Microsoft’s new Windows-based ‘Mixed Reality’ VR headsets and its futuristic HoloLens device are coming to more classrooms to pave the way for immersive education.
The company this week announced a partnership with education company Pearson to roll out a new school curriculum that uses both of these types of devices. Six new applications have been built for this curriculum that will highlight the benefits of immersive learning. VR and AR turn education into an active process, allowing us to inspect objects and items in great detail, visit different periods in history and more. Expect this partnership to mean that more schools take the topic of immersive education much more seriously.
Microsoft’s VR headsets, made in partnership with companies like Dell and Lenovo, are currently the cheapest option for getting into PC-based VR (especially considering the latest offers on Amazon). HoloLens in particular has a lot of potential for the classroom, allowing users to summon 3D objects to interact with and learn about. To this end, Microsoft also launched the HoloLens Academic Promotion this week. From now until the end of May 2018, qualified academic institutions can apply for discounted Commerical and Developer HoloLens units at 10% off. That might now sound like a lot at first but, considering the Commercial Suite for HoloLens is a pricey $5,000, it’s saving a good $500.
If you’re interested in the deal you can apply through here.
