exploring just what is possible with the Proto hologram technology.’

In an interview with the UK newspaper ‘The Guardian’, Prof Vikki Locke, Director of Undergraduate Studies at Loughborough Business School, said students ‘absolutely love’ the technology and have been begging for selfies with the gadget. They would prefer ‘a guest speaker from industry beaming into a classroom to a 2D person on the wall’, she added.

Zoom calls, she said, led students to ‘feel like they were watching TV … there’s a distance. A holographic image is a lot more engaging and real to them.’

Gary Burnett, a professor of digital creativity at Loughborough University, said: ‘Different immersive technologies and AI are the new forms of literacy. Students need to understand what it means to use those, to be in those worlds, to experience them, to interact … and these are all things they’re going to need for their future careers.’

The holographic lecture theatre is slated to be formally introduced into the curriculum at Loughborough University in 2025, after a year of experimentation.