In a futuristic twist, Loughborough University in Leicestershire, England, is set to introduce holographic professors into its classrooms. These hologram lecturers will be beamed in from the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States.
Specializing in sports science, these MIT lecturers will teach fashion students how to create “immersive shows.” Management students will also benefit from these holographic lessons.
The university’s pro-vice-chancellor, Professor Rachel Thomson, highlighted that this innovative approach aligns with sustainability goals. It eliminates the need to fly guest lecturers from around the world, reducing carbon emissions. According to Professor Vikki Locke, the director of undergraduate studies, students find holographic images “a lot more engaging and real.”
This groundbreaking technology is set to become an integral part of the university’s curriculum in 2025, following a trial period. Proto, a Los Angeles-based company specializing in holographic communications, will assist in projecting these holographic figures into classrooms.
David Nussbaum, Proto’s founder, expressed his amazement at the technology, emphasizing that artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of our lives.
While holograms are making their way into academia, they have long been used for entertainment purposes. Notable posthumous performances by holographic figures include Tupac Shakur at Coachella in 2012, along with artists like ABBA, Whitney Houston, and Amy Winehouse. Holographic meetings are also on the horizon, showing the potential of this technology in various fields.
