Dear SPLORERS, welcome to the latest episode of Efecto Cascada! This week, we’re diving into the fascinating world of immersive education and how Extended Reality (XR) is transforming learning and training in critical sectors. Our guest is Ioannis Chatzigiannakis, an expert with over 25 years of experience in developing innovative systems. Ioannis is currently a professor and researcher at Sapienza University in Rome, and he’s here to share his insights on XR2Learn, a groundbreaking European project that uses XR technology to enhance learning experiences.
In this episode, we’ll explore how XR2Learn is reshaping education in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and engineering. With the SECOND OPEN CALL now open until December 27! This initiative is offering nearly €300K in funding to projects that aim to revolutionize training through XR technology. So, stay tuned as we dive into the exciting world of immersive learning and discover how you can get involved.
The Vision of XR2Learn: Transforming Education with XR
Ioannis kicks off our conversation by introducing us to the vision behind XR2Learn. This project aims to address the challenges of scalable education and training in industries where a shortage of qualified institutions or resources exists. By leveraging XR technologies like Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), XR2Learn is creating immersive and interactive learning environments that are personalized and scalable, giving learners hands-on experience in safe, controlled virtual spaces.
Ioannis explains how industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and engineering stand to benefit from XR-based training. These sectors, which often require highly specialized skills, can use XR to simulate complex scenarios that would be difficult, expensive, or dangerous to replicate in the real world. XR provides an opportunity for learners to practice skills in a risk-free environment while still gaining practical experience.
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EP 12 – The revolution of education through XR
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One of the most exciting aspects of the XR2Learn project is its potential to revolutionize how we approach education and training in critical industries. Ioannis discusses how XR technology can improve safety in training environments, especially in sectors like aerospace, where realistic simulation is essential. He shares success stories from the first open call, such as the CARATE project, which uses VR to train astronauts in a safe and immersive environment.
For Ioannis, the key to effective XR-based training is realism. By creating environments that closely replicate real-world conditions, learners can gain hands-on experience without the risks associated with traditional training methods. He believes that XR is not just a tool for learning, it’s a catalyst for creating safer, more effective training programs that can be scaled to meet the growing demand for skilled workers.
Looking ahead, Ioannis shares his thoughts on the future of XR in education. He believes that XR technologies will continue to play a central role in training and reskilling workers, particularly as industries face rapid technological changes and a shortage of training resources. By using XR, industries can develop personalized training programs that address the specific needs of their workforce, helping workers to acquire the skills they need to succeed in a fast-evolving job market.
This podcast has been made possible thanks to the support of the Ministry of Culture and the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan of the Spanish Government. Their support has been fundamental to carry out this podcast.
EP 12 – The Future Of Learning is XR: Ioannis Chatzigiannakis on “XR2LEARN”
