Since LIBytes, an immersive tech space within the Library, was launched in March 2024, the area has seen a host of library tours and demos for visitors. To give a more in-depth experience to interested staff and students, a 1.5-hour workshop on virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and robotics was organised on 27 August 2024.
This hands-on session, attended by a mix of faculty, staff and students, was all about creativity and exploration. For a start, participants dived into the world of AI and robotics, and played with the AlphaMini robot. Working in groups, participants tried their hands at programming AlphaMini to make various movements or to talk. Using the basic uCode block programming in the AlphaMini app, participants saw the robot in action—watching it groove was a blast!
Participants watching AlphaMini do yoga and dance
Ready-to-use AI Curriculum Package
Participants were also introduced to the AI Super Assistant Curriculum and Kit which can be used together with the AlphaMini robot.
The AI Super Assistant Kit (left) contains materials which can be used to make many models including the voice-controlled fan (right)
The AI Super Assistant Curriculum teaches students to design, build and program scenarios with AI technologies
The curriculum is a treasure trove for teaching artificial intelligence, with 15 themes that blend science, tech, engineering, art, and math. It comes packed with easy-to-follow DIY building instructions and a wealth of teaching resources, including detailed lesson plans and textbook extracts.
Imagine bringing models—based on real scenarios such as intelligent lamps and noise detectors—to life with simple uCode block programming. Cool, right? Indeed, participants in the workshop had hands-on experience building a fan using plastic parts and an Arduino board (a microcontroller) from the kit. Guided by the curriculum, they programmed the fan to turn on or change speeds by issuing verbal commands to the AlphaMini robot.
Participants programming the voice-controlled fan using uCode, a block-based programming platform
Educational VR Apps
But wait, there was more! Participants had the opportunity to learn about various VR headsets such as the Quest 3 and HTC Vive Focus 3 and explore a range of educational apps that are revolutionising the way we learn. Some even got to experience first-hand the mixed reality VR app Cubism, which challenged their spatial awareness and hand-eye coordination, and a thrilling 360° YouTube video that took them on a virtual skydiving adventure!
Participants wearing the Quest 3 VR headset and using controllers to move objects
Interactive Learning with AR
AR wasn’t left out either—everyone had fun with the Merge Cube and the Merge EDU apps—namely Merge Explorer, Merge Object Viewer and Merge HoloGlobe, discovering how these AR tools can make learning more interactive and engaging. Who wouldn’t like to hold a frog (without the cringe) or the entire solar system in the palm of your hand?
Participants using an iPAD and Merge Cube to view 3D models such as that of the earth core
Learn more about how you can download the Merge apps here! Free content is available without a subscription, although you can also sign up for a free 14-day trial subscription to Merge EDU. You can either borrow one of the Merge Cubes from the NIE Library or print a Merge Paper Cube for free.
Conclusion
At the end of the workshop, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with an overall rating of 4.75/5.
So, how can all these tech goodies be integrated into the classroom? Here’s what some participants had to say:
“VR/AR for learning journeys, the cubes as digital manipulatives, and AI robots for practising coding or even just conversations.”
“[AI robots are helpful] for working with students with ASD.”
It would be exciting to witness how the educational community will incorporate these technologies into classrooms!
For those who missed out—don’t worry! LIBytes, located on Level 3 of the NIE Library, is the perfect place to explore VR, AR, and AI tools. LIBytes has everything from VR headsets to Merge Cubes and, of course, the AlphaMini robot. Get started with two specially created online guides: one for VR/AR and another for AlphaMini.
Feeling inspired? You can borrow these tools for in-library use, or book a private consultation. Let’s continue discovering new ways to make learning fun, engaging, and innovative!
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