Incorporating Holograms for STEM Education
UCF Embraces Hologram Technology for Innovative Education and Healthcare
The University of Central Florida (UCF) is taking education and healthcare to a new dimension with the integration of hologram technology. This innovative technology is transforming the way students learn and interact, particularly in the fields of STEM and healthcare.
Comedian Howie Mandel was recently "beamed" in to discuss neurodiversity at UCF, standing alongside students in a large hologram display. The illusion was so convincing that it seemed as if Mandel was really in the room. This demonstration showcased the potential of hologram technology to bridge geographical gaps and bring real-world experiences to students.
Hologram technology is not a true 3D projection, but it creates the illusion of 3D people and objects. The technology can be found in devices as small as those sitting on a desk, or as large as appliances larger than a fridge.
Beyond STEM education, hologram technology is being utilized in healthcare, particularly to support clinical education and patient interaction. UCF has used Proto hologram devices to beam in volunteers with advanced Huntington’s disease who cannot travel, enabling medical students to experience life-size, high-definition, remote patient interactions. This use helps students gain a more realistic understanding of chronic diseases through live conversations with patients, rather than relying solely on trained actors for simulations.
The application of hologram technology extends beyond traditional classrooms into clinical training, patient engagement, and potentially future telehealth paradigms. Faculty and clinical experts at UCF are actively studying the efficacy and compliance of holograms for future healthcare uses, though it is not yet compliant for direct healthcare delivery.
Holograms provide a much more immersive experience for students than a mere video or Zoom-style call. They can fill a gap or enhance what educators are already doing in their teaching practice. However, one important consideration for educators implementing hologram technology is the level of technical support necessary.
In addition to healthcare education and clinical training, UCF has used holograms for various purposes, such as showcasing sculptures and other works of art that could not be transported to the university. During the UCF Celebrates The Art Festival, alumni performers from Broadway were beamed in. The university has also used holograms for keynote symposium speakers and for teaching about neurological assessments at the VA.
The excitement of educators about using holograms in their teaching practice is crucial for successful integration into the curriculum. UCF has received inquiries from other universities and hospitals about implementing hologram technology for education, signifying a growing interest in this innovative technology.
Students at UCF can now take pictures standing next to Mandel in the hologram, making it appear as if they were in the same space. This is just one example of how hologram technology is revolutionizing education and healthcare at UCF.
[1] Source: University of Central Florida's official website and various news articles.
- At the University of Central Florida (UCF), students are benefiting from an innovative curriculum that integrates hologram technology, particularly in STEM and healthcare fields, allowing for more immersive learning experiences.
- UCF has utilized hologram technology in healthcare education by enabling medical students to interact with real patients remotely, thus providing a more authentic understanding of chronic diseases and clinical scenarios.
- Going beyond traditional classrooms, holograms are being explored for their potential in clinical training, patient engagement, and future telehealth paradigms, demonstrating a significant shift toward online education and self-development.
- The adoption of hologram technology by UCF has facilitated unique experiences like interactive sessions with celebrities, alumni performers, and keynote symposium speakers, enhancing the learning environment and fostering strong enthusiasm in educators.
- As evidenced by inquiries from other universities and hospitals, the innovative use of hologram technology in education and healthcare is gaining traction and paving the way for a new generation of interactive, immersive, and accessible learning opportunities.
