For the first time in the world, holograms will be trusted to deliver lectures. Imperial College London students will soon be offered lectures led by "holographic professors".
Each hologram is capable of interacting with the audience in real time, answering students' questions by receiving them through the camera, and reacting to what is happening in the lecture hall. As if there is a real person in the audience, and not his projection, the difference should be so imperceptible.
Technology submission for review
The technology was unveiled at an event in London this Thursday. 3D images of speakers based in Los Angeles and New York appeared on stage to talk about women in the tech industry.
Promotional video:
Technology and learning process
“Bringing hologram technology to the classroom will break the limitations of traditional learning, creating an interactive experience that benefits both students and academics,” said Dr. David Lefebvre, director of Edtech Labs at Imperial College Business School.
"Rather than substituting or abbreviating real-life lectures with online courses, hologram technology will provide more flexibility for academics, allowing them to continue their educational experience while traveling, ensuring consistency and quality of education for students."
How it works?
The college plans to use technology developed by Canadian company Arht Media, whose board of directors includes singer Michael Buble and TV host Larry King.
The system projects the image onto the screen glass. The illusion of volume is created using the background.
To interact with their audience, lecturers are provided with a high-definition monitor that adjusts so that they can make eye contact with people.
The technology is designed to promote the university's business school and attract students who might otherwise be tempted by online courses. It will also allow the university to invite international experts to lecture without having to travel to the UK.
In addition, it will allow Imperial College Business School to deliver lectures in multiple classrooms and locations at the same time.
“Investing in new technology is a vital part of our strategy to create more flexible and inspiring learning experiences for our students,” said Professor Francisco Veloso, Dean of Imperial College Business School.
"As part of Imperial College, we aim to expand our digital visibility as a business school, holograms represent the pioneering work that our Edtech lab is doing in this area."
Author: Madina Kemova