What is the topic?

Extended reality (XR) is no longer just a futuristic concept, but is increasingly becoming a practical tool in higher education, for instance for teaching laboratory skills. This webinar begins with a broad introduction to XR and its educational potential. We’ll explore how XR applications are developed and what they can bring to education. We’ll share two concrete examples: XR scenarios for sterile working in cell culture and for operating for operating a cutting-edge laboratory automate in a medical lab. These use cases will show the practical side of XR in teaching complex lab skills, and will highlight both teacher and student experiences with applying XR to laboratory teaching. Along the way, we will also address the technical, logistical, and financial aspects of XR, and reflect on when and why to use it in your own teaching practice.

What will you gain?

This session offers both inspiration and practical insights. You will see how XR can be applied in real-world laboratory education and gain a clear picture of what it takes to integrate XR into your own teaching. By attending this webinar, you will gain a thorough understanding of the potential benefits of XR for laboratory education, as well as of the practical, logistical and didactical considerations for the implementation of XR in your own teaching practice.

What will the session look like?

This webinar is interactive. After the introductory presentations, you will join breakout rooms where you’ll have time to reflect, weigh the pros and cons, and discuss how XR might (or might not) fit into your own courses. These conversations will help you take a deeper look at the educational value of XR and its feasibility in practice. We’ll conclude by coming back together to share reflections, hear from the presenters about their experiences, and jointly map out what XR can mean for the future of laboratory education.