As part of the TeachXR project, which focuses on exploring and implementing advanced virtual, augmented, and extended reality (XR) technologies in primary and secondary schools, the first meeting of the multidisciplinary team was held on January 15th at the Faculty of Education, University of Maribor (UM PEF). The event also featured a hybrid session with a guest lecturer from the United States.
The project, which involves 10 partners from across Slovenia, organized training and interactive workshops for members of the multidisciplinary team, consisting of teachers from primary, secondary, and vocational schools. Their expertise and experience will contribute to the selection of final content for future training sessions to be conducted during the project. The meeting participants were welcomed by UM PEF representatives Maruša Laure and Anja Pahor, as well as the Vice Dean for Research, International Cooperation, and Development, Associate Professor Dr. Marta Licardo.
Following the introductions, attendees at the meeting, along with numerous external participants on Zoom, watched an engaging lecture titled “Applying Neuroscience Insights to Support Learning, Teaching, and the Development of Educational XR Technologies”, delivered by Professor Aaron Seitz (Northeastern University, Boston, USA). The hybrid event was supported by members of the Multimedia Laboratory (LMMFE), who ensured technical support, seamless communication between in-person and Zoom participants, and recording of the lecture. The multidisciplinary team meeting was attended by Klemen Pečnik, content lead and coordinator of the TeachXR project, along with Žana Juvan, Anže Zadravec, and Anja Zupan.
The meeting continued with a brief presentation by Miha Cojhter, who showcased several projects and practical applications of XR technologies. Through examples of exhibitions, workshops, and educational content, he prepared participants for their upcoming work within the multidisciplinary team. Four different workshops related to the use of XR technologies were organized for the team members, where they exchanged opinions, suggestions, and ideas on how XR could be applied in school education.
Based on the information gathered, the TeachXR project team will be able to design appropriate content for educational modules, which will be prepared and implemented in the coming months.