In the rapidly evolving world of digital technology, the Think XR project stands out as a beacon of progress and innovation in Slovenia. Think XR is at the forefront of revolutionising education and skill development in the field of augmented and virtual reality (XR). The project is not just about technology; it's about people, the potential for change, and the shaping of our digital future.
Dr. Jože Guna from the University of Ljubljana's Faculty of Electrical Engineering. Dr. Jože Guna from the University of Ljubljana's Faculty of Electrical Engineering.
The project's essence lies in its commitment to addressing a significant gap in digital competencies, particularly in the realms of augmented reality and user experience.
Augmented reality, identified as one of the main technological trends of the recent years, is rapidly gaining ground across various sectors, including education, healthcare, and the creative industry. This technology, especially vital in the context of remote working and digital learning, is a game changer.
The Think XR project is ambitiously tackling this challenge by implementing three core strategies:
- enhancing digital competencies in content development and teaching through XR;
- developing innovative pedagogical approaches;
- and establishing a creative, collaborative environment between education and industry.
These strategies are brought to life through the XR Academy and the XR partnership, aiming to create a dynamic and open learning ecosystem.
Central to the project's success is its multidisciplinary team, which includes leading experts from the School Center Slovenske Konjice-Zreče, Technology Park Ljubljana, University of Ljubljana, and partners from the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU).
Together, they have established XR demonstration centres and a comprehensive 100-hour XR Academy program. These initiatives are pivotal in preparing teachers and students for the digital era.
Making it real with partnerships
A recent highlight of the project was the establishment of the national XR and Web4.0 partnership, which brought together experts to discuss and shape a cohesive national XR strategy. The event, held at the Noordung Center in Vitanje, featured the innovative 3D avatar of Herman Potočnik Noordung, an AI-supported entity that interacted with attendees, exemplifying the project's commitment to immersive learning experiences.
"The potential of XR technologies in enhancing educational experiences and outcomes is immense. It's not just about learning a new tool; it's about envisioning and creating new ways of understanding and interacting with the world," said Neža Pavlič Brečko, Director of the Noordung Center.
The Think XR project is part of a broader initiative, the Education, Scholarships, Apprenticeship, and Youth Entrepreneurship programme in Slovenia. This ambitious programme is designed to enhance human capital and knowledge, focusing on developing 21st-century skills and supporting the creative economy.
It emphasizes aligning education and training with real-world needs and advocates for inclusive support systems for marginalised groups. Additionally, it promotes work-life balance and aims to improve governance through cross-sectoral cooperation. Funded through the EEA and Norway Grants, the program involves key partners like the Norwegian Directorate for Higher Education and Skills and Liechtenstein's National Agency for International Education Affairs.
The Think XR project is a testament to the power of collaboration and innovation in shaping the future of education and digital competencies. It's a journey towards a future where digital realities and human potential merge to create extraordinary possibilities.
To learn more about the transformative power of XR and how you can be a part of this exciting journey, visit the project’s website.
Find out more about our programmes in Slovenia here.
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