Advancements in technology brought teachers the interactive whiteboard, 3D printers, and interactive desks and walls. One of the next developments will be holographic telepresence. Holographic telepresence systems are defined as systems that can project realistic, full-motion, real-time 3D images of distant people and objects into a room, along with real-time audio communication, with a level of realism rivaling physical presence. These systems project the presence of a person far away into your immediate space in an amazingly realistic way. There are many ways that this advanced technology can add to instruction and learning.

Experts “beamed” into the classroom

With this technology, it will be possible to have an expert virtually visit a class anywhere in the world to explain something in their field of expertise. For instance, a surgeon could demonstrate a rare surgical procedure to medical students in person, without having to be there. Some educators are gifted teachers. They could be present and teach in different locales, explaining complicated concepts in subjects like biology, chemistry, and physics to a broader audience.

This is already happening. Students of London’s Imperial College Business School recently experienced lectures from 3D representations of guest speakers in New York and Los Angeles.

Geographically remote classrooms can meet up

The internet is already allowing rooms full of people to talk to each other from different parts of the world. This technology will make it more real. A Taiwanese class studying English can visit a French class studying Mandarin Chinese, giving each other authentic language practice experience. The possibilities are endless.

One lecturer, different classrooms

With this technology, teachers can deliver their lectures to students in multiple classes at the same time. Famous experts could share their knowledge through their 3D presentation with a vast audience.

Attend class from home

With further advancement of holographic technology, it might become possible for individuals to afford a “personal” holographic projector so a remote lecturer could be projected at their home in 3D. This would enable the student to attend the lecture from home. Wouldn’t that be cool?

Holographic visits to remote locations

Instead of learning about the Romans and the grandeur of the Colosseum in a book, a class could visit the site through the use of holographic technology, through their 3D presentations. In the future, when the technology is more developed, it would be possible for entire classes to go on virtual trips to the places, people, and the phenomenon they are studying.

Completely new instructional content

The content that could be developed for holographic classes is genuinely limitless. Anything is possible. Holographic representations will bring any subject to life. These 3D holograms will make it possible for students to explore in-depth the structure, function, evolution, and taxonomy of living organisms or how the world was formed.

Recreate history?

Holographic technology could theoretically be used to recreate an event in the past. So, it might be possible for students to not just learn about historical events, but to attend them!

As far as the educational need to engage students goes, educators can look forward to holographic telepresence technology to truly engage their students in the not too distant future. Holographic technology is just one of many technologies that will transform education in the coming years.