Abstract
Mixed reality (MR) is a new technology that integrates the real and virtual environments where physical and digital objects co-exist and interact in real time. This technology combines the advantages of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in a way that students can experience the immersive learning environment which comprises both real and virtual objects. In recent years, MR has been widely adopted for simulation-based technical training in different sectors such as aviation, health care and law enforcement, etc. However, the application of MR technology in life sciences education is scarce. Its implementation and effectiveness in enhancing students’ learning of technical skills are also not well known. Cell culture is a process by which cells are grown and investigated under controlled conditions. It is a very specialized training which often deals with biohazardous samples such as cancer cells and pathogenic agents. Cell culture has to be conducted in a specially designed facility called biosafety laboratory. Biological safety levels are ranked from one to four depending on the agents or organisms that may be involved. Since high level biosafety laboratory is not readily available in our School, many students do not have the opportunity to acquire the essential skills in handling infectious samples and relevant biosafety measures. However, these skills are very essential for our students to develop a career in the medical laboratory or pharmaceutical industries.
In light of the distinctive features of MR technology and the learning needs of our students, this project is conceived (i) to develop a set of risk-free MR training modules to help students learn about the principles of cell culture and acquire the experimental skills in working with biohazardous specimen; and (ii) to study the pedagogical effectiveness of MR-simulation for technical skills acquisition.
Brief write-up
Project objectives
This project is designed to develop a set of risk-free mixed-reality (MR) training modules to help students learn about the principles of cell culture and acquire the experimental skills in working with biohazardous specimen; and to study the pedagogical effectiveness of MR-simulation for technical skills acquisition.
Activities, process and outcomes
The activities of this project include (i) content development & design of MR software; (ii) installation of the software and testing; (iii) implementation and improvement for the E-platform. It involves the process of content development, pedagogical design and workshops. This project has benefited students by increasing their learning opportunities, facilitating interactive learning among peers, providing a risk-free virtual laboratory training tool. It also offers a transferable pedagogy for teachers in other science subjects.
Deliverables and evaluation
The deliverables of this project include (i) a set of MR mobile app for training cell-culture techniques; (ii) a pedagogy to help teachers deliver their classes using MR mobile apps and equipment; (iii) a set of dissemination materials for educational conference. The project is evaluated with reference to the key performance indicators (KPIs) that reflect the quality of MR learning modules, delivery of learning materials and the effectiveness of students’ learning.
Dissemination, diffusion, impact and sharing of good practices
The application of MR technology for laboratory classes was shared among teaching staff in life sciences and the good practices derived from this project were disseminated in education conference.
Impact on teaching and learning
This project offered an exemplary use of VR technologies for the teaching and learning of practical skills in biochemistry and cell biology.
