This document discusses using emerging technologies like mixed reality, augmented reality, 3D printing, and robotics to enhance learning in educational settings. It provides examples of how these technologies could be applied in paramedic science, network modeling, and robotics courses. Specifically, it outlines simulations for paramedic skills training using augmented reality and 3D printing, a mixed reality simulation for visualizing network packet flows, and a project to develop an autonomous robotic teaching assistant. The overall message is that educational technologies should be adopted to address specific problems in the classroom and enhance learning, not just for their own sake.

1. The Future for Technologies in
Schools
(AKA how to weave technology into your classrooms)
Dr Michael A. Cowling
Senior Lecturer in Educational Technology
CQUniversity Australia

3. A Little Bit About Me ….

6. Pedagogy
Before
Technology

7. Start with the Problem in the Classroom
THEN
Think about ways to Solve that Problem
THEN
Work out How Technology Can Help

10. (* Image for Illustration Purposes Only)

12. Mixed Reality
(for Skills Development)
Mixed Reality Continuum - Milgram & Kishino (1994)

13. Skills Development
in Paramedic
Science
Specifically for Distance Education
students
(and eventually professionals at a
distance)

14. Paramedic Science
Sample Student Evaluation Comments
• “I believe that because this course is a 'skills' learning course, that there should be a way for us to
actually get more time doing skills. I feel that as distance students we are at a severe
disadvantage because we spend 5 days doing them in the middle of term and then don't do them
again until we hit our placement.”
• “There is no substitution for experience. Could the school look into either some kind of software or
equipment that we could be supplied with so that we can at least go through the motions of doing
the skills?”
• “I believe that my confidence in performing the procedures and skills could have been improved
with a little more 'hands-on' time.”
• “I feel as an external that I am missing out - they do scenarios every week, I did one or two during
res school”.
• “Studying by distance you can read the skills and kinda do scenarios but it’s hard to get feedback
and to know if what you’re doing is still right.”

15. Paramedic Science
• Simulate foreign object removal with Laryngoscopy
• 1:1 scale replica of tools needed; addition of AR
markers to allowing simulation in a virtual game
environment
• Components:
• Unity 3D
• Vuforia AR Plug-in
• 3D Print of Forceps
• 3D Print of Scope

18. Theoretical
Concepts in Network
Modelling
For both ICT students
and Design students

19. Network Modelling
• Difficult to teach complex multi step
processes - especially without a real world
model (Tasker & Dalton, 2008)
• ICT computer networking traditional method
uses abstract visualizations that don’t
capture complexity leaving hidden concepts
(Williamson et al., 2012)
• E.g. the multi-step traversal of packets along
the layers of the fundamental TCP/IP packet
networking model

20. Network Modelling
• Use 3D printing & AR simulation assist with learning complex multi step
problems
• Evaluate effectiveness of mixed reality visualization technique in ICT networking
& the learners understanding of TCP/IP packet flow
• Components:
• Unity 3D
• Vuforia AR Plug-in
• 3D Printed “Network Components”

22. Robotics
Building a Robotic Teaching Assistant
Robotics Architecture in the Cloud
Artificial Intelligence Support for Local
Semi-Autonomous Robot Companions

23. Robotics
• This project will investigate the use of robotics in the classroom as a
way to encourage interactivity amongst students.
• Robotics as an additional feedback mechanism
• Pedagogy before technology - teachers need to see the value in
robotics to teach other concepts, otherwise it will not be used.

24. Robotics
• Industry Partnership - ACME Robotics
• Commercial Robot called NAO
• Robot as a Robotic Teaching Assistant
• Collects Feedback from Students
• Poses Questions to the Instructor
• Acts as an Autonomous Guide for FAQs

26. Pedagogy
Before
Technology

27. More Information at:
www.mixedrealityresearch.com
www.michaelacowling.com
Questions?