[From Stephen Pyne, Learning Technologist]

As a Learning Technologist I’m always looking for new and ingenious ways of harbouring the latest technologies in our learning and teaching practices. I’ve recently come across a new and novel way of using mobile devices to bring to life you tube and apps using holographic technology.

The technology itself is still in its infancy but I can already see a huge number of opportunities for its future development into mainstream teaching.

The technology works by reflecting specifically designed you tube videos or mobile apps into a mirrored prism which attaches to your device. The images and videos are then projected into the prism giving the user a 360°, 3-Dimensional experience. The holographic projector has no inbuilt technology and requires no external power.

Incorporating new technologies into teaching doesn’t have to be expensive. The device shown above costs under £10 and is purchasable online.

Here you can see a demonstration of how device works using a smart phone to display a specifically designed holographic YouTube video.

So is this a fad or does this have longevity in education?

Well it’s probably too early to tell. However, I think the application of holographic technology can still be realised in many different areas of teaching and learning. Here are some ideas, for example; a BioDigital human, a three dimensional holographic human that is immersive and interactive, helping students to understand human anatomy.

Creative technology students and media students who want to explore alternative ways of using every day technologies to produce interactive projects. This could also help equip our students with the necessary tools used in creative industries.

Or maybe facilitating an enriched student experience for long distance learners by providing a fully immersive online digital experience.

We all learn in different ways and I can see so much potential here for our student centred and visual learners.

As instructors we should all be looking to find opportunities to enrich and enhance our students learning experience. So why not think about the ways you could introduce innovative technologies into your own teaching practice.