Project description
A closer look at extended reality solutions in learning
The pandemic forced many changes in education at every level. Lockdowns designed to curb the spread of coronavirus accelerated the adoption of digital technology. This was a boost for Europe’s EdTech sector, which continues to grow. The EU-funded XR4ED project will explore the use of the extended reality (XR) industry, which has evolved and maintained a leading role globally in software and content production. Specifically, it will investigate learning resources and advantages of learning using XR. The project will also set up a one-stop-shop and open marketplace for XR applications for learning, training and education. The findings will enable digital start-ups, SMEs, and industry active in the EdTech sector to further advance early prototypes, of digital learning solutions/apps using XR.
Objective
The European EdTech sector is playing an increasingly important role in driving forward digital transformation in Europe covering all education, training sectors. According to estimates, the sector saw a 15% increase on investments in 2021 and global investments are expected to reach over $87 billion in the upcoming decade. Notwithstanding, the sector is heavily fragmented across the European Union with many small players and few companies playing a global role. The European XR industry has evolved and maintained a leading role globally in software and content production. The use of XR can expand the range of activities through which students can gain hands-on experience, enabling them to go beyond abstract knowledge and supporting skills-based teaching and learning. Currently, developing XR applications for education require specialised knowledge and strong XR development skills. The process takes a lot of effort, time, and money. XR4ED concept is to:
a) bring together EdTech and XR community and resources, overcoming fragmentation issues and encouraging the acceleration of innovation for personalised, innovative, efficient, and inclusive learning using XR;
b) build a one-stop-shop and open marketplace for XR applications for learning, training and education that will act as a European reference platform on learning and teaching with XR.
XR4ED will focus on the following sectors which must be further developed to make Europe a leader in cutting-edge technologies for education:
• Boost the deployment of innovative XR applications for learning, training, and education.
• Enable digital start-ups, SMEs, and industry active in the EdTech sector to further advance early prototypes, of digital learning solutions/apps using XR to a market-ready product.
• Provide a single point of access to XR content, tools and solutions based on open standards.
• Provide links to existing relevant initiatives and projects, including existing platforms, catalogues, or repositories.
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Programme(s)
Funding Scheme
HORIZON-IA - HORIZON Innovation ActionsCoordinator
1016 NICOSIA
Cyprus