Abstract

Mixed reality (MR) is a new technology that integrates the real and virtual environments where physical and digital objects co-exist and interact in real time. This technology combines the advantages of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) in a way that students can experience the immersive learning environment which comprises both real and virtual objects. In recent years, MR has been widely adopted for simulation-based technical training in different sectors such as aviation, health care and law enforcement, etc. However, the application of MR technology in life sciences education is scarce. Its implementation and effectiveness in enhancing students’ learning of technical skills are also not well known. Cell culture is a process by which cells are grown and investigated under controlled conditions. It is a very specialized training which often deals with biohazardous samples such as cancer cells and pathogenic agents. Cell culture has to be conducted in a specially designed facility called biosafety laboratory. Biological safety levels are ranked from one to four depending on the agents or organisms that may be involved. Since high level biosafety laboratory is not readily available in our School, many students do not have the opportunity to acquire the essential skills in handling infectious samples and relevant biosafety measures. However, these skills are very essential for our students to develop a career in the medical laboratory or pharmaceutical industries.

In light of the distinctive features of MR technology and the learning needs of our students, this project is conceived (i) to develop a set of risk-free MR training modules to help students learn about the principles of cell culture and acquire the experimental skills in working with biohazardous specimen; and (ii) to study the pedagogical effectiveness of MR-simulation for technical skills acquisition.