Exploring the horizon: games, VR, AR and 3D printing in education

Join us for an exciting showcase of educational possibilities. We'll delve into transformative technologies that promise to shape the future of teaching and learning. The event will feature concise presentations followed by hands-on experiences, offering you the chance to engage with innovators in these fields.

Ready player one – serious games in the classroom for student-centered learning
Learn about the concepts of serious games (SGs) and how they leverage video game design principles to enhance learning. Discover real-world examples of SGs used at UQ, such as UQ Cases, Sustainable Sip, and The Carbon Game. Get hands-on experience with some of these games and engage in discussions about future ideas.

Augmented and mixed reality for enhancing clinical and procedural skills learning
Witness a demonstration of pilot resources co-developed with students to enhance the development of history, examination and procedural skills in pre-clinical settings. Augmented, virtual, and mixed reality headsets, including HoloLens, will be showcased. These technologies allow instructors and students to interact with 3D human holograms, explore human anatomy layers, practice physical examinations, and simulate scenarios involving deteriorating patients. Instructors can even broadcast these experiences to remote audiences, making it relevant across various faculties.

Introduction to clinically applied 3D Printing
Start with an introductory presentation on biofabrication and point-of-care manufacturing. Then, explore anatomical and training models during a model expo. Dive into discussions about how clinical 3D prints are created, printed, and used. Learn about Herston Biofabrication Institute 's (HBI) partnership with UQ and how it can further innovation in healthcare settings, providing realistic medical training without the need for cadavers. Discover the potential of 3D printing technology to create implants, biological materials, and other healthcare solutions.

Virtual Reality and education
Examine the advantages and disadvantages of using Virtual Reality (VR) in education based on current literature. Engage in discussion about VR's potential to engage students with the curriculum and enhance learning and teaching. Discover the growing interest in VR, fuelled in part by major US technology companies' investments in the field.

Level up: board games as tools for advanced learning
Games have the power to shape societal perceptions, values, and cultural narratives. In this workshop, participants will learn how to use games to promote social impact, cultural understanding, and positive change. Dive into game design fundamentals, ideation and concept development with a strong emphasis on cultural and diversity inclusion within various disciplines. The goal is to design games that challenge stereotypes, foster empathy and address social issues. The game design workshop will be led by Hannah Morgan Ford, a member of the UQ Serious Games Society, an award-winning tabletop game producer and researcher.

Session participants will: 

• explore innovative approaches to teaching and learning
• connect with academics exploring and using games, VR, AR and 3D Printing in education
• gain hands-on experiences of applications of games, VR, AR and 3D Printing.

Session presenters:

• Dr Nell Baghaei, School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science
• Dr Ashlee Forster, Academy for Medical Education
• Dr Honor Hugo, Academy for Medical Education
• Belinda Swyny, Academy for Medical Education
• Dr Russell Richards, School of Business
• Shakira Moss, Sustainable Minerals Institute
• Herston Biofabrication Institute (HBI) - TBC
• Hannah Ford Morgan, Guildmaster Games
• Dr Kinnari Shelat, UQ-HBI Partnership, EAIT