Last Friday, Kaplan Singapore hosted a groundbreaking workshop titled “Immersive Innovations Workshop: A Journey Through Modern Tourism Training,” featuring the distinguished Professor Eric Hawkinson from Koto University of Modern Language Foreign Studies. Held at the Kaplan City Campus, this event drew a diverse crowd of educators, technology enthusiasts, and tourism professionals eager to explore the integration of augmented (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies in tourism education.
This special session was not just a lecture but a dynamic interaction between the future of educational technology and current educators. Professor Hawkinson showcased how the MAICO Immersive Learning Laboratory is pioneering the use of immersive technologies to revolutionize learning environments. The focus was on making educational experiences more interactive, accessible, and adaptable to the evolving demands of the educational sector.
Opening Remarks
The workshop began at 2:00 PM with Professor Hawkinson warmly welcoming attendees and providing a compelling overview of immersive technologies. He emphasized their transformative potential in education, particularly in tourism training.
The Core of Immersive Learning
Augmented Reality in Education
Professor Hawkinson discussed several case studies where AR has been employed to overlay digital information onto the real world, thereby enhancing the learning process. He explained how AR can bring abstract concepts to life, allowing students to visualize complex data in a more comprehensible manner.
Virtual Reality Experiences
VR’s role in education takes center stage with its ability to simulate environments that are either too dangerous, expensive, or impractical to experience in reality. Professor Hawkinson shared insights from the “Global Affairs Role-playing” study, which involves students in geopolitical simulations, offering them a first-person perspective of international diplomacy.
Mixed Reality and Beyond
The discussion also covered mixed reality (MR), which merges real and virtual worlds to create new environments where physical and digital objects co-exist. This section highlighted the “Tourism Management Mock-ups,” where students practice tourism management in a controlled virtual environment.
Interactive Q&A Session
One of the most engaging parts of the workshop was the Q&A session, where attendees actively participated, asking insightful questions about implementing AR and VR in their curriculums. Professor Hawkinson addressed concerns about the accessibility of these technologies and shared tips on integrating them effectively into different educational frameworks.
Roundtable Discussion
The event also featured a roundtable discussion with other leading educators who have implemented immersive technologies in their teaching. They discussed the challenges and successes they’ve encountered, providing a well-rounded view of the practical aspects of using AR and VR in education.
Key Takeaways
Professor Hawkinson concluded the workshop with several key takeaways:
- Innovative Learning: Immersive technologies are not just tools but catalysts for creating innovative educational experiences.
- Engagement and Interaction: These technologies significantly increase student engagement and interaction, making learning more effective and enjoyable.
- Customized Learning Solutions: AR and VR offer opportunities for personalized education, catering to the individual learning styles and needs of students.
Closing Remarks
In his closing remarks, Professor Hawkinson emphasized the importance of educators keeping pace with technological advancements to ensure they harness these tools to enhance learning outcomes effectively. He encouraged all participants to experiment with these technologies, regardless of their technical expertise, to discover their benefits and applicabilities in education.
Conclusion
The “Immersive Innovations Workshop” was a significant event that not only highlighted the importance of immersive technologies in education but also demonstrated Kaplan Singapore’s commitment to pioneering educational innovation. Attendees left the workshop equipped with knowledge, inspiration, and practical insights on integrating AR, VR, and MR into their teaching methodologies, poised to transform the educational experiences of their students.
Post-Event Opportunities
Kaplan Singapore announced a series of follow-up sessions and hands-on workshops for attendees who wish to delve deeper into specific aspects of immersive technology applications. These sessions aim to provide hands-on experience
Special Thanks to Organizers
Pauline Seah, Shannon Tan, and Dr. Jurgen Rudolph
About the Author
Eric Hawkinson
Learning Futurist
erichawkinson.com
Eric Hawkinson is a Learning Futurist at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies, where he focuses on the integration of technology into education. Specializing in the creation of immersive learning environments, Eric employs augmented and virtual reality to enhance learning outcomes. He is an advocate for digital literacy and privacy, promoting open access to information and ethical technology practices. Outside his academic role, Eric is engaged in public outreach and professional development. He has established immersive learning labs, designed online courses, and advised on technology strategies across various sectors. His professional designations include Adobe Education Leader, Google for Education Certified Innovator, and Microsoft Innovative Expert. Eric’s notable projects, such as AR experiences for TEDxKyoto and WebVR for Model United Nations, reflect his commitment to using advanced technologies for global education and collaboration. Eric is dedicated to exploring the challenges and opportunities presented by emerging technologies, contributing significantly to the evolution of educational practices.
Roles
Professor – Kyoto University of Foreign Studies
Research Coordinator – MAVR Research Group
Founder – Together Learning
Developer – Reality Labo
Community Leader – Team Teachers
Co-Chair – World Immersive Learning Labs