Hololenses within practical education

The most unexpected discoveries are often made closest to home. With this in mind, you can read here how fellow Ghent University lecturers shape their own teaching practice. Who knows, maybe this story will inspire you too?

Context 

  • Programme: Bachelor of Science in Medicine, Bachelor of Science in Rehabilitation Sciences and Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Dentistry, Bachelor of Science in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences, Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Movement Sciences
  • Standard learning track year: -
  • Course unit(s): Anatomy
  • Aerage number of students: GNK = 450, REVAKI = 750, BMW = 150, Tandheelkunde = 60, Logopedie en audiologische wetenschappen = 150, LO = 200
  • Involved lecturer(s): Joris.vandevelde@ugent.be, Emmanuel.audenaert@ugent.be, vicky.vandenbossche@ugent.be, wouter.willaert@ugent.be
  • Academic year of (first) implementation: 2022-2023

Description

Within project 7 (Virtual Science Labs) of the educational project APOLLO 8, seven copies of the Microsoft HoloLens 2 were purchased. Meanwhile they found a first application within anatomy education at Ghent University, where apps like DynamicAnatomy allow students to interact with anatomical structures in a new way.

So far it has already been possible for a student in Norway and a student in Ghent to manipulate the same model and teach each other about it by manipulating it and taking it apart. Eventually, it is also hoped to use these devices to perform AR dissections that can be followed immediately by an entire auditorium via streaming. The HoloLens will also be used during anatomy labs in the dissection room so that students can brush up on anatomy in a break-out room next to the lab before continuing the dissection.

The Microsoft HoloLens is an example of a mixed reality (MR) application. Whereas Virtual Reality (VR) immerses its user in another reality through glasses and controllers, Augmented Reality (AR) complements physical reality with virtual objects. Mixed reality then combines both aspects by placing virtual objects in the real world and allowing manipulation without the need for controllers. To this end, the HoloLens combines eye tracking with a scan of the room and hand tracking.

  • Holo-PreCon Demo - provides an actual example of how the Suffolk Construction Company used the Holo PreCon service to produce a vivid, interactive 3D model of one of their structural building designs
  • V8 Engine - Explore the design of a V8 engine
  • Human eye and cataract - cataract is the clumping of some of the lens protein which clouds the lens and prevents light from passing through it properly
  • Holostudy Biology - study in detail the structure and functions of each cell organ (nucleus, mitochondria, DNA, etc.)
  • DynamicAnatomy - dynamic 3D anatomy of the ankle joint
  • Titan MR - virtual exploration of Titan, the largest moon of Saturn and only moon in the solar system with liquid lakes on it's surface
  • BIM Holoview - tool designed for architects, engineers, construction teams and facility managers to overlay 3D Revit models on real buildings using Microsoft HoloLens
  • Palmyra - Augmented Archaeology - immerse yourself in the ancient city of Palmyra and experience the majestic archaeological monuments through your HoloLens
  • Learning Heart - learn about the heart and its components as you view it in a revolutionary new way
  • Insight Heart - incredibly impressive visuals of myocardial infarction, arterial hypertension and atrial fibrillation enrich the experience and take medical education to the next level

If you are considering the Microsoft HoloLens within your own teaching at Ghent University, you can find the accompanying manuals on the education tip of the 'Virtual Science Labs' project under 'HoloLens'. Please contact Vicky Vandenbossche if you have any questions about the HoloLens or the accompanying support.

Recording

The recording of the presentation on hololenses given at the revisionday of the "Virtual Science Labs" project can be found here.

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