The XR toybox was launched on 3 May 2023 in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of Pretoria during their new 21st century library launch. The XR Toybox is situated inside the newly renovated library and forms part of the new library learning spaces. It is a dedicated space within the library with various XR devices in it.
The purpose of the XR Toybox is for staff and students to play with cutting edge XR technology. The goal is to learn what the technology is capable of and to become comfortable with it. First, what is XR technology? XR is short for extended reality and has become the umbrella term for virtual reality, augmented reality and mixed reality. Some may use mixed reality as the collective term. For the purpose of this explanation, mixed reality is placed in the same category as augmented and virtual reality.
The XR Toybox contains a variety of augmented, virtual and mixed reality devices to ensure that the visitors have as much exposure to this technology as possible. The toybox also has helpers that will help our visitors to overcome the initial exposure to the technology. XR can be daunting to use on your own for the first time, so having a passionate and enthusiastic helper in the space can help ease the experience. As users become comfortable with the various devices, they will be able to start exploring on their own.
Why have a toybox in the library? The Faculty of Health Sciences are, as part of their faculty vision, looking at advancing the way students learn. This strategy includes the use of XR technology on all levels of teaching within the faculty. The toybox serves not as a formal learning space, but a space where students and staff can learn about the technology in a comfortable and fun environment. This will result in, when the students are required to complete formal learning using XR technology, them not spending their first time in XR learning the technology, but rather let the technology teach them what they need to learn.
The XR Toybox contains the following technology (and planning to expand):
- Valve Index VR headset
- Microsoft Hololens 2 Augmented and Mixed reality device
- Meta Quest 2 VR headsets
- Multitouch table for collaborative interaction